CBT for PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
PTSD is an anxiety condition caused by very stressful, frightening, or distressing events. A person can develop PTSD if they have been involved in, or witnessed, a traumatic situation such as a terrorist act, sexual violence, road traffic accidents, war/combat, or serious injury.
Although most people will experience something traumatic in their lives, not everyone will develop PTSD.
Are you struggling with PTSD?
The symptoms of PTSD include:
- You may experience unwanted, distressing memories, flashbacks, or nightmares in which you vividly 'relive' the traumatic event(s). These experiences may occur in specific situations or appear to 'come out of the blue'. They may be accompanied by feelings of terror, panic, pain, trembling, or fears of being in immediate danger now.
- You may experience repeitive negative thoughts about the trauma such as "why did this happen, could I have done anything to stop it, will I ever be able to overcome this, etc". These thoughts may constantly loop in your head and cause you to feel depressed, shame, or guilty.
- People with PTSD often go to great lengths to avoid being reminded of their trauma. For example, they may avoid talking about what happened, or avoid certain places or people that resemble aspects of the trauma. If you have PTSD you may try to keep yourself constantly busy with work or other things to 'block out' the past or to numb yourself from having any feelings.
- Another common symptom of PTSD is what psychologists call 'hyperarousal'. This is the experience of feeling constantly 'on edge' and on the lookout for danger. You may get easily startled or find it difficult to relax. It is also common for people to feel irritable or angry.
How can CBT therapy help you with PTSD?
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