Page 50 - July2021

MENTAL HEALTH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49
bile crash or other serious accident, being in the middle of a life-threatening conflict, or another act of violence that threat- ens your well-being. People with occupations that expose them to deaths or serious injuries, such as firefighters, soldiers, emer- gency medical technicians and other first responders, can also experience symptoms of PTSD.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of PTSD
Anyone who has a traumatic experience will exhibit some presymptoms of PTSD, but if these symptoms last longer than 30 days or become disruptive to your life, it’s important to seek help. The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder include:
• Vivid thoughts or flashbacks that occur when you aren’t even thinking about the event. These disturbing thoughts seem to come out of nowhere. You may also experience hor- rid nightmares that make you feel as if you are reliving the trauma all over again.
• You find yourself avoiding experiences that remind you of the trauma. For instance, if you were in a horrific automo- bile accident, you may refuse to drive. If you were a victim of incest, you may find yourself making excuses not to have intercourse with your spouse.
• Victims of PTSD may feel on edge all the time, be nervous or be constantly on the lookout for danger. This is called hy- perarousal.
• You may startle easily, have difficulty sleeping, feel irritable quite often, be moody or have problems concentrating. You may also have a very negative outlook on life.
• You may find yourself turning to drugs or alcohol or engag-
ing in reckless behavior as a way to cope with your internal
turmoil.
• You may blame yourself, feel embarrassed or be ashamed
that you can’t “get over” the trauma.
Finding treatment
Post-traumatic stress disorder can be quite debilitating and prevent you from living life in a satisfying manner. It’s also un- likely to improve if you don’t obtain professional help. Partici- pating in an effective treatment program enables you to learn to cope with the disorder, live life to the fullest and thrive!
Effective treatment options include variations of cognitive behavioral therapy, such as prolonged exposure that includes virtual reality therapy, cognitive processing therapy, stress inoc- ulation and EMDR therapy. Medications — such as antidepres- sants and anxiety medications — are also helpful.
Whether you suffer from PTSD alone, or it coexists with an addiction to alcohol or drugs, you can find effective treatment at Transformations Treatment Center. Our caring and profes- sional staff can help you cope, live and thrive with this disorder and obtain a quality of life that you once thought was impossi- ble. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Transformations is based in Florida and offers the Help for Our Heroes Program that is specifically designed for military veter- ans, police officers, corrections officers, firefighters, paramed- ics and other emergency personnel to help them cope with the problems incurred by job stress and chemical dependency. The program has successfully treated hundreds of first responders na- tionwide, helping them get back the life they deserve.
50 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JULY 2021