- Gonzalo Laje
National PTSD Awareness Month | June
From the Director's Desk
June is National PTSD Awareness Month. Although it is more common in veterans, anyone can develop PTSD. We are here to help you understand the signs and symptoms of PTSD and can talk through how to get support that you or a loved one needs.
PTSD Awareness Month
Dr. Jaclyn Halpern and Becca Liberty, MS discuss PTSD and some signs and symptoms in adults as well as in children and teens.
Most people will experience trauma at some point during their lifetime. For some, the psychological impact of experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event results in the development of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Rates of PTSD are highest amongst veterans and first responders who are more likely to both experience and witness traumatic events. However, anyone who experiences trauma, including physical, psychological, or emotional abuse; sexual violence; serious accident or injury; natural disaster; or abrupt major life change or loss, can develop PTSD.
Individuals experiencing PTSD have intense, distressing feelings and thoughts related to their experience that persist long after the event had ended. Some signs of PTSD include:
· Experiencing persistent feelings of anger, sadness, fear, guilt, or shame
· Inability to remember important aspects of the event
· Re-living the experience involuntarily through nightmares or flashbacks
· Going out of the way to avoid potential triggers or reminders of the event
· Becoming irritated easily or experiencing outbursts of anger
· Changes in mood including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mood swings
· Being overly watchful of surroundings
· Having strong negative reactions to things like loud noises, crowds, or accidental touch
· Distancing from other people, including close family members and friends
· Acting recklessly or in a self-destructive way
· Difficulty concentrating
· Changes in sleeping
· Changes in eating and/or weight
· Increased feels of shame and decreased self-esteem
· Feelings of hopelessness and/or helplessness
· Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
· Emotional numbing
· Becoming jumpy, on edge, or quick to startle or frighten
· Physical symptoms like headaches or stomachache's
· Thoughts of suicide
Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Have you tried antidepressants and talk therapy while still experiencing symptoms of depression? Call us to schedule a TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) consultation. TMS therapy is covered by most insurance plans. For more information visit our TMS page.
The Black Woman’s Guide to Overcoming Domestic Violence
Shout out to WBMA's
Shavonne J. Moore-Lobban, Ph.D., ABPP, board-certified and licensed psychologist, and Robyn L. Gobin, Ph.D., licensed psychologist, for publishing their book- The Black Woman’s Guide to Overcoming Domestic Violence.
Upcoming Patient Survey
Patient Survey coming soon…We care about your satisfaction with our office and the support we provide. We would love to hear from you. WBMA will be sending a patient survey later this month. Participation is voluntary and all answers are anonymous and confidential.