Traumatic memories sit in the brain like shadow and
resurface at times with unbearable distress.
Unresolved trauma can significantly affect the quality of one’s life
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a shocking or dangerous event such as an assault, a natural disaster, a serious accident, etc. Individuals with PTSD often relive traumatic events through flashbacks or nightmares and experience changes in physical and/or emotional reactions. Symptoms may include being easily startled or frightened, trouble concentrating, overwhelming guilt or shame, feelings of helplessness or sadness, anger outbursts, etc. It is advised to see a professional if the debilitating thoughts and feelings persist for more than a month after the traumatic experience.
More than 70% of patients with borderline personality and emotion dysregulation disorders who receive DBT treatment suffer from PTSD. The intrusive memories and arousal and reactivity symptoms of PTSD may lead to a wide range of emotion dysregulation disorders. DBT skills helps clients to apply the skills by themselves and alleviate the symptoms.
The following are the main symptoms of PTSD:
– Intrusive memories: reliving trauma, for example, through flashbacks or nightmares eliciting significant distress
– Avoidance: trying to avoid places, events, or objects that are reminders of a traumatic experience
– Arousal and reactivity: feeling tense or “on edge,” having difficulty sleeping or concentrating, being easily startled or frightened, etc.
Please contact us if you are currently experiencing any of the symptoms above.
