June is�PTSD�(posttraumatic stress disorder) awareness month. PTSD is a disorder that can develop after one is in or exposed to a traumatic event. Some of the most common signs are:

1. Intense distress at reminders of the trauma
2. Easily irritable or aggressive behavior
3. Feeling over-alert or on guard, being easily startled
4. Difficulty concentrating
5. Trouble falling or staying asleep, and/or nightmares about the event

These usually begin within a week to 3 months after the trauma and for some people, the symptoms resolve on their own with some time. For others, the symptoms persist and become a chronic condition that doesn�t resolve itself without treatment. Luckily, there are treatment options.�EMDR (eye movement desensitzation and reprocessing)�and�RTM (reconsolidation of traumatic memories protocol)�are quite effective. These help the brain reorganize how it stores the traumatic memory, doing so in a way that causes little to no distress in the future.

Sometimes people are unaware that what they have experienced qualifies as trauma. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed our lives overnight, and changed our sense of safety in the world. That would fit the definition of trauma, as well as physical and sexual assault, emotional abuse, childhood neglect, car accidents, witnessing another go through a trauma etc.

The best way to know if you�re dealing with�PTSD�is to have an assessment with a mental health professional. There are various interventions as well as medications and lifestyle changes that can help you cope and lead a fulfilling, more peaceful life.

�Ilse Burton