After a traumatic event, people can be left suffering from the symptoms of trauma for months or even years. When these symptoms linger for extended periods, it may be a sign that you have developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — a condition that can severely disrupt your life. Yet mental health treatment programs are highly effective at helping people overcome the symptoms of PTSD.
If your PTSD symptoms reduce your quality of life or interfere with daily activities, reach out to Connections Wellness Group at 877.747.4294 to learn more about our targeted PTSD treatment.
Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is a trauma and stressor-related disorder with a distinct set of symptoms. To be diagnosed with PTSD, a person must be exposed to a traumatic event and have a marked disturbance in one of the four following categories.
Intrusive Symptoms
The intrusive symptoms of PTSD include:
- Involuntary and distressing memories of the traumatic event
- Recurring nightmares or dreams about the traumatic event
- Flashbacks
- Distress when exposed to cues that symbolize the event
- Physical reactions to internal cues that remind the person of the traumatic event
The key characteristic of these symptoms is that they are completely out of a person’s control and cause significant distress.
Avoidant Symptoms
Avoidant symptoms have two categories: avoiding thinking about the traumatic event and avoiding external reminders of the event. External reminders include specific locations, objects, and people. A person with PTSD may take significant steps to avoid encountering painful reminders of the event.
Negative Emotions and Thoughts
People with post-traumatic stress disorder often have altered cognitions and moods due to the traumatic event they experienced. Examples include:
- Inability to remember certain aspects of the event
- Feelings of detachment
- Reduced interest in activities or hobbies
- Feelings of shame, guilt, fear, or anger
- Negative beliefs about oneself or the world
- An inability to experience positive emotions
These symptoms must occur after the traumatic event or be exacerbated by it to count toward a diagnosis of PTSD.
Hyperarousal and Reactivity
Lastly, many people with PTSD live with the feeling of being on edge constantly. They may be reckless, irritable, or have significant sleep difficulties. They may have an exaggerated startle response and constantly be on the lookout for threats.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment
Post-traumatic stress disorder treatment can take many forms. We emphasize a multi-modality approach to trauma recovery by integrating several evidence-based treatment methods.
Outpatient PTSD treatment allows patients to continue living their lives uninterrupted while receiving the quality mental healthcare they need.
Our PTSD therapy programming focuses on two main aspects of trauma recovery: psychiatric medications and targeted psychotherapies. Both of these evidence-based treatments help people recover from the symptoms of PTSD and regain control over their lives.
Treatments and services we offer include the following:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Medication management
- Individual counseling
These therapies, combined with a compassionate and trauma-informed approach, can help people with PTSD experience a reduction in symptoms and higher quality of life.
Start a PTSD Therapy Program at Connections Wellness Group
When you’re ready to start treatment, it is as simple as calling Connections Wellness Group at 877.747.4294. Our trained mental health experts can explain our various treatment options and help you make the right choice for your recovery. From the moment you call to the day you discharge, we’ll be there to support you in your trauma recovery.
Don’t delay seeking help for your post-traumatic stress disorder any longer. Starting PTSD treatment with Connections Wellness Group can get you on the path to relief and healing.