Traumatic Stress

Many women are exposed to one or more traumatic events during their lifetimes. Traumatic events might include interpersonal violence (e.g., child sexual or physical abuse; adult sexual or physical assault; domestic or relationship violence; sexual harassment); crime-related assault; diagnosis of a terminal illness; sudden death of a loved one; exposure to natural disasters; life-threatening car and other accidents; war related injuries and events; and many other life-threatening or life-altering experiences. Exposure to traumatic events is often associated with a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms and actual life changes that may be extremely distressing. Women’s Mental Health Associates routinely provides consultations and treatment to women dealing with problems associated with trauma and loss such as:

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Other anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder
• Depression
• Relationship problems
• Sleep problems such as nightmares and trouble falling or staying asleep
• Sexual problems
• Sense of helplessness
• Loss of a sense of purpose and meaning in life
• Difficulty concentrating
• Trouble getting back to your usual routine
• Sense of hopelessness about the future
• Irritability and feeling little control over your emotions

For other helpful resources see:
http://www.istss.org/resources/what_is_traumatic_stress.cfm

http://www.adaa.org/GettingHelp/AnxietyDisorders/PTSD.asp

http://www.4woman.gov/violence/

http://www.4woman.gov/faq/sexual-assault.cfm

http://www.rainn.org/