Post-traumatic stress is the symptom of a stressful and traumatic event either witnessed, experienced personally, heard about from someone else, or re-experienced repeatedly (such as within abusive relationships or for first responders whom experience traumas multiple times a shift). At some level, when we hear of traumas we too experience a stress release caused by the trauma.

When Post-traumatic stress turns into Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is when the stress is so overwhelming that sleep, thoughts, relationships, work, and hobbies are affected. In addition to your life being uprooted because of the event, the event(s) consumes your thoughts in day to day living- it is inescapable. So, some people with overwhelming problems can turn to substances or alcohol to numb their pain and escape from their daily reality. Substance and alcohol abuse is not always a sign that post-traumatic stress is present, but because everything in the person’s life is marked and influenced by their trauma(s), the need to escape the traumas is what makes substance and alcohol such attractive outlets.

But the hope for post-traumatic stress and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is that symptoms of fear, hopelessness, sensitivity, and preoccupation will go away. Talking to your health professional (like a Primary Care Physician or Mental health practitioner) can be the best first step to find peace in light of stress and healing in light of trauma. The future does not have to be like the past, wrongs can be acknowledged and peace can swoop in so that you can engage with yourself and others in meaningful ways, that honors your experience and is not contingent on your experiences.

How do you live with or support someone with some with post-traumatic stress, is to encourage ongoing health care, including physical and mental health services like counseling and Psychiatry (a Medical Doctor who prescribes medicine to reduce symptoms of mental health concerns) or spiritual direction. Finding your own support is also crucial to helping others. For starters, you can check out my Self Care Check-Up as a way to check in with yourself. Remember, you cannot help others unless you are first secure. For more information on self-care check out: www.GraysonWallen.com/Blog/Toxic2.

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Disclaimer: Grayson’s credentials are noted in the footer below. This blog post is not intended to replace therapy or counseling services. While this post may represent psychoeducational content that brings clarity or helps you personally, Grayson encourages you to process your findings and concerns with your mental health counselor and/or other trusted people in your life. If you have questions, comments, or concerns about the content of this post, or want to start counseling please contact Grayson directly.

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