PTSD After Domestic Violence
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is when one person in a relationship uses abuse to control the other. This abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, or even financial. It's not just hitting or punching. It includes threats, manipulation, and isolating the person from friends and family.
Examples of Domestic Violence
Physical Abuse: Hitting, slapping, choking, or using any physical force.
Emotional Abuse: Insults, threats, constant criticism, and making someone feel worthless.
Sexual Abuse: Forcing someone to have sex or perform sexual acts against their will.
Financial Abuse: Controlling all the money, keeping the person from working, or stealing their money.
Isolation: Keeping someone away from friends, family, or other support systems.
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It can develop after experiencing a traumatic event like domestic violence. Here are some common signs and symptoms to look out for:
Intrusive Memories. Flashbacks, nightmares, and disturbing thoughts about the abuse.
Avoidance. Staying away from places, people, or activities that remind you of the trauma.
Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood. Feeling hopeless, having negative thoughts about yourself or others. You may also have memory problems, and difficulty maintaining close relationships.
Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions. Being easily startled or feeling on edge. You may have trouble sleeping, and experiencing angry outbursts or irritability.
Examples of Trauma Avoidance
Avoidance is a common symptom of PTSD where you try to stay away from anything that reminds you of the trauma. Here are some examples:
Places. Not going to locations where the abuse happened or places that remind you of the abuser.
People. Avoid people who remind you of the trauma.
Activities. Not participating in activities you used to enjoy. because they trigger memories of the trauma.
Conversations. Steering clear of talking about the abuse or anything related to it.
Thoughts and Feelings. Trying not to think about the trauma or distracting yourself to avoid the painful emotions associated with it.
How Long Does PTSD Last After Domestic Violence?
The length of time PTSD lasts varies for everyone. Some people may start to feel better within a few months, while for others, it can last for years. It depends on the individual's situation, the support they receive, and the treatments they use.
Treatments for PTSD After Domestic Violence
There are several effective treatments for PTSD. Here are a few:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This therapy helps you change negative thought patterns and behaviours. You’ll learn to challenge and replace these thoughts with more positive ones.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR helps you process and integrate traumatic memories by using guided eye movements. This can reduce the impact of traumatic memories.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). CPT helps you understand and change how you think about the trauma. It involves writing about the trauma and discussing it with your therapist.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE). PE involves gradually facing the memories and situations that you have been avoiding. By doing this in a safe environment, the fear associated with these memories decreases over time.
Remember, healing from PTSD is a journey, and it’s okay to seek help. You don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to a therapist who specializes in trauma and find the support that works best for you.
Learn more about trauma therapy and our trauma therapists. Book a free consultation with our clinic to learn more. Learn about our therapy fees.
7 Tips If You Have PTSD
If you have PTSD, here are some tips that might help you manage your symptoms and improve your well-being:
Seek Professional Help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist who specializes in PTSD. They can guide you through the healing process. There are a variety of treatments that are effective in treating PTSD.
Build a Support System. Surround yourself with understanding and supportive people. This could be friends, family, or support groups where you can share your experiences.
Practice Self-Care. Engage in activities that are important to you or help you feel relaxed. This could be things like exercise, meditation, or hobbies you enjoy. Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial.
Establish a Routine. Having a daily routine can provide a sense of normalcy and control. Plan your day with regular activities and stick to it as much as possible.
Learn Relaxation Techniques. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing can help regulate your levels of stress. Schedule your relaxation techniques so that you don’t inadvertently avoid your thoughts and feelings.
Understand Your Triggers. Identify your trauma triggers. Avoidance makes you feel good in the short term but keeps you stuck in the long term.
Educate Yourself. Learn about PTSD and its effects.
Remember, healing from PTSD is a journey, and it’s okay to seek help. You don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to a therapist who specializes in trauma. There are a variety of therapies to choose from.
Trauma & PTSD Blog Posts
Overcoming Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
Connect with a PTSD Therapist
At Virtual CBT Psychotherapy, we have a variety of trauma treatment options and therapists to choose from. Book a free consultation and our Clinical Directors will help you choose a treatment option. They will also match you with a therapist in Ontario.
