
Areas of Support
Trauma & Stress
Science-based psychological services for men in Guelph and across Ontario. We offer support for PTSD, stress, adjustment disorders, and adverse childhood events.
Trauma & Stress
Areas of Support
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What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that occurs after an individual has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. It is characterized by intense emotional distress, intrusive memories, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors. PTSD can occur after a variety of traumatic experiences, such as combat, physical or sexual abuse, natural disasters, accidents, or violent events.
Chronic PTSD (CPTSD) refers to a more severe form of PTSD, typically resulting from prolonged or repeated trauma (e.g., ongoing abuse, captivity, or childhood trauma). CPTSD includes the symptoms of PTSD but may also involve additional symptoms related to emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships.
impact
Men with PTSD may experience symptoms that include, but are not limited to: re-experiencing (flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive memories), avoidance (avoiding reminders of the trauma and emotionally detaching), hyperarousal (heightened anxiety, difficulty sleeping, irritability/outbursts of anger, being easily startled) negative thoughts and mood (feelings of hopelessness, detachment from others, memory problems, difficulty experiencing positive emotions), and emotional regulation issues (difficulty controlling emotions, leading to mood swings, outbursts, or emotional numbness). We offer formal assessments for PTSD and CPTSD.
What is an Adjustment Disorder?
An Adjustment Disorder is a mental health condition that occurs when an individual has difficulty adjusting to a significant life change or stressful event. This could be a major life transition, such as a divorce, job loss, or moving to a new location.
The stress from the event leads to emotional and behavioral symptoms that are more intense than what is typically expected.
impact
Men experiencing adjustment disorders may struggle with a multitude of manifestations that can be emotional, behavioural, physical, or even impaired functioning.
Commonly, they have difficulty coping with daily responsibilities and often start to withdraw from the regular routines of life. We offer formal assessments for Adjustment Disorders.
What is Stress?
Workplace stress can result from job-related pressures such as heavy workloads, tight deadlines, difficult colleagues, or lack of control over work tasks. It can also stem from job insecurity or lack of job satisfaction.
Family or relationship stress involves tension within family dynamics or romantic relationships. It can be caused by conflict, poor communication, unrealistic expectations, or major life transitions (e.g., parenting challenges, divorce, or caregiving responsibilities).
impact
Prolonged workplace stress can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression.
Stress in relationships often affects mental and emotional well-being, leading to frustration, resentment, and even withdrawal or emotional detachment.
Men experiencing stress or pressures in the workplace or with family or relationships can experience emotional and behavioural effects, along with physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, problems sleeping, and even heart disease.
What Are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to traumatic events experienced during childhood, which can have long-lasting effects on mental, emotional, and physical health.
These include abuse (physical, emotional, sexual), neglect (physical or emotional), and household dysfunction (e.g., domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness, or parental separation).
impact
ACEs increase the likelihood of developing mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or personality disorders. Men with a high number of ACEs are also at greater risk for chronic conditions like heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. ACEs may ultimately contribute to unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse, self-harm, or violent behavior in adulthood.
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