What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a disorder in which a person has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD is very common, affecting more than three million Americans each year.
The condition may last months or years, with stressors that can bring back memories of the traumatic experience, as well as intense emotional and physical reactions.
“PTSD is not the person refusing to let go of the past, but the past refusing to let go of the person.”
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of PTSD may include nightmares or unwanted memories of the trauma, avoidance of situations that bring back memories of the trauma, heightened reactions, anxiety, or depressed mood.
Signs and symptoms of PTSD can be broken down into four categories, and may include the following:
- Behavioral: agitation, irritability, hostility, hypervigilance, self-destructive behavior, or social isolation
- Psychological: flashback, fear, severe anxiety, or mistrust
- Mood: loss of interest or pleasure in activities, guilt, or loneliness
- Sleep: insomnia or nightmares
PTSD can also cause emotional detachment or unwanted thoughts. It’s important to note that not everyone experiences all symptoms and each symptom can vary in the scale of intensity.
(Source: Mayo Clinic)
When to get help
While PTSD can be a serious illness, the good news is that treatment is available. If you or your loved one is experiencing symptoms listed above, it is important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan as soon as possible. As with physical illness, when someone has a mental illness the earlier the intervention the better the outcome.
If you are feeling suicidal and are not safe, then bypass making an appointment, and call (281) 383-9366.
How we can help
At The Woodlands Psychiatry and Counseling, we are committed to providing support for individuals with PTSD by providing the most comprehensive whole body mental health rehabilitation services available.
Our outpatient program offers a safe and compassionate environment for individuals in need of immediate care, with a focus individualized holistic mental health services, combining psychotherapy and medication management for the best outcome.
Please call (281) 383-9366 today for more information.
“Trauma creates change you don’t choose. Healing is about creating change you do choose.”
–Michelle Rosenthal
|
