— There are positive and negative emotional memories for everyone, but PTSD memories are usually laden with fear, pain, and anger. It could be as simple as shopping in a store when you suddenly feel disconnected from your surroundings and have an image, feeling or body sensation similar to when the trauma happened. You can't concentrate on work, interact with people, or just feel "normal" due to these intrusive experiences or "flashbacks." Nightmares can happen as well, but they're not always the same. There are times when nightmares can be symbolic and have themes like unprocessed trauma.
People with PTSD usually try to avoid anything or anyone that might trigger their trauma. A person or place, a situation, an activity, a feeling, a memory, or a thought can all be avoided. Additionally, you might notice that you don't enjoy engaging with others or doing things you enjoyed in the past. In turn, people with PTSD might have relationship problems and feel far from their loved ones. You might even have trouble accessing loving feelings for your partner or kids.
Other symptoms of PTSD include irritability, anger outbursts, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty concentrating. As you become hypervigilant, you may become constantly aware of what is going on around you. It is common for some people to increase their alcohol consumption or drug use. It is common for some to engage in risky behaviors, such as driving at high speeds or being promiscuous.
Although PTSD has a devastating effect on people, there is good news: it can be treated.
Valeria interviews Victoria Byler — She is a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC), licensed in the state of Ohio (USA).
She is a certified grief provider, certified dialectical behavioral therapist, EMDR certified therapist and EMDR consultant in-training (full consultant in July) with a certification in expressive arts. Additionally, she is a Reiki Level 2 certified. Victoria is the founder of REVIVE COUNSELING LLC. She is an avid learner and passionate about guiding others through their healing process through holistic trauma responsive modalities! Also, she is a lover of pitbulls, indoor bouldering, and hiking!
To learn more about Victoria Byler and her work, please visit: https://www.revivecounselingllc.online/
— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.
