Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. It’s important to know the signs of PTSD so you can find help for yourself or a loved one. At LightHeart Associates, a leading provider of mental health services in Washington, we understand the complexities of post-traumatic stress disorder and its impact on individuals.
To learn about our compassionate PTSD treatment, contact us at 425.800.5688 today. We would love to help you or a loved one heal from the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and find peace. A brighter, happier future is possible with proper treatment.
Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as:
- A natural disaster
- A serious accident
- A terrorist act
- Combat
- Sexual assault
- Violent personal assaults
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
Everyone experiences some level of trauma in their lives so it can be hard to know what are and aren’t PTSD symptoms.
Recognizing the Signs of PTSD
What are the signs of PTSD? The signs of PTSD can vary greatly among individuals but often fall into four key categories:
Intrusive Thoughts
These may include repeated, involuntary memories, distressing dreams, or flashbacks of the traumatic event.
Avoidance
People with PTSD may avoid people, places, activities, objects, and situations that remind them of the traumatic event.
Alterations in Cognition and Mood
This could include negative thoughts about oneself or the world, distorted feelings like guilt or blame, or loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
Arousal and Reactivity Changes
These can include being irritable, angry outbursts, reckless or self-destructive behavior, difficulty sleeping, or being easily startled.
Other symptoms of PTSD may include difficulty concentrating, an exaggerated startle response, and physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches.
Treatment for PTSD
For years, PTSD was greatly misunderstood, and many people suffered in silence. Thankfully, there is much more understanding of the condition now, and treatments are available to help people manage their symptoms and lead healthier lives.
Treatment for PTSD includes psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, alternative therapies like mindfulness or yoga, and support groups. The most important thing is to find a treatment plan that works for you. Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals to understand their thoughts and feelings related to a traumatic event. At LightHeart Associates, we offer compassionate PTSD treatment.
LightHeart Associates’ PTSD Treatment
At LightHeart Associates, we offer comprehensive PTSD treatment at our locations in Redmond and Federal Way, Washington.
Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care to children, adolescents, and adults. We understand that each individual’s journey with PTSD is unique, and we work diligently to create a supportive, inclusive environment where clients feel safe and accepted, regardless of their social status, including sexual orientation, gender identity, or political affiliation. Our treatment includes talk therapy and medication management.
Call LightHeart Associates Today
Recognizing the signs of PTSD is the first step toward getting help. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, we encourage you to reach out to us at LightHeart Associates. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way, providing the resources and care you need to navigate your path to recovery.
For more information about our post-traumatic stress treatment or any of our other services, call 425.800.5688 or complete our online form. We look forward to helping you or a loved one heal from the effects of PTSD. Together, we can create a brighter future.