Truth That Hurts......

Trauma Symptom Checklist: Where to Begin

If you have been through a traumatic event, you may find it hard to talk about your experiences. But, it can be helpful to tell your doctor or a counselor about any symptoms you have. Witnessing or going through a trauma can lead to both emotional and physical problems.

The checklist below can be a good start to talking about your symptoms following a trauma. You can print this page, complete the checklist and show it to your doctor, therapist, or someone who can help you find care.

Sharing this information will help a health care provider know you better and plan the best treatment for you. Not everyone who goes through trauma will get PTSD, but keep in mind that good treatments are available even if you only have some PTSD symptoms.

Brief checklist of trauma symptoms

Check the symptoms below that you experience. Include symptoms you have even if you are not sure they are related to a traumatic event.

I experienced or witnessed a traumatic event during which I felt extreme fear, helplessness, or horror.

The event happened on (day/month/year) _______________.

What happened? ________________________________________.

1. I have symptoms of re-experiencing or reliving the traumatic event:
• Have bad dreams or nightmares about the event or something similar to it
• Behave or feel as if the event were happening all over again (this is known as having flashbacks)
• Have a lot of strong or intense feelings when I am reminded of the event
• Have a lot of physical sensations when I am reminded of the event (for example, my heart races or pounds, I sweat, find it hard to breathe, feel faint, feel like I'm going to lose control)

2. I have symptoms of avoiding reminders of the traumatic event:
• Avoid thoughts, feelings, or talking about things that remind me of the event
• Avoid people, places, or activities that remind me of the event
• Have trouble remembering some important part of the event

3. I have noticed these symptoms since the event happened:
• Have lost interest in, or just don't do, things that used to be important to me
• Feel detached from people; find it hard to trust people
• Feel emotionally "numb" or find it hard to have loving feelings even toward those who are emotionally close to me
• Have a hard time falling or staying asleep
• Am irritable and have problems with my anger
• Have a hard time focusing or concentrating
• Think I may not live very long and feel there's no point in planning for the future
• Am jumpy and get startled or surprised easily
• Am always "on guard"

4. I experience these medical or emotional problems:
• Stomach problems
• Intestinal (bowel) problems
• Gynecological (female) problems
• Weight gain or loss
• Pain, for example, in back, neck, or pelvic area
• Headaches
• Skin rashes and other skin problems
• Lack of energy; feel tired all the time
• Alcohol, drug, or other substance use problems
• Depression or feeling down
• Anxiety or worry
• Panic attacks
• Other symptoms such as: ______________________________

Summing it up

If you checked off some of the symptoms above, it is important for you to let your health care provider know. This information helps providers plan your medical treatment. It can also help them connect you with services you may need.

If you think you may have PTSD, print this checklist, fill it out, and take it to a health care provider, or someone you trust.

 (c) T.Vossen 2013

What Child Abuse to ME?

Truth That Hurts...... (c) T.Vossen 2013

• There are physical signs of injury, such as bruises, sores, burns, cuts, or black eyes. Such injuries may be hidden (e.g., behind sunglasses or 
• with clothing)
• The victim makes implausible excuses for injuries or absences ("I fell down the stairs").
• The victim displays personality changes (angry, depressed, moody, defensive, etc.)
• The victim becomes withdrawn, or suddenly fearful.
• The victim becomes depressed, or more irritable or agitated than normal.
• The victim has difficulty sleeping at night, or may display excessive tiredness (can be a symptom of depression)
• The victim's appetite changes for better or worse. Weight loss or gain may occur (can be a symptom of depression).
• The victim's self-esteem lowers.
• The victim is distracted and has difficulty concentrating.
• The victim neglects hygiene (becomes smelly, goes unwashed; may be an attempt to ward off a sexual predator if a child, or as a consequence of depression).
• Changes are noted in the victim's personal appearance or in the appearance of his or her home or living environment.
• The victim complains of pain in the genital region (more common in children).
• For older children and adults, the victim 'acts out', becoming sexually promiscuous, and/or using drugs.
• Elders may display confusion
• 

Who is the Rothschild's and how far do they date back?

Truth That Hurts......

 (c) T.Vossen 2013

Contraception Part 2

Truth That Hurts......




Contraception