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Showing posts from March, 2024

Complex PTSD and PTSD: What's the Difference?

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Complex PTSD vs. PTSD One of the most common misunderstandings about Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is that it is the same as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).   While they share some symptoms, C-PTSD is different from PTSD. It often happens after you experience repeated trauma, examples would be:   Childhood abuse or neglect Human trafficking Domestic violence   People with PTSD:  Re-experience their trauma through memories, nightmares, or flashbacks Avoid reminders of their trauma either in what they think about or by avoiding certain people or places Are hyper-reactive to upsetting experiences Because of the length of time  and repeat nature of the traumatic events, people with Complex PTSD have the symptoms of PTSD plus other symptoms:   The most common symptom is feeling separate or disconnected from yourself! In addition to that you may:  Have a hard time managing your feelings Have negative thoughts about yourself Use copin...

Struggling with Insomnia? Causes, Solutions, and Tips for Better Sleep

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Insomnia: Causes, Solutions, and Steps to Better Sleep Did you know that approximately 1 in 3 individuals struggles with insomnia? If you have trouble sleeping, you may experience: Difficulty falling asleep Trouble staying asleep Waking up too early Restless or poor-quality sleep If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone. Insomnia can impact every aspect of your life, leaving you feeling exhausted, frustrated, and desperate for solutions. What Causes Insomnia? To effectively address insomnia, it’s essential to understand what’s causing it in the first place. Some of the most common causes include: 1. Anxiety and Depression (50-70%) Psychological factors like anxiety and depression are among the leading causes of insomnia. Racing thoughts, worry, and mood disturbances can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. 2. PTSD (50-90%) Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often experience hyper-vigilance, nightmares, flashbacks, and fear of sleep—all of which contrib...

What is PTSD? Symptoms, Causes, and How to Find Relief

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What is PTSD? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) , PTSD can affect individuals over the age of six who have directly or indirectly experienced or witnessed actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence . This exposure can occur in several ways, including firsthand experience, witnessing traumatic events, or learning about traumatic experiences of others. Individuals who experience repetitive trauma —such as those in abusive relationships or victims of human trafficking—are at an increased risk of developing PTSD. Key Symptoms of PTSD To receive a diagnosis of PTSD, symptoms must persist for at least 30 days and significantly impact a person’s daily life, work, or relationships. PTSD symptoms fall into four main categories: Re-experiencing the Trauma: Intrusive memori...