PTSD

What is PTSD?

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that arises from a traumatic event or circumstances in your past. If you’ve been through something impactful in your lifetime, you might develop PTSD shortly after the initial shock of the event. 

 

Some of the most common causes of PTSD are:

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• Combat Physical or sexual assault

• Death of a close loved one

• Witnessing or being in a car accident

• Natural disasters

• Domestic violence

• Bullying

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Experts once thought PTSD only came from combat. The condition’s original names were “shell shock” and “combat fatigue.” Experts now know that PTSD can come from many types of trauma and doesn’t exclusively affect war veterans.

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What are the symptoms of PTSD?

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PTSD symptoms can fluctuate, but there are four categories of symptoms you might experience. Those are:

 

Intrusive symptoms

 

Intrusive symptoms include automatic thoughts and memories, nightmares, and flashbacks. These are out of your control and can make you feel like you’re reliving the trauma in the present.

 

Avoidance

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Avoidance symptoms involve avoiding anything that might remind you of or trigger you about your trauma. You might also try not to talk about it with other people.

 

Cognition and mood alterations

 

Many people with PTSD experience negative moods and distorted thoughts. You might feel guilty about what happened or detached from the enjoyable parts of life.

 

Arousal and reactivity alterations

 

Arousal and reactivity alterations could mean you’re irritable and prone to angry outbursts. You might also behave recklessly or feel suspicious about people and events around you. 

 

How can I manage my PTSD?

 

PTSD symptoms can last for weeks, months, or even a lifetime. Fortunately, you have plenty of options for evidence-based care to improve your quality of life and stabilize your moods.  

 

Clearpoint Mental Health Services provides personalized telehealth care for PTSD. Mekedes can manage your medications and coordinate counseling or psychotherapy to help you manage your thoughts, moods, and behaviors.  

 

While medications aren’t always necessary for PTSD treatment, specific antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can treat your symptoms alone or alongside therapy.

 

Call Clearpoint Mental Health Services or schedule your appointment online for personalized telehealth care for PTSD today.