Have you had or witnessed a traumatic event?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological response to the experience of intense traumatic events, particularly those that are life threatening such as: natural disasters; accidents; being a victim or witness of a crime; military combat; and abuse.
It can affect people of any age, culture and gender. It occurs in 8% of the Canadian population and is more common in women than men. [1] Trauma is person specific. In other words, what is traumatic to one person may not be to another.
Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms?
- Nightmares?
- Flashbacks (reliving the event)?
- Physical symptoms such as sweating, increased heart rate, or muscle tension?
- Trying to avoid any reminders of the trauma?
- Gaps in memory – forgetting parts of the experience?
- Feeling cut-off or detached?
- Difficulty sleeping (falling or staying asleep)?
- Anger and irritability?
- Difficulty with concentration?
- Being focused on danger?
- Hyper-vigilance? i.e. always being on the lookout for danger or threat?
- On edge, jumpy, or easily startled?
Did you answer ‘yes’ to several of these questions? If so, you may have developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which is a psychological reaction to the experience of a traumatic event. Evolution Psychology Center provides effective assessment and treatment for PTSD. You are not alone in your struggle and we could help you overcome it. Contact us today to make an appointment with a Montreal Psychologist or Therapist at 514-758-7792 or info@epcenter.ca.
[1] Statistics Canada: a Report on Mental Illness in Canada, 2002