We are excited to welcome special guest blogger Julia McLaughlin, M.A. to our blog. Enjoy her first post:
Curious if you have PTSD? Here are some quick questions to consider!
Sometimes it is difficult to tease out the facts. Information is abundant, but not all of it is correct. When it comes to practically understanding ost-Traumatic Stress Disorderit is important to know facts from fiction.
This is your life. You have to figure out whether the incidents in your past are truly impacting your present, and impeding your future. You are responsible to determine whether or not you are experiencing difficulties.
Top 10 Questions to consider:
1. Do you prefer to not discuss the events of the past?
2. Do you try to avoid similar sorts of jobs, situations, activities, or events?
3. Do you find yourself with a super-ability to tolerate similar difficult situations, often impressing yourself and others?
4. In spite of your best efforts, do you find yourself caught up in thinking about the negative parts of the past events?
5. Do you sometimes dream about what happened, remembering the events vividly (even with changes in the story, ending, or people)?
6. Does your anger get the best of you, more than usual, hurting the ones who love you?
7. Do you use drugs (illegal or prescription) or alcohol help you cope with stressful feelings?
8. Do you find yourself on edge? Easily startled? Quickly irritated?
9. Do you feel guilty or ashamed about your behavior, often feeling enslaved to your reactions?
10. Does the prospect facing the pain of the past make you nervous, hopeless, or self-destructive?
If you answered ‘no’ to 5 or more of the questions above, it is likely that PTSD is not an issue for you. Your relationships are good. You have support. You’re not being haunted by the excessively ridiculous circumstances you endured. You are likely doing pretty well.
On the other hand, if this questionnaire is a snapshot of your life right now, know you are not alone. There is hope and help available. You have earned the right to obtain appropriate care. Don’t go at this by yourself. Get the services you need to move on to a happy, safe, and peaceful life.
If you are a Veterans who have PTSD and would like to know more about legal representation, give our office a call today for a free consultation. 1-877-526-3457. Fill out this form, and we will be happy to give you a call.
Information about our Guest blogger:
Julie is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary. She is licensed by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Her practice includes individual counseling, EMDR therapy, adolescent counseling, couples and marriage therapy, and group therapy. Since 1988, Julie has worked in a variety of counseling and pastoral care venues. She has developed support group curriculum addressing issues of parenting difficult children, overcoming grief and loss, and managing fear and anxiety. Working with Support and Recovery at Vineyard Columbus, Julie volunteers by helping train program teachers and leaders. Past Secretary of the Board for the Ohio Association of Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling (OASERVIC), Julie has also served as Vice President of Beauty For Ashes Ministries, an organization addressing healing of sexual abuse victimization in religious environments. Currently a member of the American Psychiatric Association, American Counseling Association, Ohio Counseling Association, and the National Association of Christian Counselors, Julie is also available for public speaking on a variety of topics. If you would like to know more about Julia, be sure to check out her website.
