Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health issue triggered by a traumatic event. The condition is most often associated with military members who’ve engaged in combat, but there are many other types of experiences that can cause PTSD.

Traumatic events can occur at any time or place and can range in severity. Most people who live through a traumatic event will eventually find ways to adjust and cope. In some cases, however, moving on is far more challenging.

Many experiences can lead to PTSD. Examples include:

• Military combat
• Auto accidents
• Sexual assault
• Child abuse
• Robbery
• Hostage situations
• Domestic violence
• Other types of violent crime

PTSD can also arise from traumatic events experienced in the workplace, such as scenes encountered by police and other first responders. When people are exposed to trauma on a routine basis they can suffer from PTSD even if they are not the direct subject of the trauma.

Post-traumatic stress disorder can create many different symptoms, and your experience can be very different from that of someone else, even if that person witnessed the same traumatic event.

Symptoms of PTSD include:

• Recurring memories of the event
• Reliving the event (flashbacks)
• A strong desire to avoid thinking or talking about the event
• Avoiding places or people who remind you of the event
• Feeling as though you’re numb to emotions
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability or angry outbursts
• Constantly feeling on guard for danger
• Disturbing dreams

This is far from a comprehensive list of symptoms. Your experience of PTSD is unique, and your treatment should also be unique.

Prompt treatment can prevent symptoms from worsening, so you should take action as soon as you recognize the symptoms of PTSD. If you have severe symptoms or if they persist for more than a month, call or schedule a visit with Spinal Diagnostics online.

You should also take action if your symptoms cause you to feel like you can’t get or keep your life under control. Many men and women try to fight through PTSD on their own, but that approach is often unsuccessful.

In many cases, close friends or loved ones will recognize PTSD symptoms before you acknowledge there’s a problem. Listen to the people you trust, and don’t hesitate to ask for help or explore treatment as soon as possible.

To learn more about how the team at Spinal Diagnostics can help you achieve balance with PTSD, call or use the online tool to book a visit today.