Whether you or someone you love suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, it is important to understand the signs and symptoms so you can seek help. If you know someone who suffers from PTSD, it can often prove frustrating not knowing how you can help the person. If it is you that suffers, you likely want to get it under control but doing so is difficult.

Fortunately, coping with PTSD comes down to identifying signs, symptoms, and seeking the help you need with a reputable therapist.

Signs of PTSD

It is important to realize that PTSD is a mental health condition, which is, therefore, treatable. Therapy can assist you in coping with PTSD so you can get back on track to a normal, happy lifestyle. There are certain signs you need to look out for to determine if you are suffering from PTSD. Signs of PTSD include:

• Recurrent bad dreams of a traumatic event
• Flashbacks of a traumatic event
• Continuously thinking about and focusing on a traumatic event
• Difficulty remembering a traumatic event or the details of the event
• Hyperarousal when thinking about a traumatic event
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feeling tense
• Easily startled

If you or someone you know displays any of the signs of PTSD, seek help immediately. Unfortunately, PTSD can negatively impact your daily way of thinking and living. It can make it difficult for you to carry out normal day-to-day tasks. You may even find that it is a struggle to perform at work or in certain social situations. By seeking the help you need, you are enabling yourself to overcome the trauma that leads to the development of your PTSD.

Symptoms of PTSD

Symptoms of PTSD range from physical to emotional. Some of the emotional symptoms of PTSD include:

• Intense guilt (survivor’s guilt, for example)
• Emotional numbness
• Depression
• Anhedonia (loss of interest in activities you once found enjoyable)

The emotional symptoms associated with PTSD can seem overwhelming at times. They can impact your life and the lives of those who care about you. Fortunately, a therapist can provide you with the skills you need to make coping with PTSD a possibility.

Keep an eye out for physical symptoms of PTSD, too. Physical symptoms include:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Neurological issues
• Respiratory problems
• Musculoskeletal ailments
• Cardiovascular health issues

If left untreated, both emotional and physical symptoms associated with PTSD can have long-lasting effects on your life. For instance, cardiovascular issues can impact the health of your heart. Addressing PTSD early on allows you to decrease the likelihood of long-term negative effects.

Help for PTSD

Therapy provides a useful way for you to handle the signs and symptoms of PTSD. In most situations, there are certain triggers that might trigger a flashback of a traumatic event. For instance, if you are a combat veteran, you might experience flashbacks of wartime because of a loud sound, a face, or even a

You may go out of your way to avoid social gatherings so you can avoid PTSD triggers. Therapy seeks to assist you in coping with PTSD in a way that encourages you to take part in social engagements. The key is not to avoid social interactions and triggers. Instead, therapy assists you in learning how to deal with triggers and emotions.

You can choose to attend therapy either for yourself or with your family. Solo therapy will address details of the traumatic event and triggers that often exacerbate PTSD signs and symptoms. Family therapy will help your family members learn how to cope with your conditions so you can all move on with a greater understanding of how to handle PTSD.

Coping with PTSD is not something you need to do alone. There are many incredible therapists available to assist you in overcoming the trauma that grips you so you can experience a normal, satisfying life. In fact, an online therapist offers several benefits you might want to consider.

Online Therapy

PTSD can consume many aspects of your life in a serious manner. It important you or someone you know seek immediate help.

It is common for people to fear taking the first step toward finding help, which is why you should find an online therapist for PTSD to help you with your recovery process.

The Virtual Therapist Network offers a wide array of professional online therapists who are trained and experienced in PTSD and can provide you with the online therapy you need in the comfort and privacy of your own home.