PTSD

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects people who see or are involved in traumatic, often life-threatening events. It was first identified in armed forces personnel returning from combat but can affect anyone who endures a distressing or terrifying ordeal. Types of experiences that can cause PTSD include:

• Severe auto accidents
• Plane and rail crashes
• Ship sinkings
• Personal assault
• Rape
• Floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters
• Terrorist attacks
• Mass shootings
• Being in a building that’s on fire or collapsed

It’s also possible to develop complex PTSD, a chronic form that results from prolonged trauma, such as ongoing childhood, spousal, and sexual abuse.

What symptoms does PTSD cause?

PTSD symptoms have four types:

Intrusive thoughts

People with PTSD find it impossible to stop replaying the trauma in their minds, even after months or years. One of the most distinctive PTSD symptoms is the flashback, a memory of your trauma so intense that you feel you’re reliving it. Flashbacks can happen at any time, usually in response to sounds, smells, or other triggers that transport you back to the event.

Negative thoughts and mood

Negative thoughts include hopelessness, worthlessness, and despair. You may suffer from survivor’s guilt, believing you don’t deserve to be alive when others have died. Depression and anxiety are common, and you may think about self-harm or suicide.

Arousal symptoms

PTSD makes you feel on edge all the time. You can’t relax, are quick to anger, and often feel frustrated and impatient. You likely jump at unexpected sounds and physical contact. The constant state of arousal leads many people to excessive alcohol consumption, drug taking, or risky activities to relieve their feelings.

Avoidance

PTSD symptoms are so distressing you may take extensive measures to avoid locations, people, or anything else that reminds you of the traumatic event. Many people refuse to talk about what happened, trying to suppress the memory.

What treatments are available for PTSD?

Best Option Behavioral Health Services combines medication with talk therapy to successfully treat PTSD.

Psychiatric drugs alter the chemicals (neurotransmitters) in your brain that regulate your mood. Talk therapy enables you to study your trauma in a safe environment so you can process its effects. Your therapist may also use techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy to help you manage anxiety and arousal symptoms.

For respectful, compassionate help with PTSD, call Best Option Behavioral Health Services today or request an appointment via the online booking form.