After a serious car accident where he lost his fiance, Nick was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He struggled with flashbacks, nightmares, and constant anxiety. He would find himself waking up at night sweating with his heart pounding.
He couldn’t focus at work as uninvited images of the accident would appear out of nowhere and hijack his mind. At first he found some relief in talking about the accident with his friends but as time passed, he started to worry that his friends were getting annoyed with him for not moving on.
Nick would often feel angry at himself for “not being strong enough” to leave what happened in the past. He felt completely stuck. This shame and isolation only served to intensify Alex's PTSD symptoms, making it harder for him to connect with others and find a sense of purpose in his life. He began to withdraw from his family and friends, feeling like he was a burden to them and that he didn't deserve their love or support.
PTSD can severely impact an individual's ability to function in their daily life. It's important for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of PTSD to seek professional help from a mental health provider. There are effective treatments available that can help people to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
STREAM specialises in helping individuals suffering from PTSD. Please contact us if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Intrusive thoughts or memories of the traumatic event
Nightmares or flashbacks
Avoidance behaviours, including avoiding people, places, or things that remind them of the traumatic event
Negative changes in mood, including feeling sad, irritable, or detached from others
Hyperarousal or being easily startled, feeling on edge, or having trouble sleeping
Difficulty concentrating or focusing
Feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame
Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches.