Having difficulty adjusting or coping with a traumatic event is not unusual. In fact, most people who do experience traumatic events are able to overcome this with passing time and self-care. However, if you have been experiencing symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety that continue to get worse over time, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.

Our clinicians at Houston Psychotherapists are here to provide counseling for your PTSD with the goal of helping you improve your day-to-day function.

PTSD Symptoms

Symptoms of PTSD may start anytime after a traumatic event: for some, it may start within a month of the event; for others, it may not develop for years afterwards. Regardless, these symptoms can cause significant stress and disruption in your daily life, including how you manage social situations, work, relationships, and daily tasks.

Typically, PTSD symptoms are grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative thoughts and moods, and physical and emotional reactions. Symptoms differ from person to person.

  • Intrusive memories include the recurrence of undesired and distressed memories of the event, flashbacks, nightmares, and severe physical and emotional reactions to anything that may remind you of that traumatic event.
  • Symptoms of avoidance typically include an active desire to avoid thinking about or discussing the event, as well as anything or anyone that reminds of you that event.
  • Negative thoughts and moods include hopelessness, lack of self-esteem, negative self-concept, and symptoms typically associated with depression.
  • Changes in physical and emotional reactions include being easily startled, frightened, on guard and/or defensive, participating in self-destructive behavior, and having issues with sleeping, concentration and feelings of guilt.

PTSD can affect people of any age, including children. Symptoms of PTSD in younger children include re-enactment of the event and nightmares that may or may not call back to the event.

Intensity of these symptoms can vary over time, but you symptoms often worsen when you are under stress or if you are reminded of the event.

We Can Help

The clinicians of Houston Psychotherapists are committed to helping you address and treat your post-traumatic stress disorder in a nonjudgmental, compassionate, and personalized way. We are committed to helping you get your life back on track. Please note that our clinicians are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medication.

Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our clinicians.