This initial stage occurs immediately after the traumatic event and involves a range of intense emotional and psychological responses. Symptoms may include:

• Flashbacks and Intrusive Memories – Vivid and distressing recollections of the traumatic incident that can occur unexpectedly
• Nightmares – Repeated and distressing dreams related to the trauma, often leading to disrupted sleep patterns.
• Hyperarousal – A heightened state of alertness and anxiety, accompanied by irritability, difficulty concentrating, and exaggerated startle responses.
• Avoidance Behaviors – Deliberate efforts to avoid anything associated with the traumatic event, such as places, people, or activities, as they trigger distressing memories.
• Emotional Numbness – Feeling emotionally detached or disconnected from oneself or others. Some individuals may describe feeling “numb” or emotionally flat.

During this stage, individuals may be overwhelmed by the intensity of their symptoms, making it challenging to function in daily life. It’s a critical time for intervention and support.

As individuals progress into this stage, intrusive symptoms become more pronounced. They may:

• Experience Flashbacks – These are intense and distressing episodes where they feel like they are reliving the traumatic event.
• Suffer from Nightmares – Repeated, vivid, and distressing dreams related to the traumatic experience.
• Have Intrusive Thoughts – Disturbing and unwanted thoughts about the trauma that can intrude upon their daily activities.

The intrusion stage intensifies the emotional impact of PTSD, often causing significant distress and disruption to a person’s life.

During this stage, individuals become more focused on avoiding reminders of the trauma and may exhibit behaviors such as:

• Avoidance of Triggers – Deliberate efforts to steer clear of any situations, people, or places that remind them of the traumatic event
• Emotional Numbing – A sense of emotional detachment, making it challenging to experience joy, love, or other positive emotions.
• Dissociation – Experiencing episodes where they feel disconnected from reality or themselves.

While avoidance behaviors can provide temporary relief from distress, they ultimately reinforce the symptoms of PTSD.

In this stage, individuals may experience more profound changes in their thinking patterns and mood:

• Negative Self-Perception – Developing a negative self-image, often accompanied by guilt, shame, or self-blame.
• Distorted Beliefs – Developing negative beliefs about the world, such as believing that the world is dangerous or that people are untrustworthy
• Difficulty with Memory and Concentration – Struggling with memory problems and difficulty focusing on tasks

These negative changes in mood and cognition can further impair an individual’s ability to function effectively in various aspects of their life.

In the chronic stage, symptoms may become long-lasting and potentially more challenging to treat:

• Chronic PTSD – The individual may continue to experience many of the abovementioned symptoms, which can persist for months or even years.
• Sensitization – Over time, individuals with chronic PTSD may become increasingly sensitive to triggers, and even minor reminders of the trauma can lead to significant distress.

Chronic PTSD often requires ongoing treatment and support to manage and reduce symptoms effectively.

Calming a PTSD episode can be challenging, but several techniques can help individuals regain control and reduce the episode’s intensity.

Here are some steps to consider:

• Recognize the Trigger: Try to identify what triggered the episode. Understanding the trigger can help you or the person experiencing the episode gain some perspective on what is happening.
• Grounding Techniques: Grounding techniques are effective ways to reconnect with the present and reduce the feeling of being trapped in the traumatic memory.
• Reassurance: Remind yourself or the person experiencing the episode that they are safe and that the traumatic event is in the past. Reassurance from a trusted friend or therapist can be especially helpful.
• Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself or the individual going through the episode. Understand that PTSD episodes are involuntary and a part of the condition. Avoid self-blame or judgment.
• Seek Support: Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist for assistance and understanding. Talking to someone who can offer support and comfort can be immensely helpful during and after an episode.
• Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or focusing on breath, can help you stay grounded and centered. Mindfulness exercises can be incorporated into your daily routine to build resilience against flashbacks.
• Medication: In some cases, medication prescribed by a mental health professional can be used to manage the symptoms of PTSD, including flashbacks. Consult a healthcare provider for guidance on medication options.

PTSD episodes can manifest differently in each individual. The experience is highly personal, and the intensity and duration of episodes can vary. However, there are common characteristics that may be observed when someone is having a PTSD episode.

Here are some typical features:

• Intense Emotional Distress
• Loss of Connection to the Present
• Vivid Re-experiencing
• Physical Symptoms
• Disorientation
• Behavioral Changes
• Duration and Intensity
• Repetition

It’s important to approach individuals experiencing a PTSD episode with sensitivity and understanding. Attempting to forcefully bring them back to the present or dismiss their feelings may not be helpful and could potentially exacerbate their distress. Instead, offering reassurance, a safe environment, and support can be beneficial. Review our resources on PTSD to learn how to get your partner into a residential rehab for PTSD treatment.

Some individuals with PTSD turn to alcohol or drugs to self-medicate and numb emotional pain. They may use substances to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, or hyperarousal temporarily.

Substance abuse can exacerbate PTSD symptoms and lead to additional problems, such as addiction, health issues, legal troubles, and strained relationships. It does not address the underlying trauma and may make recovery more challenging. If you or someone you love develops this unhealthy coping mechanism, you can get drug and alcohol addiction treatment in Midway, Utah.

Many people with PTSD isolate themselves from friends and loved ones. They may avoid social gatherings or isolate themselves to minimize triggers and feelings of vulnerability.

However, isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and emotional stagnation. It can also prevent individuals from seeking necessary support and therapy, which is crucial for recovery.

Some individuals may engage in self-harming behaviors, such as cutting, burning, or other forms of self-mutilation, to express emotional pain or regain control. Some may engage in risky behaviors, such as reckless driving or participating in dangerous activities, as an attempt to manage overwhelming emotions or seek an adrenaline rush.

However, self-harm and self-destructive behaviors are dangerous and can lead to physical harm, infection, or even life-threatening consequences. They do not address the underlying trauma and can worsen overall well-being.

But, these coping mechanisms often provide temporary relief from distressing symptoms but do not address the root causes of PTSD.

Yes, some medications can be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of PTSD. Although medication alone is not considered a primary treatment for PTSD, it can be a valuable part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Medications are typically used to target specific symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety, depression, and hyperarousal. Here are some of the commonly prescribed medications for PTSD:

• Antidepressants such as Paxil, Lexapro, Effexor, and Cymbalta
• Anti-anxiety medications, including Xanax and Valium
• Prazosin – an alpha-blocker
• Atypical Antipsychotics like Risperdal and Abilify
• Sleep aids

We provide medication assisted treatment in Utah at our Acqua Recovery center. Medications can effectively reduce symptoms’ severity and improve an individual’s overall functioning. However, they are not a cure for PTSD, and the goal of treatment is often symptom management and improved quality of life.

The most effective treatment for PTSD can vary from person to person. It depends on individual factors, such as the trauma’s nature, symptoms’ severity, and personal preferences. Working closely with a mental health professional is essential to determine the most suitable treatment plan.