What is PTSD? Learn more about post-traumatic stress disorder by reading our latest article below.
Post-traumatic stress disorder develops as a result of witnessing or experiencing severe trauma. The effects of PTSD can occur immediately after your experience, or they can develop over time. Symptoms of PTSD usually occur as a result of PTSD triggers.
Triggers are events, people, places, or situations that you consciously or subconsciously associate with the trauma. For something to trigger symptoms, a person needs to make a psychological connection with the trauma. As a result, a person may avoid particular situations, people, places, or events because of the association.
Types of PTSD Triggers
What is PTSD? It is a condition that is brought on by psychological connections known as triggers.
There are two main kinds of PTSD triggers: Internal and external.
Internal Triggers
An internal trigger is a tension you may feel as a result of your trauma. Internal triggers can include memories, emotions, physical sensations, or thoughts that race inside you. Internal triggers do not have to be provoked. You can be in any situation, and suddenly, your mind will recall the trauma for no apparent reason. Internal triggers may include:
- Rage or anger
- Depression or uncontrollable sadness
- Intense memories you can’t seem to get out of your head
- Feeling insecure or vulnerable
- Feeling isolated or lonely
- Turning to alcohol or drugs to self-medicate
External Triggers
External triggers are psychological connections that you make with situations, environments, people, or events. These connections may be real or imagined. For instance, you may walk into a building and smell a certain aroma and instantly remember your trauma. External triggers may include:
- Sensory triggers such as sight, taste, smell, or touch
- Seeing a story on the news that is similar to your trauma
- A holiday or calendar date
- A specific environment such as a home, school, work, or a store
- Seeing someone that reminds you of the trauma
Identifying Your Triggers
As more time passes from the date of your trauma, you may not identify the connection between the trauma and your PTSD triggers. Therefore, if something makes you anxious, then you may not know why.
There are some ways you can tell if something is triggering your PTSD. For instance, you may want to assess your situation, the emotions you are feeling, thoughts that are racing through your mind, or even how you are feeling.
Treatment for PTSD Triggers
A PTSD treatment center in Illinois offers a safe and encouraging environment where you can address your PTSD and learn to manage your triggers. There is an array of therapy and treatment plans available to you so that you can get the right help. Some of the programs available to you include:
- Outpatient mental and behavioral health services
- Depression or anxiety therapy
- Medication therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Group support
- Trauma-informed therapy
What is PTSD? Learn More at Northern Illinois Recovery Center
If you are currently suffering from PTSD or asking yourself, what is PTSD, there is help available at our PTSD treatment center in Illinois. Northern Illinois Recovery Center provides a comprehensive program to help you with your PTSD triggers. To find out more, call us at 855.786.1978. We are here to help you overcome your PTSD and lead a healthier, happier life.
