PTSD Treatment Lancaster

PTSD Treatment Lancaster

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is recognized as a mental health condition, and it is usually caused by having experienced a tragic incident or being a witness to one. 

When someone has gone through a terrifying trauma, it can be tough for them to cope with the impact, and they may experience unpleasant flashbacks or nightmares of the event.

Often, these symptoms can be accompanied by severe anxiety and feelings of panic, and if symptoms continue over a long time or interfere with daily life, there is a strong possibility of suffering from PTSD.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms

When someone is exposed to a terrifying situation, the trauma it causes can gradually fade as time goes by and symptoms disappear, but people respond differently to horrific circumstances, and while some may endure the consequences, others can be more susceptible and are unable to cope with what they experienced.

Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms don’t necessarily appear straight after the event and may appear within a month of the incident happening or even years later.

Symptoms vary from person to person, but they are generally categorized into four groups:

Intrusive And Powerful Memories

Intrusive memories are when someone relives the event as though it was happening all over again.

This experience is referred to as having flashbacks. Memories of the incident can be recurrent and may cause nightmares or other emotional pressure when reminded of anything related to the trauma.

Evading The Subject

To avoid distress, people tend to stop talking about their experience and evade the subject as they do not want to think about it. Anything or anyone associated with the trauma may be avoided, as well as places or certain activities.

Negative Reactions

People suffering from PTSD symptoms usually have negative thoughts about their surroundings, how they perceive other people, and life in general.

Their overall mood may be so low that they feel hopeless, have little or no interest in the future, and have negative views about themselves. These changes in thinking can cause isolation from family and friends or ruptures in relationships.

Because there are fewer positive emotions, they can also blank out important issues of the trauma and experience difficulty remembering what happened.

Physical And Emotional Changes

Both physical and emotional reactions can change substantially and an individual may show signs of irritability or outbursts of anger, being scared or on the edge of potential dangers, and behaving out of character such as drinking too much or erratic driving.

Sleep disturbances and a lack of concentration may also occur accompanied by strong feelings of guilt or blame.

If you have been experiencing distressed thoughts or feelings along with any of these symptoms for over a month after a traumatic event or if you are struggling with trying to get your life back together, you should consult a doctor or mental health specialist who can help prevent symptoms from getting worse.

Possible Causes Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD is a mental health condition, and although it is not fully understood why some people suffer from it, most cases develop after seeing or experiencing some form of trauma.

There is probably a combination of elements that may contribute to the cause of the condition, such as having a family history of mental health disorders like depression or anxiety or how hormones and chemicals released by the brain respond to stress factors. It may also depend on how much stress and past traumas one may have experienced throughout their life.

Personality or temperament may also play a role in developing PTSD as people have different perspectives on certain issues, and reactions can vary as to how we deal with them.

Common Traumas And PTSD

The list of possible traumatic events may be extensive, but some of the most common cases that lead to trauma are:

• Physical assault
• Involved in an accident
• Sexual assault
• Armed assault
• Child abuse
• Natural disasters
• Robbery or mugging
• Terrorist crimes
• Warfare conflict

Many other life-threatening and dangerous incidents could cause possible trauma and have serious consequences on mental health, such as anxiety or suicidal thoughts that may impact daily life, work, and relationships.

Therapy For Trauma

The principal treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder is by applying psychotherapy.

Some of the most common trauma therapies used specialize in coping skills to help individuals find relief from their symptoms.

Several multiple evidence-based treatment approaches include:

Application Of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that helps individuals recognize the way they think and act according to thought patterns that prevent them from processing things differently.

By understanding how these negative thoughts are deeply lodged, one can begin to change these patterns and apply positive thoughts instead. 

Traumatic Exposure Therapy

This therapy is usually applied in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy and as the term suggests safely exposes the individual to the situation and the memories surrounding the incident that cause terrifying thoughts.

To expose a person to a specific situation, some approaches use virtual reality technology allowing them to simulate a similar setting to that of the traumatic event. Exposure therapy can help with nightmares and flashbacks and help the person cope better with frightening situations.

EMDR Therapy: Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing

During exposure therapy, EMDR offers a technique that consists of guided eye movements. EMDR therapy aids cognitive processing therapy in processing and reacting differently to negative memories.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavioral therapy is effective in treating mental health disorders and is a type of talking therapy that combines CBT and other additional strategies. It is helpful for those suffering from harmful or suicidal thoughts and can assist in coping with distressing situations.

A qualified therapist specializing in trauma will work with you to develop coping techniques and learn how to manage stressful situations.

Depending on a person’s needs, therapy may be conducted through individual or group sessions, and different types of therapies may be combined if necessary.

Medication For PTSD

Some medications can be effective in treating PTSD and can help alleviate and improve symptoms.

Medications generally prescribed are antidepressants that can help with depression and anxiety symptoms as well as improve problems with concentration, focus, and sleeping problems.

Some anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to help with anxiety, although they are generally administered for short-term use due to them potentially being misused, which can lead to further complications.

A doctor or mental health care provider will determine the best medication for your symptoms and check for potential side effects. After a few weeks, you should see signs of improvement.

Our Comprehensive Treatment For PTSD In Lancaster

At Resilient Recovery, we understand mental health concerns, particularly PTSD and trauma. If you or someone you love is struggling with symptoms of PTSD, our goal is to help.

Our effective treatment is evidence-based, using comprehensive therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, known to help with trauma and other difficult life transitions, including anxiety.

Our luxury rehab center is located in the city of Lancaster, Southern California, a safe place where our clients find their healing journey and ability to function again after experiencing difficult challenges with post-traumatic thoughts and feelings.

We can help you develop positive coping skills and help you feel more relaxed with a much improved overall quality of life.

Give us a call today and find out more about us and our comprehensive mental health services. Our friendly staff will provide you with all the information you need and can answer any questions you may need to ask us.