PTSD is a condition that many people are diagnosed with every year. It can be difficult to understand, especially if you have never experienced it before. Many people who suffer from PTSD don’t know where to turn for help when they need it most. Whether you think you may suffer from this disorder or you know someone who is, it is important to understand the toll this disorder takes on the mental health of those affected by it. In this blog post, we will help you understand what these disorders are and how to go about treating them.
Understanding PTSD and trauma
PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder. It is a mental health condition that many people have after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, such as war, natural disasters, serious accidents, violent personal assaults like rape, and physical abuse. When someone has PTSD, they experience extreme anxiety about their safety because they are constantly on guard and concerned about re-experiencing the traumatic event.
After a traumatic event, PTSD is not the only possible result. Many people who have PTSD also develop other related mental health conditions including depression and substance abuse disorders. Sometimes, they may develop these instead. Regardless, they are all serious concerns that affect daily life for those impacted by them. It is crucial to get treatment so you can live a happy, healthy lifestyle again.
When to consider treatment
PTSD can impact your life in a variety of ways, from socializing with others to how you feel emotionally. Some symptoms include:
- Anxiety and depression related to the traumatic event
- Emotional numbness or lack of feeling
- Extreme fear responses at unexpected times when reminded of the trauma
- Feeling disconnected from others and the world around you
If you have been feeling this way, it is important to seek mental health treatment. PTSD can develop after a single traumatic event or following several events over time. It will not just go away on its own, so do not wait any longer to get help when living with PTSD starts taking a toll on you.
While the implications of pursuing treatment may initially seem more overwhelming than the condition itself, many people who receive treatment for PTSD see a great deal of improvement in their symptoms and overall well-being. In fact, many find that the fear response is often reduced or eliminated completely. When this occurs, it opens up opportunities to take part in fun activities with friends and family members again, instead of worrying about what could happen if something goes wrong.
PTSD and Trauma Treatment
When it comes to treating PTSD and trauma, there are many effective options with varying levels of involvement:
Inpatient treatment
This is a short-term intervention-type treatment program in which you live at the facility for a set number of days. You will have your own room and can focus on healing from PTSD or trauma without distractions. Despite being short, inpatient care is the most intensive form of treatment.
Residential treatment
This type of treatment lasts longer than inpatient care but not as long as out-of-state treatment. Residential is a good option for those who need more time to heal or feel it would be too difficult to live at home during the recovery process.
These individuals also typically have the opportunity to participate in other therapies, such as group and experimental therapies. This form of treatment is best for those who are undergoing addiction treatment or some other form of dual diagnosis as well.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
This is a treatment program that lasts for five hours or more each day. You live at home and attend the PHP during the day before returning to your residence in the evening. This type of care allows you to continue with daily life while receiving intensive help from medical professionals as well as other treatments, such as group and experimental therapies, if necessary.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
This is a smaller version of PHP care. IOPs are only offered at select facilities, but they are effective if you don’t have time for the high level of commitment that PHPs warrant. This type of program allows you to focus on your recovery without the intensity of full-time treatment.
These individuals typically have access to group therapies as well as experimental therapies if needed. They also may work with physicians and other medical professionals.
Traditional outpatient services
This is a treatment program that focuses on one or two hours of care each day. With traditional outpatient care, you will not have access to other therapies unless they are offered by your provider.
In this form of treatment, you will typically have access to group therapies as well as experimental therapies if needed. You also may work with physicians and other medical professionals in addition to group therapy sessions if needed for PTSD/trauma support. Across the country, hundreds of treatment centers offer a wide range of treatments and amenities that can help those suffering from the effects of trauma to heal while maintaining their daily lives without too much disruption or intensity.
For information on PTSD, trauma, and other forms of mental health treatment, click here: https://www.rehab.com/mental-health
