- POSTED ON
- January 17, 2018
- BY GROWTH EXTENDED
Many people associate PTSD with something that only occurs in combat military veterans, but in fact 7.8% of all Americans suffer from this disorder. PTSD results from a catastrophic or natural event – this can include combat situations, personal assault, sexual violence, accidents and natural disasters. Sufferers can have flashbacks, emotional numbness and insomnia.
Why is PTSD Hard to Treat?
What makes this mental disorder even more challenging and hard to treat is how it affects the brain. Not only does trauma disable normal brain functioning but the experience of the traumatic event involves most of the senses. This means the event is stored in multiple regions of the brain making it even more difficult to address.
Four Major PTSD Symptoms
If you think your traumatic event might have caused PTSD, these four main signs might help you decide if you need to seek help:
- Reliving the event
- Avoiding situations that remind you of the event
- Having more negative feelings than before
- Hyperarousal – feeling jittery or always alert
Additional Signs
PTSD sufferers also experience:
– Hopelessness
– Depressed feelings
– Anxiety
– Drinking or drug problems
– Physical pain
– Employment problems
– Relationship problems
For more information about the symptoms of PTSD, please review our article: Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: What to Look For.
Treatment Options
Many types of treatments are available including various therapies and medications. Trauma-focused psychotherapies are highly recommended. Some involve visualizing, talking or thinking about the traumatic memory, or even writing out the event. Prescription medications are usually a type of antidepressant. Because so many options are available, the most important thing is to be sure your treatment is personalized to what suits you best.
Goals of Therapy
Regardless of the approach you and your medical professional take, therapy has three main goals for your PTSD recovery:
- Improving your symptoms
- Teaching you skills to deal with your PTSD
- Restoring your self-esteem
Find Your Best Treatment
Seeking treatment can be an uncomfortable idea, but it’s important as it will offer you the opportunity to improve your symptoms and have a better quality of life. Growth Extended will be sure your PTSD treatment program is tailored specifically to your needs. Contact us today and get a start on the recovery process.
- POSTED IN PTSD