National PTSD Awareness Day is observed on June 27th each year as a way to raise public awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder and provide support for people with this condition. PTSD often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed since there is still much misinformation about what trauma is and how it can impact people in the long term.
Learn what constitutes a traumatic event and the signs of post-traumatic stress disorder so you or a loved one will know if you need professional help to heal from trauma. If you need a PTSD treatment program in Florida, look no further than 5 Palms. We offer a range of residential and outpatient programs to meet all of your recovery needs. Give us a call at 1.844.675.1022 to learn more.
What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can develop in a person after they experience a traumatic event. Some examples of traumatic events are:
- Serious car accidents
- Assault
- Domestic violence
- Child abuse
- Military combat
- Bullying
You can develop PTSD after any of the above events or other events that cause severe stress. It is also possible to develop PTSD after witnessing a traumatic event happening to someone else.
How Do You Know If You Have PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder can go undetected for quite some time, as many people are unfamiliar with the symptoms. While PTSD symptoms overlap many of those of depression and anxiety, there are a few differences, and the type of treatment needed is more specialized, so it is important to get a proper diagnosis.
Here are some signs that you may have PTSD:
- Anxiety
- Feeling on edge
- Being hypervigilant
- Having flashbacks or nightmares about the traumatic event
- Being easily startled
- Avoiding situations that remind you of the traumatic event
- Being overwhelmed by negative thoughts and feelings
Other than a lack of awareness of the symptoms, some people may not realize they have PTSD because the condition does not always show up right after a traumatic event. It usually takes up to three months for symptoms to surface, although in some cases, symptoms may not begin to appear until years after the event. This makes it more difficult for people to make the connection between their symptoms and the event.
Healing from Trauma
One of the best things to come out of National PTSD Awareness Day is having more people get the help they need to heal from trauma. It is a complex and individualized process with no one-size-fits-all approach. However, these techniques and strategies can help you on your journey to healing from trauma:
Enroll in PTSD Treatment
You will have much greater success overcoming PTSD with the help of professionals. Therapy is a critical component of recovery from this condition. Trauma therapy like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) can help you process the trauma and move forward.
Build a Support System
Surrounding yourself with people you trust can help you stay on track for PTSD recovery. Your support system can include friends or family members, peers in recovery, and your care team.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is one of the most empowering things you can do for your mental, physical, and emotional health. Try relaxation techniques such as yoga, tai chi, breathing exercises, and meditation to calm your mind and body.
Show Yourself Compassion
The process of healing from trauma will not always occur in a straight line from point A to point B. You may encounter some detours and setbacks along your healing journey, but there is no need to get frustrated or upset with yourself.
Practicing self-compassion is important as you work toward processing trauma. Be kind to yourself when you notice symptoms cropping up. Reach into your self-care toolbox and practice relaxation techniques, call a friend who lifts your spirits, or give yourself permission to take a mental health day off work.
Reach Out to 5 Palms to Get Help for PTSD
At 5 Palms, we understand the complexities of PTSD and how it can impact a person’s life. We offer a range of evidence-based treatment options to support individuals in their journey to recovery. Our team of compassionate and experienced professionals is here to provide you with the support and care you need. Healing from trauma is possible, and we are here to help. Contact us online or call 5 Palms at 1.844.675.1022 to schedule an intake assessment to determine if our PTSD treatment program is right for you.
