Not a lot of people understand that psychological trauma can be just as painful (or even more painful) than physical injuries.

Reliving your worst nightmare over and over again, frequently experiencing the urge to self-harm, and being unable to sleep at night doesn’t just sound exhausting. It is exhausting.

But for someone with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), these are common occurrences. They live in a world entirely different from ours—a world where they have to be on a constant lookout for threats and “people who want to cause them harm.”

If you suspect a loved one of having PTSD, here are a few symptoms you should observe:

They’re Hypervigilant

Your loved one gets startled easily. They’re always nervous, especially during family gatherings and where there are a lot of people.

They’re always anxious about everything and are often paranoid about people trying to “do something” to them. You’ll find them scanning their surroundings and often scream or hide when they hear a loud noise.

They Have Trouble Sleeping

Your loved one often has trouble sleeping at night. They can’t get proper rest because they have recurrent nightmares. They often wake up in the middle of the night, panting and unable to breathe.

Sometimes they’ll wake up and let out a scream. There are days they can’t sleep without the lights on.

Increased Aggressiveness and Anger Issues

People with PTSD experience mood swings and sudden changes in their personality. Your loved one used to be very patient and polite.

But now they lash out or get angry easily. You have trouble talking to them about certain issues because you’re afraid of how they might react.

They Avoid Talking About Their Feelings

Your loved one goes out of their way to avoid going to certain places or meeting certain people. They also avoid talking about certain topics and events.

Whenever there is an issue you bring up, they always reply with, “I don’t want to talk about it” or they change the subject.

There is Light at the End of The Tunnel

It’s not easy living with PTSD. Your loved one is in constant pain and are just as confused as you are when it comes to figuring out what to do.

While there are many treatments available, hypnosis has proven to be effective in helping reduce the symptoms of PTSD, and help patients manage their trauma at their own pace.

Our hypnotist, Rekha, is a certified professional who can help your loved one get a better understanding of their emotions and mental state. She can help them foster a healthy and positive subconscious mind, and manage their anxiety.

Feel free to get in touch with us to book an appointment. She is also available for Skype sessions for PTSD patients who don’t reside in Rochester.

Not ready to book an appointment? Learn how self-hypnosis can help you recover from PTSD and depression.