The 5 Stages of PTSD and Recovery
PTSD can be experienced in a variety of ways, and there is no one “right” way to heal from it. However, most people who have experienced trauma go through five common stages of PTSD: denial, isolation, anger, bargaining, and depression.
In the first stage of PTSD, denial, individuals may try to avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma. They may also deny that the event occurred or that it had any impact on them. This is a defense mechanism that allows people to cope with the overwhelming emotions they are feeling.
The second stage of PTSD is isolation. Individuals may withdraw from friends and family members as they try to cope with their trauma on their own. They may feel disconnected from others and feel like no one can understand what they are going through.
The third stage of PTSD is anger. Individuals may become irritable and lash out at those around them or at themselves. They may feel like they are stuck in a cycle of rage and despair with no way out.
The fourth stage of PTSD is bargaining. In this stage, individuals often try to make deals with themselves or with God in order to avoid facing the reality of their trauma head-on. They may promise themselves that they will.
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