What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after you've experienced a traumatic event. A traumatic event is any situation that causes intense fear, helplessness, or horror. Traumatic events include violent personal assaults like rape, mugging, and physical attack. They also include natural disasters, accidents, and military combat.
If you have PTSD, you may have had symptoms soon after the trauma occurred, or they may not have developed until months or years later. The cause of PTSD isn't known but researchers think it's related to changes in brain activity and how your body responds to stress hormones such as cortisol. Although post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating anxiety disorder that may cause significant distress and increased use of health resources, the condition often goes undiagnosed. The emotional and physical symptoms of PTSD occur in three clusters: re-experiencing the trauma, marked avoidance of usual activities, and increased symptoms of arousal. Before symptoms can be labeled as PTSD, symptoms must significantly disrupt normal activities and last for more than a month.
What are Comorbid Conditions?
Comorbid conditions are mental health issues that occur alongside a primary diagnosis of PTSD. Comorbid conditions include:
Depression
Alcohol and drug abuse
Social Anxiety Disorder
Panic Attacks
Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
How Does PTSD Impact Mental Health?
Physical and Emotional Symptoms:
Fatigue, sleep disturbances, and irritability are common physical symptoms of PTSD.
Emotional symptoms can include anxiety, depression, and anger.
What are the Treatment Options?
Medication: There are several types of medications that can be helpful for PTSD, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. These medications may be prescribed by your doctor or therapist.
Counseling: Talking about your experiences with a trained professional in order to understand them better and learn new ways of coping can assist with your healing process.
Self-care: Taking care of yourself physically is also important when it comes to managing your symptoms--this includes getting enough sleep every night, eating well balanced meals throughout the day, exercising regularly (ideally daily), avoiding substances like alcohol or drugs if they make things worse for you personally (or if they're not recommended by your doctor), drinking plenty of water each day so that dehydration doesn't set in due to stressors like sweating during exercise sessions can also help.
Faith & Prayer: Many people find comfort through faith communities where they can connect spiritually with others who share similar beliefs about God's love for us all regardless our struggles here on earth. You can find stability, peace, hope, and comfort within the experiences of PTSD by using the resource of faith and prayer.
He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings, you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that walks in the darkness, nor the destruction that lays waste at noonday. (Psalms 91:4-6)
How Can I Find Support?
Reach out to family and friends. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it can be helpful to talk with someone who understands what you're going through.
Find a support group. There are many resources available in your community that can help with PTSD, including support groups specifically designed for people who have experienced trauma or abuse.
Seek professional help from a counselor or therapist trained in treating trauma-related issues.
There Is Help for You Today
PTSD is a serious mental health condition that can have a profound impact on mental health and quality of life. Treatment options such as medication, therapy, and self-care can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Call 443-860-6870 today to schedule an appointment or use the calendar to move forward in your healing journey.
