The Internal Turmoil of Post-Traumatic Stress

When we think about stressors, many of us might jump straight to the obvious—like death, retirement, or moving. But let’s pause for a second. What if I told you that one of the most profound stressors could actually be brewing right inside of us? Yep, I’m talking about post-traumatic stress.

It’s easy to confuse external circumstances with internal turmoil. Yet, here’s the kicker: post-traumatic stress (PTS) serves as a prime example of an internal distress stressor. You know what that means? It stems not from what happens to us on the outside but from how we process those experiences within. It’s our brain’s reaction to trauma and those gut-wrenching memories—be it from a past accident, combat experience, or even emotional trauma.

Think of it this way: while external events like moving to a new city or the death of a loved one can trigger stress responses, the real struggle often comes from within us. When someone experiences PTS, it’s like living in a shadow of anxiety, depression, or terrifying flashbacks. It can leave one feeling isolated, as if they’re trapped inside a glass box where everyone outside can see them, but no one can truly comprehend what’s happening inside.

The fascinating part? Those who experience post-traumatic stress often undergo a complex emotional landscape filled with varying degrees of numbness, fear, and overreactions. A loud noise or a sudden touch might send their heart racing, making the mundane feel dangerous. How does one adjust to this? It really requires an understanding of both oneself and the patterns that come with these emotional responses. And that’s where the work begins.

Now, let’s not ignore the other stressors. Retirement or losing someone dear can certainly shake us to our core, can’t it? They represent profound life changes that challenge our very sense of self. And let’s be real—navigating a move can feel like a whirlwind, especially when you add new schools, neighbors, and job markets into the mix. But the key difference with these examples is that they often highlight external changes that impact us, while PTS digs deeper into our psyche.

Understanding the dichotomy between internal and external stressors isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s fundamental for anyone preparing to become a Certified Addiction Counselor. Your ability to discern where stress arises from can shape your approach to helping clients navigate their inner battles.

When clients walk into a counselor’s office with PTS, they might be battling an array of psychosocial struggles. Being equipped to recognize and address those internal triggers gives you a distinct advantage in their healing journey. It’s not just about treating the symptoms; it’s about guiding them through their mental hurdles while empowering them to reclaim their narrative.

So, as you delve into the world of addiction counseling, keep these internal experiences in mind. Each story and every struggle your future clients bring will weave a unique tapestry of human experience. You’ll find that this understanding fosters not only compassion but also equips you with practical skills to address these complex, layered issues. The next time someone mentions stress, gently remind them to look inside; sometimes the most significant battles are the ones we can’t see.