This is a psychiatric disorder that may happen in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic incident such as a natural disaster, severe accident, terrorist act, war/combat, or rape. They have also been threatened with death, sexual violence, or severe injury. PTSD can occur in people of all ages and any ethnicity, nationality, or culture.
An estimated 1 in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD in a lifetime, and approximately 3.5 percent of U.S. adults every year are affected by this condition. Women are most likely to have PTSD than men, and U.S. Latinos, African Americans, and American Indians are disproportionately affected and have higher rates of PTSD than non-Latino whites.
Individuals with PTSD have intense and disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their past traumatic experiences. Through flashbacks or nightmares, they can relive the events and feel sadness, fear, or anger. They may also feel detached or estranged from other people. People who have PTSD may avoid situations or people that remind them of the traumatic event. Also, they may have strong adverse reactions to something as ordinary as an accidental touch or loud noise.
A diagnosis of PTSD requires exposure to an upsetting event. However, the experience could be indirect rather than first-hand. For example, PTSD could occur in individuals learning about the violent death of a close family or friend. It can also occur due to repeated exposure to horrible details of the trauma, such as police officers being exposed to details of child abuse cases.
Symptoms may include being ill-tempered and having angry outbursts, behaving recklessly or in a self-destructive way, being too alert of one’s surroundings in a suspecting way, being easily frightened, having difficulty concentrating on tasks, or having sleeping problems.
PTSD often occurs with depression, substance use, memory problems, and other physical and mental health problems. For an individual to be diagnosed with PTSD, symptoms must last for more than a month and must cause significant problems in their daily actions. Many individuals develop signs within 3 months of the trauma, but these may appear later and often persist for months and sometimes years.
EMDR combines exposure therapy with a series of guided eye movements that help you process and change how you react to distressing memories.
Here at EVOLVING REFLECTIONS COUNSELING CENTER, our therapist can help you develop stress management skills that will enable you to handle stressful situations in your life better. All these approaches can help you gain control of lasting fear after a traumatic event. Our mental health professional can discuss what type of therapy or combination of treatments may best meet your needs.
While several studies indicated that Prazosin (Minipress) might reduce or suppress nightmares in some people with PTSD, a more recent study showed no benefit over placebo. However, participants in the current study differed from others in ways that could impact the results. If you’re considering Prazosin, it is best to speak with a doctor to determine whether or not their particular state might merit a trial of this medication.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of PTSD, please reach out to us. We are here to help.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying or distressing event. This can include experiences such as physical or emotional abuse, accidents, combat, or natural disasters. PTSD doesn’t just affect soldiers or those who experience physical violence—anyone who has gone through a traumatic event can develop symptoms.
Trauma, in a broader sense, refers to any event or series of events that overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope. Trauma can stem from a wide range of situations, including childhood abuse, assault, car accidents, or even the loss of a loved one. Trauma can manifest in both emotional and physical ways, leaving individuals feeling disconnected, isolated, or anxious.
PTSD and trauma can manifest in various ways, affecting emotional well-being, physical health, and relationships. Common symptoms include:
If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, seeking professional help is essential to healing.
At Evolving Reflections Counseling Center, we take a holistic approach to treating PTSD and trauma. Our therapists are highly trained in various therapeutic techniques, ensuring that every treatment plan is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Some of the treatment methods we use include:
Feature | Benefit |
---|---|
Experienced Therapists | Our counselors are licensed and experienced in trauma and PTSD care. |
Personalized Treatment Plans | We customize treatment to fit your unique experiences and needs. |
Compassionate Approach | We provide a warm, non-judgmental environment to facilitate healing. |
Confidential and Safe | All counseling sessions are private, ensuring your comfort and security. |
Flexible Appointment Hours | We offer evening and weekend appointments to fit your schedule. |
Trauma and PTSD don’t have to control your life. At Evolving Reflections Counseling Center, we are committed to providing effective counseling and therapy to help you heal. Don’t wait any longer—reach out today to begin your journey toward emotional freedom and personal growth.
Call now to schedule a consultation or learn more about how we can support you on your path to healing.
© 2024 EVOLVING REFLECTIONS COUNSELING CENTER | All Rights Reserved.