PTSD: Symptoms and Recovery

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is commonly known to effect combat soldiers in the military. However, reality is PTSD can effect anyone who has experienced an overwhelming life event - especially if the event was traumatic, unpredictable, and out of the individual’s control.

There are four types of symptoms of PTSD:

1. Reliving the event (also called re-experiencing symptoms) - Having bad memories or nightmares. One may even feel as if they are experiencing the event again - this is called a flashback.
2. Avoiding situations that remind you of the event - Avoiding situations or people that trigger memories of the traumatic event. One may even avoid talking or thinking about the event.
3. Negative changes in beliefs and feelings - Due to the drama, the way one thinks about themselves or others may change. They may feel fear, guilt, or shame and may not have any interest in activities once enjoyed.
4. Feeling keyed up (also called hyperarousal) - One may be jittery, or always alert and on the lookout for danger - or have trouble concentrating or sleeping.

Most who experience a trauma have some symptoms initially, but only some will develop PTSD over time. The reason why it effects some and not others is unclear. “Getting better” means different things for different people and not all who seek treatment will be “cured.”

When recovering from a disaster, it is important to know you are not alone. Safety, physical and mental well-being must be considered. For more information on treatment options please visit PTSD.VA.org as well as our website for important crisis hotline numbers in New York State.

At Brooks Remediation, our highly trained and professional biohazard remediation personnel is dedicated to helping people and communities when tragedy strikes. Contact us today and allow our empathetic and professional staff members alleviate the burden and responsibility involved in the cleanup and disinfection off of your shoulders, and on to ours.  800-663-2854