PTSD
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Can keep you from feeling in control of your life.
Mind Health Group is here to help.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that stems from a terrifying or traumatic event. You can either experience the event personally or be a witness to it, causing a variety of long-term symptoms, such as flashbacks and anxiety. Trauma can be defined as any event that threatens one's physical or emotional well-being. PTSD can be caused by a variety of factors, including the severity of the trauma, the length of exposure, and the individual's psychological and physiological response to the trauma.
Common triggers of PTSD include:
- Fire
- Abuse
- Assault
- Violence
- Accidents
- Military combat
For some, coping in the aftermath of a traumatic event with self-care can prevent a worsening of your symptoms. However, if your issues begin to interfere with your daily routine, you may benefit from professional online psychiatric counseling with a member of our clinical team.
What are Symptoms of PTSD?
Symptoms of PTSD can begin shortly after the traumatic event or appear several years later. Common symptoms of the condition include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Intrusive thoughts or memories of the traumatic event
- Avoidance of triggers associated with the trauma
- Negative changes in mood or cognition
- Negative thinking patterns
Individuals with PTSD may also experience flashbacks, nightmares, and feelings of guilt or shame. Some people may experience persistent feelings of guilt or anger that cause them to isolate themselves and avoid certain places or people. Over time, your symptoms can worsen, especially if you’re under a lot of emotional stress or are triggered by your environment. The intensity of your emotions and thoughts can lead to thoughts or actions of self-harm or suicide. For these reasons, it’s important you seek professional help to better manage your PTSD symptoms.
Online Treatments available for PTSD
PTSD can be a debilitating condition that can interfere with daily life, relationships, and work. Online treatment options include therapy, medication, and self-care strategies such as exercise, mindfulness, and stress reducing techniques. Seeking professional help is important for those struggling with PTSD, as early intervention can improve long-term outcomes and quality of life.
During your initial psychiatric evaluation, a member of our clinical team will discuss your symptoms and the events that may trigger your symptoms with you. (S)he also will review your medical history and your family history to identify other mental health issues that may explain your symptoms. For many struggling with PTSD, talk therapy is important for recognizing your fears and helping you cope with your feelings. A member of our clinical team may also recommend exposure therapy that helps you face your memories and traumatic experience head-on, lessening your reaction to them.
In some cases, medication therapy helps resolve your symptoms making it easier to move forward with your life. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can relieve symptoms of PTSD, such as depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and mood swings. Our clinical team also works with you to help manage your irritability, anger, and aggression to ensure you can function well at work, at home, and other environments.