PTSD Treatment

PTSD can present in many ways and doesn’t necessarily follow the same pattern for everyone, as people respond differently to trauma and feelings about these upsetting events. However, below is some information on symptoms and some common ones that people with PTSD experience.

Re-Experiencing Symptoms

Re-experiencing symptoms are some of the most common and well-known symptoms of PTSD. They include:

• Flashbacks
• Recurring memories
• Nightmares
• Disturbing thoughts

Avoidance Symptoms

Avoidance symptoms are another common category of PTSD symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. Common ones include:

• Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind them of the trauma
• Refusing to discuss or think about the negative thoughts related to the traumatic event
• Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected from others

Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms

Arousal and reactivity symptoms can manifest in numerous ways, often causing a person to feel on edge. These may include:

• Sleep problems
• Feeling easily startled
• Tension or hypervigilance
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sudden bursts of anger
• Irritability
• Hypervigilance and feeling constantly on guard
• Difficulty concentrating or staying focused

Cognition and Mood Symptoms

Cognition and mood symptoms refer to the ways trauma can alter a person’s thoughts, emotions, and overall mental state. Some ways this shows up include:

• Memory gaps related to the traumatic event
• Negative self-beliefs or worldview
• Persistent shame, guilt, or blame
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Difficulty experiencing positive emotions

If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or someone you care about, consider speaking with a mental health professional to explore PTSD treatment.

Examples of Traumatic Events That Can Lead To PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can arise after any event that leaves someone feeling fear or being overwhelmed. Below are common scenarios that may lead to PTSD:

• Surviving or witnessing a violent crime
• Experiencing military combat
• Living through a severe natural disaster, such as an earthquake or hurricane
• Being in a serious car accident or plane crash
• Being a victim of physical or sexual assault
• Experiencing childhood abuse

Sometimes, a person can develop PTSD from multiple smaller but distressing experiences rather than a single traumatic event. This might include:

• Repeated Bullying or Teasing: Even if it doesn’t involve physical harm, constant name-calling or mockery can wear down someone’s self-esteem and sense of safety, causing a person to develop PTSD.
• Ongoing Emotional Neglect: Feeling ignored or dismissed by a parent, partner, or authority figure can lead to feelings of worthlessness and lack of control, eventually manifesting as PTSD.
• Regular Exposure to Conflict: Being around arguments or hostile behavior in the home or community, even if not directed at you, can slowly raise stress levels and instill fear or anxiety.
• Long-Term Medical Illness: Living with a chronic medical illness can be physically and emotionally draining, causing significant stress and trauma over time. This can result in the development of PTSD.

Over time, these smaller events add up. This accumulation of stress can lead to hyper-vigilance, flashbacks, and other signs of PTSD, similar to those prompted by a single, more significant crisis.

If you or someone close to you has gone through a traumatic incident like this, it’s essential to reach out for PTSD treatment as soon as possible.

If you or someone you love has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there are different types of therapy and support available to help with the healing process.

Cognitive Processing Therapy

Cognitive processing therapy is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people with PTSD identify and change negative beliefs related to trauma. This type of PTSD treatment can help them look at deep feelings of shame or guilt that stem from the traumatic event. Over time, individuals learn to replace unhealthy thought patterns with more positive ways of thinking.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy

Prolonged exposure therapy involves having a person safely confront the memories and situations they are afraid of or avoid due to the trauma. Therapists sometimes use virtual reality or guided imagery to simulate environments connected to the incident until the person is ready to face it in real life.

This process reduces the power these memories have by helping people realize they can manage their reactions. People often report less anxiety and fewer triggers after participating in this form of therapy.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

TF-CBT is used for children and adolescents. It combines standard cognitive-behavioral methods with a trauma-sensitive focus. It involves working with the young person and their caregivers to learn new coping skills and gain an understanding of the event. 

The goal of this PTSD treatment is to help children process what happened in a healthy, secure environment. By including parents or guardians in trauma-focused CBT, families can also learn how to respond effectively and maintain consistency at home.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR helps the brain process traumatic memories by using guided eye movements. During therapy sessions, individuals focus on their traumatic experiences while moving their eyes side to side, similar to the motion of REM sleep. Over multiple sessions, the most painful memories become less intense. For some people, this could happen in a few weeks or a month, while other people might need much more than a month of treatment.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, EMDR has been evaluated in many clinical trials, research studies, and academic papers, receiving formal approval from the World Health Organization.

Group Therapy

During group counseling, patients can speak openly about their trauma, surrounded by people who truly understand what they’re dealing with. Hearing different stories makes them realize they’re not alone in their feelings and reactions. 

The supportive setting can boost self-esteem and encourage patients to share coping strategies. This sense of community can reduce feelings of isolation and lead to healing. 

Family Therapy

PTSD doesn’t just impact the individual who’s been through trauma – it can affect the whole family dynamic. Family therapy helps improve communication and understanding in the household so everyone can navigate challenges together. Relatives gain insight into the nature of PTSD and learn ways to support their loved ones.

If you believe you or a loved one may have PTSD, consider reaching out to a mental health professional to discuss these PTSD treatment options. They can help you determine the best type of treatment, which often includes a combination of cognitive therapy, talk therapy, and certain medications.

Experiencing PTSD after a traumatic event can feel overwhelming, but finding the right mental health professional can help you begin to heal and regain control over your life. With the right support, people with PTSD can work through these events and develop strategies to overcome the challenges they face.

Learn About PTSD Treatment Options

Everyone responds differently to treatment, so learning more about what you need and what you think might work for you can be helpful. Individual therapy, such as weekly sessions with a licensed clinician, is one of the main treatment options people turn to when addressing PTSD, so that’s a great place to start. It’s helpful to know what your options are before you begin.

Consider a Specialist in PTSD Treatment

Professionals who specialize in treating PTSD have advanced training and experience dealing with traumatic experiences. For example, look into resources like the National Center for PTSD (NCPTSD) or Veterans Affairs programs if your PTSD is linked to military service. This can help you find the right treatment.

Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out

Getting professional help can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to face this alone. Resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or local support groups are available if you’re in immediate need of someone to talk to. You can also contact us at Mental Health Resource, and we can help you find an effective treatment program.

Every person’s path to recovery is different, but with the right support and treatment, people can work through PTSD and begin to move forward.