You don’t need to have been in a war zone to experience PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder); it can happen to anyone, anywhere. If flashbacks, nightmares, and distressing memories caused by PTSD are weighing you down, the Heritage Wellness™ team can help. Time and self-care heal trauma for many, but if your experience results in long-lasting symptoms that interfere with daily activities, call Heritage Wellness™ in Orlando, North Miami, or Plantation, Florida; Columbus, Ohio; Jackson, Wyoming; or Portland, Oregon today. You can also request an appointment via the online booking feature at any time.
PTSD affects some people when they experience or witness a traumatic event. It has close associations with combat veterans and people caught up in military conflicts, but anyone can get PTSD.
Aside from wars, other examples of events that might trigger PTSD include:
You don’t have to be a part of the incident to develop PTSD. Seeing terrible things happen to others can also be a trigger, so people who help out at disaster scenes and first responders are vulnerable to PTSD. You can develop complex PTSD if you experience trauma that continues for extended periods, such as domestic abuse.
There are four groups of symptoms typical of PTSD:
You might find it impossible to clear your mind of the traumatic memories and relive them repeatedly. Vivid nightmares and flashbacks are also common. Flashbacks are memories that seem real, as though you’re experiencing the event all over again.
People with PTSD often avoid anything that could act as a trigger for flashbacks and intrusive thoughts. That could include people, places, activities, and situations that remind you of the trauma. You might also shy away from talking about the event.
Depression and anxiety are common PTSD symptoms. You might experience powerful negative emotions like guilt, fear, anger, or shame most or all of the time.
PTSD can make you feel irritable and on edge. Loud sounds might cause you to react like you were in danger or trigger a flashback. You may find you frequently get angry and lose your temper, and you could develop insomnia.
Heritage Wellness™ typically uses two treatment methods for PTSD. Medications can help with symptoms like anxiety and depression, but they aren’t the solution to your PTSD.
Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is essential to help you overcome PTSD. The compassionate providers at Heritage Wellness™ use proven techniques to help you process the trauma and release its hold over you.
With their help, you can recover from PTSD. To arrange a consultation, call your nearest Heritage Wellness™ office or arrange an evaluation online today.