Traumatic experiences can leave lasting emotional, psychological, and even physical effects. For many, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) presents itself in the form of flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, or overwhelming anxiety. Healing from trauma is not about erasing the past, but about reclaiming peace and safety in the present. And most times, it takes professional help to achieve this.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a common mental health condition that develops after exposure to a traumatic event. It is characterized by re-experiencing the trauma, negative changes in mood or thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and heightened reactivity. PTSD can affect anyone, regardless of age or background.
Common PTSD Symptoms
People with PTSD can experience several intrusive, avioidance, mood, and cognitive symptoms.
Intrusive Symptoms
- Flashbacks (reliving the trauma): Intrusive, distressing memories of the event, sometimes accompanied with physical symptoms like racing heart or sweating
- Nightmares related to the trauma
- Intense emotional or physical reactions to triggers (reminders of the trauma)
Avoidance Symptoms
- Avoiding people, places, or activities that are reminders of the trauma
- Avoiding conversations or feelings related to the event
- Emotional numbness or detachment
Mood and Cognitive Symptoms
- Persistent negative thoughts about oneself, others, or the world
- Distorted blame or guilt related to the trauma
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Difficulty in experiencing positive emotions such as love, happiness and hope
- Memory problems, especially around the traumatic event
Reactivity Symptoms
- Being easily startled or “on edge” (hypervigilance)
- Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
- Irritability, anger outbursts, or aggressive behavior
- Trouble concentrating
Treatment for PTSD
- Medications like SSRIs or sleep aids to manage mood and sleep.
- Supportive counseling to help regulate emotions and reduce daily stressors.
- Lifestyle approaches such as mindfulness, journaling, and stress-reduction techniques.
- Connections to specialized trauma programs if extended therapy is recommended.
How Reverent Health Psychiatry Can Help
We approach PTSD care with sensitivity and respect, offering:
- Medication management to address anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances linked to trauma.
- Brief supportive therapy that emphasizes coping strategies and grounding techniques.
- Trauma-informed care that prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment.
- Referrals to specialized trauma therapy (such as EMDR or CBT) when needed for deeper processing.
FAQs About PTSD
- What causes PTSD?
PTSD develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as assault, natural disaster, combat, or serious accidents.
- How do I know if I have PTSD or just normal stress?
Normal stress typically fades over time, whereas PTSD involves persistent symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, and hypervigilance, which can last more than a month.
- Can PTSD occur years after the trauma?
Yes. PTSD symptoms can appear immediately or even months to years after the traumatic event.
- What are common triggers for PTSD symptoms?
Triggers vary but often include reminders of the trauma in the form of sounds, places, anniversaries, or even certain smells.
- Is PTSD only for veterans?
No. Anyone who has lived through a traumatic experience can develop PTSD, regardless of their age, gender, or occupation.
- Can PTSD be treated through telehealth?
Yes. Many evidence-based treatments for PTSD, including medication management and supportive therapy, are effectively provided online, through secure telehealth platforms.
- Does PTSD always require medication?
Not always. PTSD in some individuals improves with therapy alone, while for others medication alone is effective. And many benefit from a combination of both. A personalized plan depending on individual needs is most effective.
- Can PTSD go away on its own?
PTSD symptoms may lessen over time for some, but professional support is often needed to prevent long-term effects.
- How is PTSD different from acute stress disorder (ASD)?
While ASD occurs within the first month after trauma, PTSD is diagnosed if symptoms persist for longer than a month.
- Can children have PTSD?
Yes. Children and teens can develop PTSD after traumatic experiences, though symptoms may look different than in adults. For example, they may reenact trauma in play.
- What if I’m not ready to talk about my trauma?
That’s okay. Our care approach is paced according to your comfort level, focusing first on stabilization and coping skills.
You don’t have to navigate the weight of trauma alone.
Take the step toward healing today with Reverent Health Psychiatry’s telehealth PTSD support in New York and Tennessee.