Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is caused by a traumatic experience that is so extreme that it overwhelms an individual’s natural coping mechanisms. People with PTSD often experience a number of symptoms, including fear, hypervigilance, horror, helplessness about the future, flashbacks of the event, avoidant behaviors, anxiety, anger, recurrent upsetting and violent dreams about the event, emotional numbness, and depression. They may also become extremely irritable, feel overwhelming guilt, or begin to drink or use drugs to cope. PTSD can be triggered by a variety of events, including wartime combat, natural disasters, rape, hostage situations, child abuse (sexual, physical, verbal, or emotional), serious accidents, or violence. Some of the treatments that tend to help with PTSD include:
Trauma Resolution Therapy
Working through the trauma is an important part of overcoming PTSD. When someone has PTSD, it’s as if the traumatic event has become “frozen in time” in their mind and body. Trauma therapy can help a person become “unstuck” and begin to heal emotional wounds.
Cognitive Treatment
When a person has PTSD, their thoughts tend to become negative and self-defeating. They may also have distorted thoughts that resulted from the traumatic event. Learning to recognize the distortions and change their thinking is an important aspect of PTSD treatment.
Behavioral Treatment
When someone has PTSD, they tend to isolate and withdraw. They frequently pull away from their support network and quit doing activities that typically bring them joy. Learning to change these behaviors and re-engage in life is often a critical component of depression treatment.
Psycho-Education
The more an individual learns about PTSD and understands the physical and emotional triggers that exacerbate their symptoms, the more effective they tend to be at reducing the effects of PTSD.
Medication Management
There are a number of medications that can be very effective in alleviating the depression and anxiety that tend to be associated with PTSD. The type of medications and the speed in which they work often vary based on an individual’s specific physiology and the severity of their symptoms. Overall, when used in conjunction with psychotherapy, medications can be very useful in dealing with PTSD.
Anger Management
Anger is often a common symptom of PTSD. Unresolved or suppressed anger can become depression. When these anger issues are resolved, depression and anxiety tend to decrease.
Coping Skills Training
The more skills a person has to deal with the challenges of life, the more resilient they become and the less PTSD impacts their life.
Conflict Resolution Training
Unresolved conflicts can exacerbate PTSD symptoms. Learning how to resolve conflicts effectively can therefore be critical in reducing PTSD symptoms in the future.
Stress Management Training
PTSD symptoms tend to increase during times of stress. As a result, learning effective stress management tools is a vital part of decreasing the impact of PTSD.
Communication Skills Training
Effective communication decreases conflict, improves relationships, and generally has a positive impact on an individual’s sense of well-being.
Grief Therapy
Unresolved grief is a common aspect of PTSD. The more a person is free from past losses, the more they are able to live more completely in the moment.
Family of Origin Therapy
Unresolved issues within an individual’s family of origin are often contributing factors to PTSD. Resolving these issues often has a positive significant impact on improving a person’s overall well-being.
If you are experiencing the effects of PTSD, New Dimensions can help!
New Dimensions Can Help!
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms or problems, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.
Our affiliate, MHThrive, provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.