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Trauma vs. stress: What you need to know

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Bad things happen in life. When they do, it can feel like everything changes. Trauma can affect how you experience your relationships, job, sleep, and more. Usually, these changes are temporary. Things go back to normal in time. Other times, mental health symptoms last. It can start to feel like they’ve changed who you are.

Many of the typical symptoms following a traumatic experience are related to stress. Post-traumatic stress syndrome, or PTSD, may be diagnosed when symptoms stemming from a trauma are severe and go on longer than a month. PTSD is sometimes described as a state where your body and mind are constantly in “fight or flight” mode.

But trauma symptoms are different from other types of stress you might feel, like stress caused by pressure at work or a big change in your life.

Symptoms of trauma-related stress can include:

  • Being easily startled or frightened
  • Always on guard for danger
  • Falling into self-destructive behaviors, like drinking too much or driving too fast
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior
  • Overwhelming guilt or shame

If you or someone you care about is experiencing these types of symptoms, treatment can help.

Freespira treats trauma symptoms and panic attacks. Freespira uses a device that trains people to breathe in a way that can prevent or stop symptoms in just 4 weeks. All equipment is provided, and treatment can be done right at home.

To find out if Freespira is right for your symptoms, try the online survey.

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