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Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • kaitlynboudreault
  • 5 days ago
  • 7 min read

Have you been replaying the details of a stressful or terrifying event in your mind? 

When you think of this event, do you start to sweat, or does your heart race? 


For some people, these experiences of trauma may gradually go away with time. 


But, for some, these symptoms persist, feel overwhelming, and start to impact daily functioning. 

If this resonates with you, you may be experiencing a common trauma-related condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 


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You’re not alone if you are experiencing PTSD. Research estimates that about 8% of adults in Canada experience moderate to severe symptoms of PTSD, with a higher prevalence among women (9.9%) than men (7%). 


PTSD can also occur at any age, but it is more common among those aged 18 to 24 than among older adults over the age of 65. 


People with PTSD may also develop co-occurring conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or substance use issues.


If you’re experiencing symptoms of PTSD, you can reach out to a Canadian PTSD therapist for support.


You may also explore this blog to discover more about what PTSD is, how it differs from stress, and some resources that may help support you if you have PTSD. 



What Is PTSD?


Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. 


Some examples of these traumatic events include:


  • Experiencing or witnessing life-threatening events

  • Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse

  • Serious accidents or natural disasters

  • War or combat exposure

  • Interpersonal violence


This is not to say that everyone who experiences one or more of these traumatic events will go on to develop PTSD. 


For some, adjusting may be difficult in the short term. But the symptoms may gradually fade with care and patience. For others, the symptoms may persist for months and affect their ability to function at work, school, or at home. 


For those who develop PTSD, it may impact their thoughts, mood, or physical and emotional responses to stress. 


The symptoms may appear right away or within the first three months. However, they can sometimes take years to appear. 


How Does Stress Differ from PTSD?


Stress is a response to a threatening or overwhelming event that we all may experience from time to time. 


It can show up in different ways, such as anxiety, having trouble sleeping, or replaying thoughts in your mind over and over again. 


For most people, stress is something that fades.


PTSD, however, occurs when these symptoms persist for more than one month, interfere with your daily life, and cause distress in work, school, or social situations.


Symptoms of PTSD


PTSD intensity, duration, and onset of symptoms differ from person to person. For a diagnosis of PTSD, symptoms must be present for at least a month and cause challenges within core areas of your life, including work, school, relationships, and daily chores and responsibilities. 


PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four categories:


1. Intrusive Memories


  • Flashbacks: Reliving a traumatic event as if it were happening again

  • Distressing, unwanted memories that continue to show up.

  • Nightmares related to the trauma

  • Severe physical or emotional reactions to reminders


2. Avoidance


  • Avoiding thoughts, conversations, or reminders of the trauma

  • Trying not to think of the traumatic experience

  • Staying away from places, activities, or people that trigger distress


3. Changes in Cognition and Mood


  • Persistent negative thoughts about yourself, others, or the world

  • Ongoing fear, guilt, anger, shame, or sadness

  • Feeling detached or estranged from family and friends

  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

  • Trouble experiencing positive emotions or feeling emotionally numb

  • Difficulty remembering details of the traumatic event


4. Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions (Arousal Symptoms)


  • Being easily startled

  • Hypervigilant: Always being on guard as if something bad is going to happen

  • Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior

  • Self-destructive behaviour: Drinking too much, unsafe sex, driving too fast, or engaging in unsafe sex

  • Trouble sleeping or concentrating

  • Physical responses such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, or shaking


Additional PTSD Symptoms


Alongside the four categories above, some people may also experience dissociation, which can include the experiences of


  • Derealization: Feeling like life isn’t real

  • Depersonalization: Feeling outside of one’s own body


What Causes PTSD?


PTSD tends to develop after you experience, witness, or learn about a traumatic experience involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. 


But it is not entirely understood why certain individuals go on to develop this condition after a traumatic experience and why others do not. 


However, there is research to suggest that there are certain risk factors that increase your likelihood of experiencing PTSD, which include:


  • Longer duration of trauma

  • Past trauma or childhood adversity

  • Lack of social support

  • Existing mental health conditions

  • Occupations with high exposure to trauma (e.g., military, first responders)

  • Social inequalities, discrimination, or marginalized status


Co-Occurring Conditions with PTSD


CPTSD vs. PTSD


While PTSD and CPTSD (Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) both occur as a result of trauma, they differ in the type of trauma and some symptom patterns. 


