Helping Victims of PTSD

By Bob Cox

Was I the only one that used to think that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) only affects combat soldiers? I've just recently learned that PTSD is a condition that impacts people in all walks of life. Severe trauma can literally be experienced by anyone at anytime.

PTSD is a serious and potentially debilitating condition that is characterized by three main types of symptoms: 1. Re-experiencing the traumatic event through flashbacks or nightmares. 2. Emotional numbness and avoidance of people, places and activities that are reminders of the trauma and 3. Increased arousal, difficulty sleeping, poor concentration and being easily angered.

If you've ever experienced any kind of traumatic event, you may have PTSD. People that work in high stress occupations where trauma is commonplace (police officers, firefighters, doctors, nurses, E.M.T.’s etc.), are more prone to experiencing PTSD; however, everyone has the potential to being exposed. According to a recent study, the most common traumatic events that caused women to develop PTSD were childhood physical abuse (48.5%), being raped (45.9%), being threatened with a weapon (32.6%), sexual molestation (26.5%), being physically attacked (21.3%) and childhood neglect (19.7%). For men, the traumatic events leading to PTSD were being raped (65.0%), combat (38.8%), childhood neglect (23.9%), childhood physical abuse (22.3%) and being sexually molested (12.2%).

I recently spoke to Janina Guarino, the founder of Better Decisions Counseling Services to learn more about the services they’re providing here in Sacramento to help victims that suffer from PTSD.

Q: What are some of the most common experiences you've had helping victims of PTSD?

A: PTSD affects many people and some aren’t even aware that they have the condition. The most common problems people experience includes anxiety, depression, seeing objects, hearing voices, clostrophobia and a variety of unexplained fears. Oftentimes, they don’t understand why they’re feeling overwhelmed.

Q: Better Decisions Counseling Services is known for helping those with negative addictions. How does helping victims of PTSD fit into your umbrella of services?

A: Whenever we’re assessing someone for an addiction, we use a very detailed questionaire. Oftentimes, the causes of addiction can be traced back to one or more traumatic events. By asking our clients if they've had the symptoms of PTSD, like nightmares or sleeping problems, we’re able to get to the true source of the problem.

Q: So, are you actually uncovering the roots of the trauma that caused the addiction?

A: Yes and domestic violence is a significant contributor to PTSD. We offer co-parenting classes and family counseling that helps the families that don’t have the tools to resolve their differences peacefully.

Q: Does it usually take several counseling sessions before you discover a tragic event that has caused PTSD?

A: Yes. We are building relationships with people so that they can feel safe to discuss issues that they haven’t been able to talk about in the past.

Q: You mentioned that you've had great results helping one client in particular that has suffered for years from PTSD. Can you share that story with us?

A: Yes, one of our client’s was seeking help for anger issues at a local V. A. hospital and was advised not to come back unless he had a security escort. We chose to help him in counseling sessions and worked on his anger issues. He has grown tremendously and he continues to make an effort to create healthier relationships with his friends, his family and his past.

Q: Better Decisions will be hosting The 2nd Annual PTSD Fundraiser to help as many people as possible who suffer from this affliction. What’s do you have planned at this worthwhile event?

A: We want to build awareness of PTSD by offering our services to everyone in need, especially to people that may not be able to afford our services. Last year we helped a lot of people in our community.

Q: What kinds of activities and events do you have planned?

A: We’re doing a chili cook off, a prize giveaway and face painting for kids. We will have several sponsors at the event and they will be offering a variety of valuable products and services. Last year, we gave away a big screen TV and several gift cards!

Editors Notes: The 2^nd Annual PTSD Fundraiser event take place on Saturday, November 15, 2014 from 10 am to 3 pm. at Better Decisions Counseling Services, which is located at 10633 Rockingham Road in Sacramento.