Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition people tend to associate with veterans or military personnel. Unfortunately, PTSD is not exclusive to the military, and a high number of people with exposure to trauma develop this condition. The symptoms of PTSD disrupt the lives of many, including children, but many people do not know how to treat PTSD. Researchers and mental health professionals are finding innovative approaches to treat this common mental health condition. With a rise in gun violence, natural disasters, severe car accidents, and other traumas, the number of people experiencing trauma is higher than ever.
Understanding PTSD: What It Is and How It Affects You
PTSD is a mental health condition that develops in some people after the experience of a traumatic event. Symptoms begin to develop either immediately after the event or a period after the trauma. The symptoms are significant and affect normal functioning and daily life. A debilitating factor of the condition is replaying the traumatic event over and over while causing the intense emotions and feelings experienced during the event.
The problem with PTSD is that certain sounds, smells, or situations can remind a person of their trauma and lose control of their emotions and feelings. In some cases, flashbacks occur, and an individual can believe they are re-experiencing the trauma again. Constant severe symptoms can make it challenging to maintain a daily lifestyle, hold down responsibilities, manage relationships, or be in control of the self.
Recognizing the Symptoms of PTSD
Recognizing specific symptoms is the initial component of learning how to treat PTSD. If you or a loved one is experiencing severe symptoms that disrupt normal functioning and daily life, it is time to seek help from a mental health professional. Many people do not know how to cope with the symptoms and develop a substance use disorder as a coping mechanism for relief. Those experiencing both a substance use disorder and PTSD may receive a dual diagnosis.
The common symptoms of PTSD are:
- Flashbacks
- Anxiety and the feeling of impending doom
- Negative thoughts and beliefs
- Hypervigilance
- Intense fear, sadness, or anger
- Nightmares
- Avoidance behavior
- Distorted thinking
- Extreme emotional reactivity
Two conditions are similar to PTSD: acute stress disorder and complex PTSD. Acute stress disorder is a short-term mental health condition, but when symptoms go beyond 4 weeks, it may meet the diagnosis criteria for PTSD. Complex PTSD results from long-term chronic trauma exposure. Long-term abuse, domestic violence, war, or physical or sexual abuse could cause this to develop.
Why Professional Treatment is Crucial for Managing PTSD
How do you treat PTSD? Treatment for PTSD is crucial for managing these mental health conditions. The National Institute of Health explains that in 2024, 6 out of 10 men and 5 out of 10 women will experience at least one trauma in their lifetime. Seeking professional help from a mental health provider or physician is the first step in receiving treatment once symptoms are acknowledged. After assigning a diagnosis, the provider can advise the patient on the options for treatment.
It is crucial to seek professional treatment because of the severity of the symptoms of PTSD. The mental health professional knows how to treat PTSD and can prescribe medications to manage the severe symptoms. Without help from a professional, suicidal ideation could occur, problems with the law could occur, relationships may be damaged, and a substance use disorder could develop. Knowing how to treat PTSD with the help of a professional physician, mental health provider, or treatment center specializing in PTSD programs is essential for success.
How Specialized Centers Can Offer Effective PTSD Treatment
Post-traumatic stress disorder is challenging to treat without the help of qualified healthcare providers. Centers specializing in treating PTSD are available and offer proven methods of treatment. How do you treat PTSD? Combining treatment options, including medication-assisted treatment, evidence-based therapies, group therapy, support groups, individual therapy, and holistic options, are beneficial.
The following therapies and treatment options are available in centers specializing in the treatment of PTSD:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy and talk therapy
- EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
- Medication Management
- Group Therapy
- Support Groups
- Lifestyle Education, including nutrition, exercise, and relaxation techniques
- Educational opportunities and self-help programs
- Family Therapy
- Holistic or Animal Therapy
How to Find the Right PTSD Treatment Center for You
Understanding how to treat PTSD is essential to finding a PTSD Treatment Center. Knowing what form of therapy you are looking for is vital when looking for a specialized PTSD treatment center. Advice from a primary care physician or an online search for specialized treatment facilities for PTSD are good ways to start the search. Reach out to centers close to your location to support the loved one with PTSD and attend family therapy. Speak with the staff of the possible treatment centers to satisfy any questions about their programs. Look for online reviews on any treatment center under consideration.
Find a Specialized PTSD Treatment Center in the Tennessee Area Today
Focus on the desirable treatment programs to meet the needs of your loved one. Tennessee Valley Recovery in Tennessee offers a comprehensive PTSD program as well as treatment for dual diagnosis if a substance use disorder coincides with the PTSD diagnosis. Contact Tennessee Valley Recovery today and feel a sense of peace in enrolling for treatment of PTSD.