When medical science first started to document cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the focus was on military veterans and war trauma flashbacks. Since then, we’ve learned a lot more about the different potential causes of PTSD, as well as all the various ways that this condition can harm your physical and mental health and wellness.
In this blog, veteran and medical provider Dr. Bryant S. Edwards walks you through some of the more subtle signs of PTSD. These symptoms can impact you deeply, but you might not realize that underlying PTSD is the cause.
Once you know that you’re dealing with PTSD, you can find effective treatment options to improve your quality of life. Dr. Edwards offers ketamine therapy for PTSD from his practice at Iconic Infusions, PLLC in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
The first PTSD researchers identified associated symptoms like flashbacks and nightmares. These symptoms are often fairly dramatic and easy to observe. If you have a flashback that takes you back to the scene of a trauma in your past life, or nightmares that refer to past traumas, reaching out for PTSD support is the clear next step. We call these types of symptoms “intrusive memories.”
However, some symptoms of PTSD are more challenging to observe and identify. Your symptoms may get lost in the shuffle of holding your life together. If you don’t realize that you’re affected by an underlying mental health condition, you can get caught up in managing difficulties individually and not find time to step back and see the bigger picture.
Your PTSD symptoms could also include a need for avoidance, changes in your physical and emotional reactions, and more negative thoughts and moods. These symptoms often go undetected for some time.
For example, if you struggle with avoidance, you might go significantly out of your way to avoid places, persons, or situations you find triggering. You might not realize how much of your life you’re giving up to protect yourself. With treatment, you can reclaim those parts of yourself.
After trauma, you may find that your mindset has changed and become more negative. You may think negatively about yourself, others, or even the general state of the world at large. Emotions of fear and shame can come out as anger or guilt, causing you to push away friends and loved ones or feel detached from your community.
It can be difficult for trauma victims to get over the sensation of needing to stay on guard. You may also find that you startle more easily than before, or are more prone to falling into a mental rut of self-defeating or stressful thoughts. Brain fog and forgetfulness can indicate underlying PTSD.
PTSD doesn’t just cause negative emotions and thought patterns. It can also block your positive thoughts and feelings. Activities that used to mean the world to you may seem unappealing. You might feel numb or find that happy emotions aren’t accessible to you.
Your symptoms may not appear immediately after the traumatic event that causes your PTSD. It can take years for your symptoms to manifest. If symptoms last for more than a month, it’s time to seek treatment support.
Dr. Edwards approaches PTSD treatment from a holistic perspective, taking a comprehensive look at your obvious and more subtle symptoms. He provides ketamine infusion therapy for PTSD treatment. Ketamine therapy supports your brain, breaking you out of trauma-informed patterns and responses and encouraging the growth of new neural pathways.
Once you’re diagnosed with PTSD, it gets easier to understand changes in your activities, emotions, and personality. Treatment helps to restore your sense of self, although you may remain changed in some fundamental ways even after recovering from trauma.
If your outlook, personality, habits, or interactions with others have deteriorated after going through a traumatic experience, PTSD treatment gives you hope of reclaiming your balance and moving forward. You don’t have to go through this journey alone. Reach out to Dr. Edwards at Iconic Infusions, PLLC for support. Schedule your appointment online or over the phone today.
