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PTSD: Signs You Might Be Living with Post-Traumatic Stress

Signs You Might Be Living with PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is more common and more complex than many people realize. While the term is often associated with military combat or severe trauma, PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a distressing event. For many, its symptoms may take root quietly, manifesting subtly but persistently in everyday life.
At Perfect Balance Psychiatric Services, we’re committed to helping individuals recognize the signs of PTSD and find a path back to mental and emotional wellness. If you’ve felt “off” or unlike yourself since a traumatic experience, understanding what PTSD looks like is the first powerful step toward healing.

What Is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a psychiatric condition that may occur after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. These events could range from:
  • Military combat
  • Physical or sexual assault
  • Childhood abuse or neglect
  • Serious accidents (like car crashes)
  • Natural disasters
  • Sudden loss of a loved one
It’s completely normal to experience emotional responses after trauma. But when those reactions persist longer than a month and begin interfering with your relationships, work, or daily life, PTSD may be the underlying cause.

Common Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

The symptoms of PTSD are grouped into four main categories. They can vary in intensity from person to person, and even fluctuate over time.

1. Intrusive Thoughts

  • Recurrent, involuntary memories of the traumatic event
  • Flashbacks where the trauma feels like it’s happening all over again
  • Nightmares or distressing dreams
  • Strong emotional or physical reactions to reminders (also called triggers)

2. Avoidance Behaviors

  • Deliberately avoiding thoughts, feelings, people, or situations linked to the trauma
  • Withdrawing from social life, friends, or activities that were once enjoyable
  • Detachment or emotional distance from others

3. Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood

  • Ongoing feelings of guilt, shame, fear, or sadness
  • Loss of interest in hobbies, passions, or life in general
  • Feeling hopeless about the future
  • Emotional numbness or difficulty forming close relationships

4. Hyperarousal and Reactivity

  • Constantly feeling on edge or easily startled
  • Trouble falling or staying asleep
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability or frequent angry outbursts
  • Heightened vigilance for signs of danger, even in safe environments
If you or someone you care about is experiencing several of these symptoms for more than a month, it may be time to consider professional help.

The Brain on PTSD: Why It’s Not “All in Your Head”

PTSD is not a character flaw, nor is it a failure to “move on.” It’s a deeply rooted neurological condition that physically alters the brain’s structure and function.
  • Amygdala: The brain’s fear center becomes overactive, triggering intense emotional reactions.
  • Hippocampus: Responsible for memory processing, it can shrink in volume, affecting how memories are stored and recalled.
  • Prefrontal Cortex: This region, which governs decision-making and emotional regulation, may become underactive, making it harder to manage stress or control emotions.
This biological basis is why PTSD can’t be “willed away.” But it can be treated with science-backed, compassionate care.
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How Perfect Balance Psychiatry Can Help

At Perfect Balance Psychiatric Services, we understand that PTSD is deeply personal, and so is recovery. That’s why we create customized treatment plans for every individual, designed to address not just symptoms, but the underlying trauma itself.

Our treatment services include:

TMS Therapy (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)

A non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation—especially helpful when medications aren’t effective.

Medication Management

Thoughtfully prescribed medications can reduce the intensity of symptoms and help restore emotional balance when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Telepsychiatry

Access expert care from the privacy and comfort of your home. Our secure virtual sessions make it easier than ever to get the help you need wherever you are.

At Perfect Balance, we don’t just treat PTSD, we support your transformation. We help you process trauma, rebuild your sense of self, and move forward with resilience and confidence.

Start Feeling Better - Call Our Office Now
(972) 781-0100

Take the First Step Toward Healing

If you recognize the signs of PTSD in yourself or someone close to you, please know this: you are not alone, and there is help available. Recovery is not only possible, it’s within reach.

At Perfect Balance Psychiatric Services, our mission is to deliver care that is compassionate, collaborative, and truly personalized. Every step of the journey, we’ll be here to guide and support you.

👉 Contact us today to schedule an appointment or request a free consultation. Let’s work together to restore your peace of mind, emotional well-being, and perfect balance.

Dr. Lubna Siddiki MD
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Dr. Lubna Siddiki MD
Dr. Lubna Siddiki is a board-certified Adult Psychiatrist. She specializes in treating adults struggling with various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more. Dr. Siddiki believes in a holistic approach to mental health treatment and works closely with her patients to develop personalized treatment plans that focus on their overall well-being. She is dedicated to helping individuals improve their behavioral health and lead fulfilling lives.