The definition of PTSD and how some of these experiences might have contributed to your PTSD or CPTSD:
- Do you get into a panic just thinking about getting out of the house?
- Are you afraid of being in crowded spaces?
- Are you plagued by hyper-real flashbacks and can't get a proper night's sleep?
- Do you have trouble in sustaining relationships?
- Do you unwillingly dwell on feeling lethargic, depressed, and/or insecure?
- Are you prone to getting into conflict and dangerous situations?
- Is addiction to alcohol, drugs, or medication a problem for you?
- Do you need to be continually occupied?
- Do you have intrusive thoughts and flashbacks?
- Do you feel depressed and suicidal at times?
- Do anger, sadness, and/or anxiety overwhelm you?
- Are you often hyper-vigilant and distrustful of others?
- Do you suffer fatigue, chronic pains, migraines, tinnitus, or irritable bowel syndrome?
- Have you ever been a combat soldier?
- Have you ever lived in a combat zone?
- Have you ever been physically abused?
- Have you ever been sexually molested?
- Have you ever been raped?
- Has there ever been a murder in your family?
- Has there ever been a direct family member with serious illness or depression?
- Has there ever been an early death or suicide in the family?
- Has there ever been an alcoholic or drug user as a direct family member?
- Were you an unwanted or neglected child?
- Do you suffer from emotional problems after surgery or a car accident?
Did Any of These PTSD Definition Experiences Speak to You?
If so, you might be suffering from PTSD or CPTSD.
To suffer the stress and effects of trauma is debilitating. It cuts you off from how you want to live your life and your loved ones; it is all-consuming.
It gives me heartache to realize that most who suffer PTSD or Trauma suffer in silence. Nonetheless, I want to reach out my hand and say, "You are not alone!" Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can be resolved and you can get your life back. It is hard work, and it won't always be easy, but others have done it before. So can you!
Not everyone who goes through an adverse event or period in life is traumatized. It is highly dependent on the intensity and duration of the event, the support or lack of support you received, and the emotional state you were in prior to the event or period.
Resolving Your PTSD or CPTSD
I am sure you have been researching earnestly so far. You might even have tried counseling or group work but haven't found it satisfactory. What you have done so far are steps to recovery, fine-tuning yourself in the process of Resolving your PTSD.
To educate and understand your condition provides you the road-map. Trial and error makes you aware of what your real needs are.
PTSD definition and working towards Healing PTSD and CPTSD necessitates integration of your brain, nervous system, and body, as well as your emotional intelligence, cognitive abilities, and perspective.
It is hard work but it certainly can be done!
Which of the above listed experiences of the definition of PTSD do you relate to? Write your comment below.