What is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health issue that individuals may develop after a traumatic, sometimes life-threatening situation, like war, environmental disasters, automobile accidents, or sexual assault incidents. Most people face difficulties after that type of event. That could mean nightmares, trouble sleeping, unpleasant memories, and edginess. Usually, people start to recover after several weeks or months. For people with PTSD, issues persist for more than just a few months.
What factors dictate who gets PTSD?
PTSD can develop in anyone, not just veterans. There are several factors that impact whether or not a person gets PTSD and how severe the case may be, including:
- Intensity and duration of the traumatic event
- Getting injured during the event
- Any previous exposure to traumatic events
- Age
- Stress
Receiving the necessary social support from people around may make it less likely you will develop PTSD, but for the most part, the factors that lead to PTSD are largely out of your control.
What are symptoms of PTSD?
Typically, PTSD symptoms manifest soon after the traumatic event. However, in some cases they may not start to show up until months or even years later. They also can come and go over time.
There are four main types of PTSD symptoms:
- Negative flashbacks and nightmares; reliving the event
- Avoiding things that remind you of the event
- Increased negative feelings tied to event (shame, guilt, change in how you view others)
- Hyperarousal; being overly alert, looking for danger
Each person experiences these symptoms differently. If symptoms cause you great distress, see a medical professional to learn more about how to deal with PTSD and manage your symptoms. Often, trying to deal with these symptoms on your own can lead to unhealthy ways of coping like drug and alcohol abuse.
How do you treat PTSD?
At Uptown Psych, PTSD treatment for mild to severe cases involves over-the-counter medications and therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques. The practice’s team of skilled therapists understands the sensitive nature of this disorder and takes a full mind-body approach to combating the effects and helping you overcome the life obstacles it presents. With medication and therapeutic treatment, many people with PTSD get rid of their symptoms altogether, or minimize them enough so as not to interfere with everyday life.
