What causes post-traumatic stress disorder? This is one of the most common questions our depression therapists hear at Perspectives Of Troy Counseling Centers in Metro Detroit, MI. For the most part, PTSD is brought on by a traumatic event in someone’s life, but what is traumatic for one person may not be traumatic for another. In this discussion, we will go over some life events that may trigger PTSD and what you can do to get PTSD treatment in Michigan.
Defining The “Trauma” In Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Just about any negative event can be considered traumatic, depending on how a person reacts to it. For instance, an adult who experienced a bank robbery as a child may suffer from PTSD, even if the robbery happened 20 years ago. Most people associate PTSD with soldiers coming back from combat, but you may also experience PTSD after a car accident, a miscarriage, the loss of a family member, or any other traumatic event that makes a distinct mark on your mind.
Some People Are More At-Risk Of PTSD Than Others
While it is true that any person can experience PTSD, some people are more at risk than others. Those who have encountered multiple traumatic events in their lives have a higher risk of developing PTSD because there are more triggers for their flashbacks. People who already suffer from anxiety or depression are more likely to develop PTSD because of the way their brains process stress and emotions. Some people have difficulties processing stress chemicals and hormones, which may cause them to be more susceptible to PTSD symptoms.
PTSD Triggers
People with PTSD often experience “episodes,” which may include feelings of severe depression, unexplained crying or emotional vulnerability, flashbacks, memory losses, and more. These episodes are triggered by sights, sounds, smells, and other senses that mimic the traumatic experience. As an example, a woman whose husband passed away unexpectedly in the hospital may experience a PTSD episode when she hears the sound of medical monitoring devices on a television show. A veteran may have an episode during a firework display because the fireworks sound like gunshots or explosives.
Whatever your PTSD triggers may be, you can learn how to deal with them and the emotions that follow during your depression therapy. We have several PTSD specialists here at Perspectives Of Troy Counseling Centers in Metro Detroit, MI who would love to help you work through your emotions. Learn how to conquer your PTSD so you can enjoy a better quality of life. We are here to help you every step of the way.