Primary author: Sabrina Hossain |Secondary author: Julie Sullivan, NP

Content Warning: Mentions of Abuse and Violence

What Is PTSD?

PTSD, also known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a mental health condition that develops when single or multiple events occur and later on trigger an individual. PTSD can arise in situations where someone either experiences or witnesses trauma. A traumatic event is when something deeply distressing or disturbing happens to an individual, and is left feeling hopeless and unable to feel a full range of emotions.

Examples of Traumatic Events Often Overlooked

• Sexism
• Racism
• Immigrating to a new country
• Bullying
• Emotional Neglect
• Class discrimination

Many people may not consider any of the above-mentioned traumatic. However, the BIPOC community faces systemic and structural barriers leading to a decline in mental health. If the BIPOC individual has not experienced discrimination themselves, witnessing a loved one go through racial harassment or violence can also be traumatic. Immigrants may experience trauma when moving to countries where xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiments are high. Another disadvantage experienced by immigrants is a lacking support systems. Many people may move to a foreign country without their origin families, leaving them vulnerable to developing trauma symptoms and disorders like PTSD.

Common Examples of Traumatic Events:

• Physical or sexual abuse in childhood
• Being threatened with a weapon
• Mugging
• Robbery
• Domestic Violence
• Witnessing an attack or shooting

Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD in Children:

• Reenacting traumatic event through play
• Nightmares about the traumatic event

Adult PTSD:

• Nightmares
• Flashbacks
• Insomnia
• Hypervigilance
• Severe anxiety
• Severe emotional distress
• Physical reactions when triggered
• Avoidance
• Emotional numbness
• Gaps in memory
• Detachment from loved ones
• Feelings of Hopelessness
• Difficulty maintaining close relationships
• Easily startled or frightened
• Self-destructive behavior
• Trouble concentrating
• Overwhelming guilt and shame
• Angry outbursts and aggressive behavior

Causes of PTSD

• Intense, long-lasting trauma
• Having depression or anxiety
• Trauma during childhood or adolescence
• Certain jobs that increase risk to exposure
• Substance abuse
• Isolation or lack of healthy support system
• Genetics
• Increased risk when eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, or drug abuse are involved

ReKlame Health Can Help

Diagnoses for PTSD

An official diagnosis includes at least one re-experiencing symptom, at least three avoidance symptoms, at least two negative alterations in mood and cognition, and at least two hyperarousal symptoms for a minimum of one month. At Reklame Health, our NPs use a PTSD rating scale and evaluation to provide a proper diagnosis to members.

Treatment for PTSD

• Trauma-focused psychotherapy
• Medication Management
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

At ReKlame Health, you can expect a warm, welcoming environment to get you the care you need. PTSD can disrupt your daily life, but with our help, you can overcome these challenges. Also, know that there is no rush to heal, recovery for PTSD takes time, and our Clinicians and NPs understand that. There is no shame in going at your own pace on your journey to heal.