The most recent scientific evidence suggests that many of the symptoms a person experiences for the first month after a trauma are normal.

These symptoms can include sleep disturbance, decreased concentration, anxiety, sadness, anger, irritability, hypervigilance, re-experiencing of traumatic events, and disruptions in social and work related functioning.

Symptoms that persist beyond four weeks following a trauma and that may be indicative of a post traumatic stress disorder are as follows:

• Recurrent and intrusive recollections of trauma.
• Recurrent distressing dreams of the trauma.
• Acting or feeling as if the trauma is recurring.
• Intense psychological distress and/or physiological reactivity upon exposure to cues that resemble the traumatic event.
• Efforts to avoid anything associated with the trauma.
• Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities.
• Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Irritability or anger
• Hypervigilance
• Exaggerated startle responses

If you feel that you're experiencing any form of PTSD, please call so we can work through this difficult time together.

Check our Recommended Readings section for additional learning material on this topic