PTSD usually occurs as a result of a single traumatic event. It also has key symptoms, which include


  • Intrusive memories or flashbacks

  • Nightmares

  • Hypervigilance

  • Avoidance of reminders of the trauma


CPTSD, on the other hand, is the result of prolonged and repeated trauma. In addition to the symptoms of PTSD, CPTSD also includes other symptoms, including:


  • Emotional dysregulation: Intense mood swings and difficulty calming down

  • Negative self-concept: Shame, guilt, and feelings of worthlessness

  • Interpersonal difficulties: Trouble trusting others and feeling disconnected


BPD vs. PTSD


Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and PTSD often get confused with one another. In particular, emotional instability and interpersonal difficulties may be common among both. 


But BPD is characterized by persistent patterns of emotional dysregulation, fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, impulsivity, and identity disturbance. While trauma is common among those with BPD, it is not required for diagnosis. These symptoms tend to be consistent across life contexts. 


Whereas PTSD involves emotional responses that are specifically linked to traumatic memories. These responses usually involve avoidance of traumatic memories or hyperarousal, and always feeling on edge. 


Overlap with Other Diagnoses


PTSD can often co-occur with:


  • Anxiety disorders: Panic attacks, generalized anxiety, or social anxiety can develop alongside PTSD or CPTSD.

  • Depression: Chronic trauma can contribute to persistent low mood, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts.

  • ADHD or neurodivergence: Trauma can exacerbate attentional difficulties, executive dysfunction, or emotional dysregulation, though the diagnoses are distinct.

  • Substance use disorders: Coping with trauma may lead some individuals to use substances, complicating treatment.

  • Personality disorders: Trauma, especially in childhood, can influence traits seen in BPD or other personality disorders.


Complications

PTSD is a serious mental health condition that requires support and treatment. Without it, if left untreated, PTSD can disrupt:

  • Work or school performance

  • Relationships and social functioning

  • Physical health: There may also be a higher risk of chronic pain and heart issues.


It may also increase the risk of:


  • Depression and anxiety disorders

  • Substance use

  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors


Resources for PTSD


There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for PTSD. Instead, the treatment and support for this condition should be individualized and based on each person’s individual experiences. Usually, a multi-modal treatment approach is recommended, which includes using a variety of treatment options to treat a condition. These treatment approaches may include lifestyle changes, supportive communities, counselling, or medications. 


Self-Care Strategies


Self-care can complement professional treatment and help manage symptoms:


  • Establish a safe daily routine.

  • Engage in physical activity.

  • Practice self-compassion.

  • Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques.

  • Connect with supportive friends or family.

  • Participate in enjoyable activities.



Supportive Circles


When experiencing distressing memories or intrusive thoughts, having a supportive group of people whom you can go to for support or help is crucial to recovery. This supportive circle may involve friends or family, or a community support group. They can:


  • Help you access professional help.

  • Provide comfort during triggers.

  • Assist in creating a safety plan if suicidal thoughts occur.


PTSD Therapists


There are a variety of therapeutic modalities. Therapists can provide evidence-based treatments for PTSD, including:


  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A therapy that helps process and reduce distress from traumatic memories using guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation.

  • ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): Focuses on accepting difficult emotions and committing to actions aligned with your values.

  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): Combines mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal skills to manage intense emotions.

  • Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Uses meditation and awareness practices to increase focus on the present moment and reduce stress.

  • Narrative Therapy: Helps individuals reframe and rewrite their personal stories to separate themselves from trauma and gain perspective.

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifies and changes negative thought patterns and behaviors related to trauma.



Medication


If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, sleep challenges, psychosis, or depression with your PTSD, your doctor may recommend medication to help treat the symptoms. These medications could include 


  • SSRIs and SNRIs for mood and anxiety symptoms.

  • Prazosin for trauma-related nightmares.

  • Antipsychotics for severe symptoms.


Your doctor will go through your options with you, and it may take several tries before finding the right medication to manage your symptoms.


When to See a Healthcare Professional


See a doctor or mental health professional if:


  • PTSD symptoms last more than a month.

  • Symptoms interfere with daily life.

  • You have thoughts of harming yourself or others.


Getting treatment as soon as possible is one way to help get the symptoms under control and get your life back on track.


Emergency Support


If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, help is available.




Book a Free Consultation with Bee Kind Counselling


Are you experiencing symptoms of PTSD? 


Do you find it difficult to manage your daily responsibilities and need support from a therapist in Ontario, Canada?


Bee Kind Counselling provides safe, inclusive therapy for trauma and PTSD. They use a variety of modalities to help manage symptoms.


Book a free 15-minute consultation:



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