Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that people may experience after experiencing a traumatic or distressing event. In these events, people feel intense fear, helplessness, or horror. Symptoms of PTSD differ from person to person and can be triggered in many ways.
It is natural to feel afraid in a dangerous or distressing situation. But if you continue to feel frightened after the threat is over, when you are not in danger, this may be a sign of PTSD.
PTSD can develop immediately after a life-threatening event, such as a natural disaster or accident. It can also build days or months later. PTSD can be triggered by any event that involves violence or the threat of violence.
Recognizing PTSD Symptoms
PTSD is not always obvious. It can develop gradually over time. It may take weeks or even months before someone realizes that they are experiencing symptoms of PTSD. So it’s important to recognize signs of PTSD as soon as possible.
Individuals with PTSD undergo one or more of the following:
• Recurrent, unpleasant recollections of the traumatic occurrence
• Reliving the painful experience as if it were reoccurring
• Repetitive nightmares or disturbing dreams concerning the terrible event
• Severe mental anguish or bodily responses to something like the traumatic event
People with PTSD may withdraw from others. They may also be very irritable, aggressive, or restless. These emotional and physical symptoms can interfere with family and work relationships.
If you or someone you love is undergoing these signs of PTSD, it’s essential to seek help immediately. We value your privacy and confidentiality at Hanei Health Solutions in Gaithersburg and Catonsville, MD. Our treatment team understands the nature of your condition and will work with you to help you get through this difficult time. Contact us through our contact page or call us at 443-978-1330 for an early consultation.
Understanding the Causes of PTSD
While the exact cause of PTSD is still unknown, researchers have some ideas. They believe that a person’s genetic and environmental factors can play a role in developing the disorder. In addition, experiencing a traumatic event can cause changes in your brain’s chemistry and structure.
Signs of PTSD in Children
Young children can also experience PTSD. Children who have experienced a traumatic event may be upset, fearful, or become irritable and aggressive. They may also be clingy and avoid social interactions. Children with PTSD may show these signs from a few days to several months after the traumatic event.
If you are a parent or caregiver of a child with symptoms of PTSD, it’s essential to seek help immediately. We understand the nature of your child’s condition at Hanei Health Solutions in Gaithersburg and Catonsville, MD. We will help them through this difficult time. Call us directly at 443-978-1330 to schedule an early consultation.
Treatment Options for PTSD
The goal of treatment for PTSD is to lessen the disorder’s symptoms and prevent them from worsening. Treatment for PTSD is generally aimed at helping people manage the condition.
While treatment can vary, most therapies are based on a blend of:
Medications
Medical experts utilize certain medications that help people with PTSD cope with their symptoms. Medications may include:
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
These medications are used to enhance the effects of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain’s response to stress.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy involves talking to a mental health professional about your thoughts, feelings, and reactions to the traumatic event. This treatment is designed to help you manage your thoughts and feelings related to the traumatic event.
• Cognitive processing therapy: A form of psychotherapy that helps people understand their thoughts and actions in the immediate aftermath of the traumatic event.
• Prolonged exposure therapy: This therapy uses visualization, meditation, and guided imagery to help you learn to tolerate your thoughts and feelings related to the traumatic event, which can help you recover from PTSD.
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): This therapy aims to help people reprogram their brain’s response to trauma by developing a memory-based awareness of the traumatic event.
Regarding these types of treatment, Hanei Health Solutions in Gaithersburg and Catonsville, MD, is here to support you. We understand the nature of your condition and will help you along the way to a better life. Call us directly at 443-978-1330 to schedule an early consultation.
Strategies for Managing PTSD Symptoms
You can take steps to manage the symptoms of PTSD. These include:
• Follow your treatment plan: It’s essential to stick with it. It helps reduce the mental, emotional and physical symptoms of PTSD.
• Don’t self-medicate: Don’t seek out drugs or alcohol to help cope with PTSD. It’s not a safe way to deal with symptoms.
• Reach out to support group: Reaching out for support from people who understand what you are going through and can offer wise advice is a great way to deal with PTSD.
• Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques can help relieve tension and stress resulting from PTSD. Try gentle breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga.
Managing PTSD symptoms does not have to be complicated. At Hanei Health Solutions in Gaithersburg and Catonsville, MD, we will help you manage your condition with quality care and effective treatment. See us today for a free consultation.