PTSD can profoundly impact your life, but healing is possible. Our PTSD recovery program offers compassionate support and evidence-based therapies to help you reclaim your well-being and build a brighter future. Take the first step towards recovery today.
Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Did you know?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops over time after a person experiences exposure to an event that is more significant than a usual, everyday stressor. It can happen to anyone at any age. People with PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they are not in danger.
According to the National Center for PTSD: (PTSD.VA.gov)
- About 6 of every 100 people in the United States will experience PTSD at some point in their lives
- Women (8%) are more likely to be diagnosed than men (4%)
- In 2020, approximately 13 million Americans had PTSD
- Veterans are more likely to develop PTSD than civilians. Veterans who deploy to a war zone are more likely to develop PTSD than those who do not deploy.
The Symptoms of PTSD
Common traumatic events can include, but are not limited to:
- Exposure to a traumatic event(s) where the person:
- directly experienced the traumatic event(s)
- witnessing, in person, the event(s) as it occurred to others
- learning that a traumatic event occurred to a family member or close friend
- violent death of a friend or family member
Some symptoms of PTSD can include: (DSM-5)
- Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of the traumatic event(s)
- Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the event(s)
- Recurrent dreams related to the event(s)
- Flashbacks
- Difficulty sleeping
- Avoiding distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about the event(s)
- Avoiding other people related to the event(s)
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies, activities—friends and family members can also observe this
- Inability to express positive emotions
- Persistent negative emotions
- Difficulty sleeping (too little or too much)
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Problems concentrating
- Exaggerated startle response
What are the Risk Factors?
If trauma is left untreated it can lead to a range of negative consequences both psychological and physical.
Here are some of the potential impacts:
Psychological Effects
-
Depression and Anxiety
Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety are common -
Substance Abuse
Individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their feelings -
Suicidal Thoughts
The overwhelming nature of untreated trauma can lead to suicidal ideation -
Difficulty in Relationships
Trauma can affect trust and intimacy, leading to strained relationships
Physical Effects
-
Chronic Health Issues
Long-term stress from untreated trauma can lead to conditions like cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, and gastrointestinal issues. -
Sleep Disturbances
Insomnia or nightmares are common, which can further impact overall health. -
Weakened Immune System
Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses.
Behavioral Effects
-
Aggression and Anger
Difficulty managing emotions can result in increased anger and aggression. -
Avoidance Behaviors
Individuals might avoid places, people, or activities that remind them of the trauma, which can limit their daily functioning.
What is the Treatment?
Treating trauma effectively often involves a combination of therapies tailored to the individual’s needs.
Some of the most widely recognized and effective treatments include:
Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): You have an automatic thought. That thought produces an emotion. As humans, our emotions can affect how we act. Once you recognize the thought and emotion associated with that thought, you usually have several choices to make, which can lead to consequences of your behavior. CBT aims to change the thought(s) to more productive and more helpful consequences.
-
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) (DBT):
This therapy uses guided eye movements to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact. - Psychodynamic Therapy: Focuses on understanding and resolving the emotional conflicts stemming from the trauma.
Medication Management
- Antidepressants: Certain medications can help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety associated with trauma.
- Anti-Anxiety Medications: Helps manage anxiety disorders and panic attacks.
- Other: Additional medications may be used to treat nightmares and sleep disturbances related to PTSD.
Other Approaches
- Somatic Therapies: These focus on the connection between the mind and body, helping individuals release trauma stored in the body through physical activities and mindfulness.
- Group Therapy: Provides a supportive environment where individuals can share experiences and coping strategies with others who have similar experiences.
Combining these treatments can often yield the best results. At Desert Star we provide group therapy three to four times per week along with individual therapy and medication management handled by our dedicated team of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners. Seeking help from a mental health professional is a crucial step towards recovery. If you are ready to learn more about how we can help you give us a call today! We would be honored if you chose Desert Star to support you on your journey to recovery.
This is your journey
and we are here to help you every step of the way.
Ready for Change?
Take the First Step
Toward a Brighter Tomorrow
Begin Your
Journey Today!
Get the help you need without putting your outside commitments on hold! We individualize treatment for every client and can combine groups from different programs to suit your unique needs. We offer varying levels of structure and support, from partial hospitalization to intensive outpatient to once-weekly outpatient groups.
