What Exactly is PTSD and What Treatments Are Available For It?
With the escalation of various mental health conditions, it has become more and more important to be aware and know the possible treatment options that you can access for care. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, often happens after some sort of traumatic event and can have a significant impact on the life of anyone affected by the event.
The good news is that there are treatment options available for those who are facing PTSD. In this guide, we will share more information about what PTSD is as well as some treatment options that are available and may be worth exploring.
Understanding PTSD
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as a mental health disorder that may occur in individuals who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events, series, or a set of circumstances. The effects of the trauma may lead to both physical and emotional struggles. Some of the most common occurrences that lead to PTSD are things like combat, accidents, assaults, and natural disasters. While these are common causes, it is important to note that other scenarios can also cause PTSD.
The symptoms don’t always look the same for everyone. They present in different ways and may cause various behaviours. It can be challenging to determine that behaviour comes from PTSD unless someone who knows can associate the two.
These are some common symptoms of PTSD.
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Unwanted memories
- Severe anxiety
- Unusual emotional reactions or distress
The first step to obtaining the help you need is to recognise the possible signs of PTSD. The National Center for PTSD estimates that approximately 6% of people suffer from this disorder. That’s 6 in every 100 people, which is an astronomical number! Seeking treatment is so important.
Traditional Treatment Options
Professional mental health providers can help diagnose PTSD and there are a wide variety of treatment options to consider. Some of the most common traditional treatment methods include medication, support groups, psychotherapy, and more. A professional may even recommend a combination of treatment options to best suit your needs.
With that in mind, we also want to turn your attention to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT. CBT has become increasingly popular as people gain awareness and reap the benefits.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a widely recognised and evidence-based therapeutic approach. With CBT, the professional focuses on thoughts, feelings, or behaviours that are specifically associated with PTSD in the patient. They work through identifying the challenges and helping to fight against those blockers and negative patterns using coping mechanisms to do so. It’s a process of mentally working through the triggers.
There are also several types of therapy for PTSD that align with CBT and can be coordinated for the best results.
Here is a quick overview of some CBT variants:
- Exposure Therapy – gradual exposure to thoughts, feelings, or situations, associated with the trauma
- Cognitive Restructuring – work to change negative thought patterns by reframing thoughts related to the trauma
- Skills Training – learn and utilise skills that can help manage symptoms and work through situations that bring out trauma behaviours
Of course, there are also individualised plans that can be procured to meet your needs. The professionals in the industry know that everyone is different and what it takes to help one person may not work with another. It is important to be able to get help tailored to your needs.
Final Thoughts
Working through PTSD can be complex, but taking the time to find effective treatments for PTSD is a complex and serious condition, but effective treatments can help make significant improvements for those suffering from this disorder.
Take action to reclaim your life and start healing from the trauma you experienced. Learn the options and work with a professional to determine the best approach for your unique needs.
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