Hurricane Sandy & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (Part 1 of a 3 part series): Symptoms of PTSD
The next three blogs will give deal with an issue that, unfortunately, is on all of our minds here in New Jersey, which is the stress that has been caused by Hurricane Sandy’s devastation. Some of us have had even stronger reactions than being stressed and are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The first blog in this series will give the major symptoms that folks have who are suffering from PTSD can have, so you can see if either you, or someone you care about has the disorder. The second blog will deal with things that people can do to help themselves; and the third and last blog will talk about five different approaches that I use, as a therapist, to help people who are suffering from PTSD.
To help to heal from the trauma here is a check list of symptoms folks experience if they are suffering from PTSD.
Symptom Check List
. Intense, unpredictable feelings, anxiety, and or depression (person may experience both feelings)
• Repeated and vivid memories (flashbacks) of the event leading to physical reactions such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, etc.. Headaches, nausea, chest pain
• Sleeping or eating problems (in the next month, I will be doing several blogs on this subject)
• Fear that the event will be repeated
• Problems making decisions • Confusion .Withdrawal, avoiding, or increasing conflict
Note:
People who have a history of psychological issues have a higher chance of having PTSD.
The next blog will offer some suggestions that folks can do to help themselves get past the stress reactions that they are having as a result of the storm.