————_ EXERCISE 31-A HOW THE TRAUMA AFFECTS ME ‘After having been exposed to a serious threat oF actual physical trauma or abuse, many people develop a set of emotional, cognitive, or behavioral symptoms, The immediate Fesponse of fear, helplessness, ot howror offen gives way to Tingering effects that can be Intense at times and can affect your life in many We "his exoreise is dosigned to help you identify and focus on those specific symptoms of PTSD that you have experienced. | 1. Reviow the items in the two columns and put a chock mark in front of the symptoms that you have experienced since ‘the traumatic event occurred. Jntrusive thoughts/images ____ Sleep pattern abnormal ___ Disturbing dreams ____ Irritable _ Mlashbadks of the trauma “____ Poor concentration E Reminders of awn eause distress On edge & Shakes, sweats, heart racing Hasily startled “Avoid tallking about the trauma _ Sad or guilty feelings ‘Avoid trauma places/people ___ AleohoVdrug abuse ___ Amnesia regarding trauma Suicidal thoughts ____ Withdrawal from activities ___ Conflict with others “___ Feel detached from other people ___ Verbally/physically violent ___ Bmotionally numb ____ Other: iaeeceeeas Possimistic regarding future Other: _ 2, Which three symptoms that you have placed a check mark next to bavo caused You the most distress? Vee Ree ee teaeeeec erro — 346 POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)8. 4. EXERCISE 31.A How frequently does each of the symptoms that you noted in number 2 occur? When was the last occurrence of a PTSD symptom and what was that symptom? POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) 247