Do You Live in New Jersey and Think You Might Have PTSD?

Learn About the Available Treatments and Warning Signs of PTSD

Did you know that PTSD is actually a fairly common anxiety disorder? Estimates show that as many as ten percent of all people living in the United States will experience PTSD symptoms.

Even though it is a widespread problem, there is still a great deal of misconception about what PTSD means, what causes it, common symptoms, and treatment options.

Do I Have PTSD?I Need Help
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What Exactly is PTSD?

PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) is classified as an anxiety disorder caused by extreme trauma including rape or other sexual attacks, active combat in war zones, or natural or man-made disasters such as fires, floods, car accidents, etc.

These traumatic events can result in a cluster of symptoms pervasive in people with PTSD in New Jersey:

  • An attitude of extreme caution and vigilance for potentially dangerous situations, causing the person to act unnecessarily angry, irritable, or startled.
  • Always having an excuse to not be around people, go to certain places, or engage in certain activities that may be triggering.
  • Suffering from flashbacks of the trauma over and over. Mental images may pop up during the day or may come to mind during the night through bad dreams.

What Causes PTSD?

While many people in New Jersey can emotionally move on past extreme trauma with seemingly few side effects, others can’t just “get over it.” Their stress perceptions become damaged and they are unable to cope with the memories of the trauma. Since stress affects our immune, endocrine, and nervous systems, long-term mental anxiety and stress has a profoundly negative affect on the entire person.

It is important to realize that while PTSD symptoms normally appear within a few weeks of a traumatic event, there may be a delayed reaction. This postponed PTSD effect is particularly commonplace in adults who suffered from childhood abuse or molestation.

Common PTSD Symptoms

PTSD can lead to a host of peripheral issues that affect the daily life, relationships, and well-being of people in New Jersey who deal with PTSD and their family and friends.

  • Drug or alcohol abuse
  • Emotionally numb and feeling disconnected from loved ones
  • Lack of desire to participate in activities they used to enjoy
  • Divorce or separation
  • Suicide
  • Self-destructive behavior
  • Physical issues like chronic pain, headaches, insomnia, or digestion issues

Diagnosing PTSD in New Jersey

Your initial step towards regaining your mental health is to speak to a health care specialist in New Jersey. You can find professional help through your OBGYN, family doctor, mental health service, or personal physician. They will identify the classic symptoms of PTSD during a thorough evaluation of both your psychological and medical history.

Expect to answer questions such as:

  • What traumatic or life-threatening events have you experienced in your life?
  • Have you been the victim of a sexual assault, either recently or as a child?
  • Do you suffer from nightmares or flashbacks of your trauma?
  • Do you find yourself extremely distressed by recurring thoughts of your trauma, to the extent that it affects your daily life?
  • Are you finding difficulty connecting with your loved ones? Do you feel emotionally numb?
  • Have you seen an increase in your levels of anger or irritability?
  • How long have you experienced these issues?

It can be difficult and embarrassing to discuss these personal topics, but don’t let that stop you from seeking help! The path to wholeness is available to you, but you must be willing to take the first step.

If you don’t know where to find a local mental health resource in New Jersey, check out these resources from the PTSD Alliance.