If you’ve experienced trauma, you know it doesn’t simply disappear. The pain, the memories, and even the reactions can stay with you long after the event is over. For many people, this lingering trauma can develop into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a condition that can disrupt your life, relationships, and overall well-being. It may show up as flashbacks, anxiety, or a constant feeling of unease, making it hard to feel like yourself again.
PTSD affects about 5% of the US population annually. It’s often misunderstood or unrecognized, which leaves those affected feeling alone in their struggle.
What is PTSD?
PTSD can occur after someone experiences a traumatic event like:
- Abuse
- Car accidents
- Sexual assault
- Natural disaster
- Combat experience
- Other serious events
It’s totally normal to be upset or shaken for a while after experiencing either one or more of these life-threatening events. But for some people, those feelings don’t just go away. Instead, the trauma keeps coming back, making it tough to feel normal again.
PTSD happens because, when we go through something traumatic, our brain kind of “locks” those intense memories away but doesn’t fully process them. Normally, memories get stored and organized in a way that lets us recall them without feeling the emotions as strongly. But with PTSD, the brain keeps the trauma on “high alert,” almost like it’s still happening.
Trauma affects the amygdala (which controls fear), the hippocampus (which organizes memories), and the prefrontal cortex (which helps us make sense of things). So, instead of fading, the traumatic memories keep “replaying” as flashbacks, intense dreams, or strong emotional reactions. It’s your brain trying to make sense of the traumatic experience. But without the right help, it just keeps cycling back.
Symptoms of PTSD
You’re likely to experience the following short and long-term symptoms when you have PTSD:
- Re-experiencing the Trauma: Mostly happens through flashbacks, where it feels like you’re reliving the traumatic event. You might also have nightmares that make you feel scared or anxious when you wake up.
- Avoidance: You may avoid people, places, or activities that remind you of the trauma. This can make daily life challenging because you’re trying to avoid anything that could trigger those painful memories.
- Negative Thoughts and Feelings: Negative thoughts about oneself or the world are common in PTSD. You might feel detached from others, struggle to feel joy or find it hard to trust people. In some cases, you may have thoughts of harming yourself.
- Hypervigilance: This means you’re always on edge, feeling like you need to be alert for danger. You might have a heightened startle response, meaning you jump easily at loud noises or sudden movements. This can be exhausting and stressful, making it tough to relax.
- Physical symptoms: You may also experience physical symptoms like increased heart rate, muscle tension, trembling, sweating, etc.
These symptoms can take a toll on both your mind and body. In the short-term, they make daily life harder. And if they stick around, they can lead to longer-lasting mental and physical health issues. Eventually, you may even have suicidal thoughts.
Treatment Modalities for PTSD
If you’re going through PTSD, it can feel overwhelming, but there are actually a few effective ways to start healing and take back control of your life. Here’s a quick look at some treatment options that can really help:
Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes the impact of trauma on a person’s life. It means that your healthcare providers understand what you’ve been through and how it affects your mental health. Instead of focusing solely on the symptoms, they look at the whole person. Trauma-informed care emphasizes safety, empowerment, and collaboration. It helps you feel more comfortable and supported during your healing process.
Therapy
Talk therapy, or psychotherapy, involves talking with a trained mental health professional. It’s a space where you can express your feelings and experiences. There are different types of therapy:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps you identify and change negative thoughts that contribute to your symptoms. You learn new coping strategies to deal with anxiety and stress.
- Exposure Therapy, where you gradually face the memories or situations that cause fear. This helps reduce the power those memories hold over you.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which involves guided eye movements while you recall traumatic memories. This can help your brain process those memories differently, reducing their emotional intensity.
Psychiatric Medication
Sometimes, medications can help manage PTSD symptoms. A mental health professional may prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. These can help reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, and mood swings. In most cases, they will combine medication with behavioral therapy for comprehensive treatment. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your provider and find the proper medication for you.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It can be helpful for people who haven’t found relief through other treatments. While TMS is not FDA-approved specifically for PTSD, some people with PTSD experience improvement in their symptoms after receiving TMS for depression or OCD. It’s important to talk with your doctor about whether TMS might be a good option for you.
IV Ketamine
IV ketamine is another treatment option that some people find helpful for PTSD. Ketamine can work quickly to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. It’s often used when other treatments haven’t been effective. The treatment is administered in a clinical setting, and it allows for rapid relief of symptoms, helping you feel more grounded.
Support Groups
While a support group is not technically considered as treatment, it can play a crucial role in your healing journey. A support group is a place where you can connect with others who are going through similar experiences. It’s a safe environment to share your struggles, listen to others, and gain comfort from the understanding that you’re not alone.
Finding the Right Treatment for You
Remember, healing from PTSD is not a one-size-fits-all process. What works for one person may not work for another. It’s essential to work closely with a mental health professional to find the treatment plan that best fits your needs.If you’re ready to explore treatment options, Relief Mental Health offers specialized care for PTSD. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. Reach out today and take the first step toward finding relief.
