Post-traumatic stress is a phenomenon that is behind some of the most harmful forms of psychopathology, and that is why psychologists emphasize the need to treat these complications as soon as possible, when the symptoms associated with it begin to emerge.
However… How do you overcome post-traumatic stress? We will address this and other related questions throughout this article.
The concept of post-traumatic stress refers to the main component of a psychopathological alteration known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
This phenomenon, which is often described in diagnostic manuals within the category “Disorders related to trauma and stress factors”, encompasses a series of symptoms linked to stress crises linked to psychological trauma, and which can persist (appearing habitually in the person’s daily life) for years or decades.
Post-traumatic stress appears as a consequence of the consequences that a traumatic event leaves in the person; the latter is usually an event in which the person witnesses or suffers something extremely catastrophic or hurtful, either psychologically or physically.
For example, a car accident, a case of sexual abuse, an attack in the context of bullying, the unexpected death of a family member, etc. However, it must be taken into account that going through one of these experiences does not imply developing post-traumatic stress; In fact, these cases are a minority.
On the other hand, another characteristic of post-traumatic stress is that it does not necessarily arise within a few minutes of having experienced the traumatic experience.
The main symptoms that characterize post-traumatic stress are the following, although not all of them have to be present in the person.
1. Flashbacks
Flashbacks are experiences in which Memories linked to the traumatic event are “relived” as if they were part of the present, so that the person’s consciousness focuses on that part of the memory, also including the emotional burden (aversive and stressful) of that experience lived in the past.
On the other hand, the person cannot prevent the appearance of these mental “flashes”, nor can he make them stop at will. They usually last a few seconds.
2. Dissociative symptoms
Beyond flashbacks, there are other psychotic symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress. The most common are depersonalization and derealization in which the person experiences their body or the environment they are in as if it were something from which they are emotionally disconnected: as if they were sets for a play.
3. Sleep problems and nightmares
Sleep disturbances are also part of the common symptoms of post-traumatic stress. These bedtime complications can manifest as problems when trying to fall asleep, nightmares and/or difficulties maintaining deep and consistent sleep.
4. Mood alterations
The person with post-traumatic stress goes through many situations in which their mood is altered by the influence of stress. Is irritable and suffers outbursts of anger easily
5. Avoidance tendency
The person with post-traumatic stress spends time avoiding places and contexts where they feel they may suffer a crisis.
How is post-traumatic stress treated?
As we have seen, post-traumatic stress is a psychological alteration with a lot of potential to damage people’s quality of life. Fortunately, it can be treated; In this sense, it is recommended to have psychological and medical assistance.
Here we will focus on what is done to overcoming post-traumatic stress from the psychological side, that is, intervention through psychotherapy
1. Controlled exposure or systematic desensitization
These two procedures are widely used to favor the loss of sensitivity towards mental contents whose recall produces stress During therapy sessions, psychologists create a context in which the patient learns to face these anxiety-inducing experiences and, little by little, adapts to them, instead of trying to avoid them at all costs.
2. Cognitive restructuring
Through cognitive restructuring, psychologists help the patient detect beliefs that they have been holding on to and that in reality are not only unrealistic, but also reinforce post-traumatic stress.
3. Establishment of new habits
Psychologists help people develop habits that are not based on avoidance and that allow you to return to normal as soon as possible.
Are you looking for treatment for PTSD?
If you think you are suffering from PTSD and are looking for professional help, please contact me. In my psychology center I can offer you the necessary tools to overcome this disorder, based on more than 15 years of experience treating patients. To see more information about my services, or my contact information, access this page.
