Post Traumatic Stress
Did something happen recently or in the past
that you just can’t stop thinking about?
Do you feel tearful, paralyzed or fearful when you think about it?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder does not mean you are mentally ill, weak or somehow deficient. It is an entirely normal reaction to an abnormal amount of stress.
If you have PTSD you might experience:
- Repetitive distressing thoughts about the event in the form of flashbacks, intrusive memories or unrest at being in situations that reminds you of the original trauma often to the point where these thoughts interfere with your concentration.
- Dreams or nightmares about the event where you shake, shout and thrash about.
- Difficulty with sleep.
- Reduced interest in others and the outside world.
- Irritability and outbursts of anger.
- Depression
- Feeling disconnected from yourself and those around you.
Post Traumatic Stress symptoms are the after effects of an event or series of events in which there was an actual or threatened danger of injury or death to yourself or someone close to you. These events are unusual and out of the ordinary and can evoke deep feelings of horror, helplessness, powerlessness and fear.
This includes events such as:
- Car accident
- Physical injuries from a fall
- Childhood physical abuse
- Domestic abuse from a partner
- Childhood sexual abuse
- Rape
- Natural catastrophes
- Religious cults
Reactions to trauma are experienced not only by people who were involved in the trauma first–hand, but often also by those who have either witnessed or heard about or have had different kinds of involvement with the person or persons immediately affected.
Our unique mind/body counselling approach can help you:
- Feel safe in talking about the trauma.
- Identify and acknowledge your losses as a result of the trauma.
- Reduce your fears about your feelings and symptoms.
- Re-channel your emotions of anger, rage or hatred in positive directions.
- Overcome self blame, shame or survivor guilt.
- Help you realize you are not going insane.
- See yourself as a brave survivor rather than a victim.
- Develop better self care strategies.
- Regain a sense of humour.
- Increase your sense of well being.
- Develop a new appreciation for life.
Through counselling you can learn to turn the ordeal of your trauma into a source of strength and empowerment and regain a sense of control over your emotions and your life! Empowerment includes the ability to love yourself and feel good and comfortable in your own skin.
The Alpine Anxiety and Stress Relief Clinic is located in Vancouver, BC. Our team of experienced counsellors and therapists utilize proven and well researched methods to provide relief from the symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression and panic.
