PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder that can occur after a person has seen or experienced a traumatic event that involved the threat of injury or death to themselves, actual injury to themselves or others or the death of others. It often occurs as a result of sexual abuse and/or domestic abuse. The exact cause of PTSD is unknown. There are many psychological, genetic, physical and social factors involved.
Symptoms of PTSD | PTSD Treatment in Georgia
PTSD alters the body’s response to stress and affects the stress hormones and chemicals that carry information between the nerves (neurotransmitters). Traumatic events cause PTSD in some people but not others. The reason for this is not currently known. The symptoms of PTSD can be separated into three main categories including the following:
• Reliving the event
• Avoidance, and
• Arousal
People who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder often have problems with sleep disruption and may experience recurrent dreams of the traumatic event. 
They also deal with intrusive thoughts or memories of the event or events and may experience flashbacks where they relive the event or events. They also encounter intense psychological distress and go to great efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings or conversations associated with the event. They may feel detached or estranged from others and have difficulty concentrating. Many sufferers of PSTD experience hypervigilance and have an exaggerated response to being startled.
Atlanta PTSD Treatment
PTSD is a highly complex issue with many ramifications, and counseling requires highly specialized skills and insight to optimize recovery. Dr. Karen McDonald of CCCM, Inc., and Racheal’s Rest offers individual and group counseling as well as five-day restorative retreats to help those who suffer from PTSD as a result of sexual abuse and/or domestic violence process their pain and feelings, regain their balance in life and find inner peace.
If you are suffering from PTSD, please contact our Atlanta Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Counseling Specialists today to get more information about Racheal’s Rest counseling and retreats to begin your journey to emotional health.