Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that people sometimes develop in response to a traumatic event. The disorder often causes symptoms such as avoidance, intrusive thoughts, and flashbacks.

There are a variety of reasons a person can develop PTSD, but this mental health concern is one that can be best treated when it’s clearly understood.

Unfortunately, some people who live with PTSD think that they can never recover from their symptoms because they cannot erase the trauma. Sagent Behavioral Health wants any such person to know that there is hope. Mental health care providers can help you reduce symptoms of PTSD or even make a full recovery.

Signs & Symptoms of PTSD

While people often associate PTSD with combat veterans, they are not the only people who can develop the disorder. Anyone who experiences trauma is at risk for PTSD. The key risk factor is experiencing a triggering event, but not everyone with trauma will develop PTSD.

Here are some examples of symptoms of PTSD:

Intrusive thoughts or memories of the event
Flashbacks – feeling as if the traumatic event is happening all over again
Nightmares – scary dreams about the trauma
Avoiding places that remind the person of their trauma
Depression – Some people who have PTSD have a sense of hopelessness after trauma
Isolation – A person, might retreat from friends and family after experiencing a traumatic event
Irritability – Feeling irritable is common for survivors of trauma
Angry outbursts – Someone who has suffered a traumatic event may feel out of control at times and lash out at others as a result.

What Can Trigger PTSD?

Possible triggers include:

Witnessing or being the victim of a violent crime
Being affected by a natural disaster
Witnessing or being the victim of a terrorist attack
Being in or witnessing a serious car accident
Train derailments, plane accidents, or other disasters
The sudden death of a loved one
Any other kind of violence or gore

Therapy Can Help

PTSD is treatable, and you’re not alone. The American Psychological Association and the National Center for PTSD recommend several effective therapies, including two we offer at multiple locations:

Prolonged Exposure (PE) gradually helps you face trauma-related memories and situations in a safe environment, reducing their power over your daily life.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) uses guided eye movements while processing trauma memories to reduce their emotional intensity.

Ready to take the next step? Request an appointment online or call 1-844-NYSTROM today.