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What is ptsd?
PTSD is a form of anxiety that develops after you witness or experience a traumatic event, such as a serious accident, violent personal assault, rape, combat, or a terrorist act. PTSD causes your memories of that event to become intrusive and uncontrollable. They create intense and disturbing thoughts, feelings, and memories long after the trauma ends. Those thoughts and emotions ultimately disrupt your ability to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
People who are looking for post-traumatic stress disorder treatment often deal with intrusive thoughts and feelings. You don’t sleep well. Nightmares and flashbacks become a new normal. Besides that, you feel so alone because nobody else understands what you’re going through.
PTSD treatment is an alternative to continuing the daily struggle. Finding treatment can also help you prevent a substance abuse problem from developing. Moreover, it’s possible to restore your ability to function normally and interact with others. In fact, good-quality treatment may be your key to living a fulfilling life.
Anyone can develop PTSD. It’s also important to remember that trauma is relative and that everyone has a unique response. You may have a shared experience with others, but they may not respond the same way that you do.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD causes four categories of symptoms including intrusive thoughts, avoidance, negative thoughts and feelings, and arousal.
Intrusive thoughts are repeated, involuntary, and may present as daytime memories or flashbacks and nightmares while you’re sleeping. Flashbacks and nightmares are often so vivid that you feel like you’re reliving your trauma.
If you stay away from places, people, and situations that trigger your memories and intrusive thoughts, you are displaying avoidance behaviors. You may also refuse to talk about the event and try to suppress your thoughts and feelings.
Negative thoughts or feelings are a common PTSD symptom. You develop distorted and negative beliefs about yourself and others. You may also have persistent anger, shame, guilt, or fear. It’s also common to have decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities and to detach from your friends and family.
Arousal symptoms include increased irritability, feeling on edge, or angry outbursts. You may also be easily startled or have trouble falling or staying asleep.
HOW PTSD TREATMENT WORKS
Well-meaning friends or family members told you to stop thinking about the event. They ask you to think about all the good things that the future holds. Above all, they don’t understand the unwanted memories, upsetting nightmares, and recurrent thoughts that you deal with. At Therapy Studio, we do.
We won’t tell you to stop thinking about something because we know you would if you could on your own. We also understand that this may not be your first time talking to a therapist, but that the last attempt wasn’t successful for you. Targeted post-traumatic stress disorder treatment is different.
Experts realize that it frequently takes a multi-pronged approach to help you process the event and move forward. Because of this understanding, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
When Should I get Treatment?
Who qualifies for PTSD treatment? If a traumatic event from the past is affecting your quality of life, then you may be a good candidate. For some, symptoms of the condition have been gradually worsening for months or even years. Most importantly, they could be adversely affecting your ability to function and even your health.
You don’t have to keep suffering. Trauma therapists are ready to meet you where you’re at and help you take your first steps forward. They care about your well-being, health, and comfort.
Treatment equips you with the tools you need to handle triggers and stressors in healthier ways. We can’t undo what happened to you. That said, we can work with you to deal with what happened and then assist you with its various manifestations. Examples include personal relationships, life choices, and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
To schedule an appointment call 815-515-0010 or contact us through the online form.
We won’t tell you to stop thinking about something because we know you would if you could on your own. We also understand that this may not be your first time talking to a therapist, but that the last attempt wasn’t successful for you. Targeted post-traumatic stress disorder treatment is different.
Experts realize that it frequently takes a multi-pronged approach to help you process the event and move forward. Because of this understanding, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
