Edgar Tello
Licensed Professional Counselor

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects millions of people, but it is especially common among veterans, first responders, and survivors of violence or disaster. Experiences to traumatic events such as combat, critical incidents, assault, or life-threatening accidents can overwhelm the body’s natural stress responses. PTSD happens when the brain continues to react as if the threat were still present, even long after that event has passed. Trauma can occur at any age and have long term effects. Nevertheless, PTSD is treatable and recovery is possible with the right support and evidence-based care. Treatment can help a person regain control, build resilience, and reconnect with parts of life that matter the most.

Common signs and symptoms of PTSD

Intrusive Memories

• Unwanted thoughts that bring the trauma event back into a person’s mind. They can be sudden and make a person feel as if they’re reliving the event, even when knowing they are safe.
• Flashbacks, Nightmares, Distressing Thoughts

Avoidance

• Happens when a person tries to stay away from anything that reminds them of the trauma (people, places, objects, etc.)
• Avoiding reminders of the event.
• Pushing away thoughts or feelings.

Mood & Thinking

• PTSD affects how a person feels about themselves, others, and the world around them which can cause struggles in feeling joy, trust, or positive feelings.
• Feeling numb, disconnected, shame, guilt, or hopeless and negative self-beliefs.

Heightened Reactions

• Causes a person to feel constantly on edge or alert where they can feel stuck in a fight or flight state.
• Irritability, difficulty sleeping, hypervigilance, easily startled. 

When to seek help?

• Seek help immediately if there are safety concerns such as thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Dangerous or aggressive behavior being present or when using substances to cope.
• Seek help if symptoms are causing distress. Even when symptoms are “mild” therapy can help prevent them from becoming worse or severe.
• Consider getting support if work, relationships with others, school, or daily functioning is impacted.

How can PTSD be treated at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD?

• The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD offers evidence-based treatment options and compassionate care for those impacted by trauma. Contact us (713-970-7000) or visit to schedule an appointment or learn more about our PTSD support services. 
• The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD can help by providing a comprehensive, trauma-informed care pathway that can be designed to meet a person wherever they are in their recovery journey. Whether someone needs crisis intervention, specialized trauma therapy, or long-term support, the center offers services that aid individuals toward stability, safety, and renewed resilience.