PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can lead to severe emotional distress and significant mental health challenges. Triggered by a traumatic event, PTSD affects individuals differently. Effective treatment involves complex therapies and requires a comprehensive evaluation.

To learn more, contact Hope & Heart Psychiatry or schedule a telehealth appointment online today!

What is PTSD?
PTSD is a psychiatric condition that can affect individuals involved in or witnessing a traumatic event. Many can develop this disabling condition as any event that is particularly traumatic for that individual. 

Common examples of PTSD triggers include:

• Natural disasters 
• Serious road, rail, or airplane accidents
• Terrorist attacks
• Shootings and stabbings
• Rape and other violent personal assaults

It’s also possible to develop complex (chronic) PTSD following an extended trauma, such as childhood or spousal abuse.

What effects might PTSD have on me?
PTSD has four categories of symptoms:

Intrusive thoughts

It’s common for people with PTSD to dwell on traumatic memories because they find it difficult to put them out of their minds. You might also experience vivid nightmares and have flashbacks to the event. Flashbacks are more than memories — they make you feel like you’re experiencing the event again for real.

Avoidance

To help prevent flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive memories, you might start avoiding anything that could be a reminder, including:

• People
• Places
• Activities
• Objects
• Situations

Negative thoughts and feelings

You might feel depressed or anxious and have overwhelming feelings of guilt, anger, shame, or fear. You might find it hard to trust others and feel distanced from people and activities you love.

Arousal and reactive symptoms

You might become increasingly irritable and angry or lose your temper more often. You may also feel like you’re living on your nerves, jumping at the slightest sound and having trouble sleeping.

How do I recover from PTSD?
Treating PTSD involves taking medications to reduce anxiety and depression, along with expert psychotherapy and natural remedies when appropriate. You might feel reluctant to talk about the event and your feelings, but this is an essential step in overcoming trauma.

If you believe you may be experiencing PTSD, reach out to Hope & Heart Psychiatry or schedule a telehealth appointment online today.