Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Why do I have post-traumatic stress disorder?

PTSD begins when a frightening or life-threatening experience causes long-lasting emotional, mental, and behavioral problems.

Most people are directly involved in the traumatic event. However, you can develop PTSD after witnessing the trauma. The events that frequently cause PTSD include:

• Physical assault or abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual violence
• Combat duty
• Gun violence
• Robberies or home invasions
• Accidents (car, plane, boat, etc.)
• Death of a loved one
• Natural disasters (hurricanes, tornados, and others)

Your PTSD symptoms may start after one major trauma or after going through a series of events, such as persistent emotional and physical abuse at home.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

It’s natural to feel fear, distress, and anxiety for several weeks after a traumatic event. You may have PTSD if any of the following symptoms last longer than a month:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Flashbacks
• Vivid nightmares
• Isolation from family and friends
• Irritability and anger
• Easily startled or frightened
• Uncharacteristic aggression
• Difficulty sleeping
• Memory loss
• Avoidance

You have avoidance when you purposefully avoid places, situations, and people that bring up memories of the traumatic event.

Why do PTSD symptoms flare up?

Flashbacks occur because your brain hides details and memories about the trauma in your subconscious. Then, one day, you encounter a smell, sound, or event resembling one of the hidden details, and suddenly, it pulls the memory into your consciousness.

Having a flashback can cause intense anxiety and anger and trigger behaviors like aggression or avoidance. You can safely and effectively overcome these flare-ups with holistic care and psychotherapy at Panacea Behavioral Health & Wellness Center.

How is post-traumatic stress disorder treated?

The Panacea Behavioral Health & Wellness Center team embraces a holistic approach to PTSD treatment, customizing your care plan to improve your physical and mental health.

Your provider may recommend medication management to restore brain balance and relieve symptoms like anger, insomnia, depression, and anxiety.

Psychotherapy is an invaluable tool proven to help people overcome PTSD. Therapy may focus on confronting your fears and making sense of your memories. It could teach you how to change your negative thoughts or ways to manage difficult feelings and behaviors.

Connect with Panacea Behavioral Health & Wellness Center and take steps to overcome PTSD by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.