This page is part of Annette’s overview of PTSD and Trauma Counselling. It covers the less commonly discussed PTSD symptoms — including avoidance behaviours, emotional numbing, and physical effects that often go unrecognized.
You may find yourself:
- Feeling constantly on guard or watchful and scanning the environment for danger (hypervigilance)
- Being quick to anger
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feeling emotionally numb or shut down
- Feeling detached or disconnected from other people or isolated even when you are around others
- Losing interest in activities you previously enjoyed
- Difficulty experiencing positive emotions or having ongoing shame or guilt
- Blaming yourself for the trauma
- Believing that no one can be trusted
- Being constantly busy leaving no time to think about the trauma
- Not remembering key details of the trauma
- Having big reactions to minor reminders of the trauma
- Taking unneeded risks
- Feeling like the future is shortened
You may have PTSD when the symptoms noted above have caused significant distress impairing social and occupational functioning, or other areas of your life, and have lasted more than one month.
Not sure how to get started? Book a free 15-minute consultation with Annette Poechman.
What are the Physical Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Physical symptoms of PTSD include difficulty falling asleep, irritability, difficultly concentrating, hyper-vigilance, jumpiness, including:
- Racing or pounding heart
- Rapid or shallow breathing or feeling short of breath which may lead to dizziness
- Chest tightness or pressure
- Sweating, especially during triggers or nightmares
- Shaking or trembling
- Muscle tension, particularly in the jaw, neck, shoulders, and back which may lead to headaches or migraines
- Stomach problems, including nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain
- Changes in appetite including eating less
- Unexplained fatigue and exhaustion
- Feeling physically restless
- Feeling hot or cold suddenly, numbness or tingling
- Changes in sexual functioning or desire
- Increased sensitivity to sounds, lights, touch, or other sensations
The important thing to remember is that if you believe you have PTSD, help is readily available. Learn more about PTSD from the PTSD Association of Canada. You are not alone.
Back to PTSD Trauma Counselling.
Listening. Guiding. Caring.
