Common Symptoms of PTSD
Traumatic experiences usually result in feelings of fear, anger, sorrow, and other negative emotions. Typically, these emotions resolve with time, but sometimes negative feelings don’t go away after the traumatic event. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arises when the emotions related to the event lead to ongoing symptoms that interfere with your daily life, work, or personal relationships.
Many people associate PTSD with combat experience, but any trauma can lead to PTSD. Examples of trauma include:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual assault
- Domestic violence
- Disasters, such as fire or earthquakes
- Automobile accidents
- Childhood neglect
- Witnessing violence or a traumatic event can also cause PTSD. The coronavirus pandemic is an example of an extended traumatic experience.
How We Treat PTSD
Our providers take a whole-person approach to PTSD treatment. Through therapy and medication management, we help you regain emotional control and restore physical wellness. We help you process the emotions around your traumatic experience, and help you understand the relationship between your body and your feelings. Understanding this relationship allows you to integrate the painful experience, so it remains in your past rather than affecting you in the present. Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and other forms of psychotherapy can guide you through memories of traumatic events, gradually explore them, understand the effect on thoughts and behaviors, and diminish troubling reactions.
Our providers also use mindfulness techniques, such as breathing exercises or meditation, to help you learn to relax and stay present during challenging moments. We may also recommend regular exercise and other lifestyle changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone can develop PTSD after experiencing trauma, but factors such as a history of mental health issues, the intensity and duration of the trauma, and lack of social support can increase the risk.
While PTSD may not be “cured” in the traditional sense, many individuals can manage their symptoms effectively through treatment, leading to improved quality of life and the ability to cope with past trauma.
Medications are not always required to treat PTSD, as some individuals may benefit significantly from therapy alone, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). However, for others
The number of mental health visits required to feel better from bipolar varies greatly among individuals, depending on factors such as the severity of the condition, the type of therapy used, and personal circumstances. It’s essential to work closely with a mental health professional to create a tailored treatment plan.
Take the Next Step to Control PTSD
If PTSD is impacting your everyday life, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Get in touch to arrange a consultation and begin your journey to managing PTSD.
