Traumatic events can have lasting, devastating effects on a person’s mental health. While some people experience short-term reactions to potentially life-threatening situations, others may develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
PTSD can be triggered by accidents, assaults, military combat, or natural disasters, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). It can involve flashbacks, unwanted memories, and nightmares of traumatic events that are difficult to move past.
Fortunately, PTSD is a treatable condition. At Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital, we offer comprehensive treatment for people who are living with PTSD that co-occurs with another mental health concern.
Signs & Symptoms of PTSD
The signs and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder can begin to develop quickly after a traumatic event, or they can take much longer to develop. Symptoms can vary considerably depending on when the triggering event occurred, but in general, the most common PTSD signs and symptoms include:
- Vivid flashbacks of the event
- Avoidance of places or reminders of the event
- Nightmares
- Misdirected anger
- High level of irritability
- Trouble concentrating
- Memory loss
- Intrusive and distressing memories of the event
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Insomnia or other sleep problems
If you are exhibiting some of these signs and symptoms related to a traumatic event, it may be time to seek professional help at a qualified PTSD treatment center.
PTSD Statistics
Posttraumatic stress disorder affects almost 9 million people, or 3.6% of the adult population, in the United States, according to NAMI.
Other statistics related to the prevalence of PTSD and trauma include:
- Women are nearly three times more likely than men to suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
- About 37% of those who are diagnosed with PTSD are classified as having severe symptoms, per a study from the National Library of Medicine.
- An estimated 70% of adults in the United States have experienced a traumatic event at least once in their lives, and about 20% of those will go on to develop PTSD, according to the PTSD Alliance.
Potential Effects of PTSD
If you don’t receive proper treatment, posttraumatic stress disorder can leave you feeling hopeless and alone. It can affect your physical health, your relationships, and your ability to live a satisfying life.
Specific effects of PTSD include:
- Difficulty finding employment or staying employed
- Financial troubles
- Academic struggles
- Self-harm
- Self-isolation
- Suicidal ideation
- Violent behavior
- Onset of other mental health concerns
- Development of substance use disorders
The effects of PTSD are different for everyone. By finding a PTSD treatment place that takes into account your unique experiences, you can move forward toward a healthier future.
The Benefits of PTSD Treatment
Living with posttraumatic stress disorder can leave you feeling like you’re stuck in one of your worst moments. It can make you believe that you’re not worthy of happiness and that moving on from a traumatic event is hopeless.
By pursuing professional treatment for PTSD, you can begin to develop the coping skills necessary to shake those feelings of despair. Benefits of PTSD treatment can include:
- Working with a team of compassionate professionals
- Understanding that you’re not alone on your healing journey
- The chance to develop bonds with and hear from others who have struggled with PTSD
Finding the right level of PTSD treatment can allow you to focus solely on what’s most important: understanding your symptoms and building a foundation for a more balanced life.
How to Find the Right PTSD Treatment Center
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No two traumatic events are exactly alike, which means that everyone who develops posttraumatic stress disorder experiences the effects of it differently.
Because of this, one of your top priorities when seeking out a PTSD treatment place should be to find one that personalizes your care. By determining the root cause of your struggles with trauma and accounting for your individual journey, you may have a better chance to heal.
Questions to ask when looking for a PTSD treatment center include:
- What type of admissions process do they have?
- Are there multiple levels of care?
- How will they determine my treatment plan?
- Will I get to work with a team of experienced professionals?
- How can I maintain my progress after discharge?
Therapies Used in Co-Occurring PTSD Treatment
By completing a thorough assessment prior to admission, you can give us a better idea of your medical history, any previous mental health treatment you’ve received, and your current goals.
This will allow our staff to compile your personalized treatment plan, which will guide the programming we will provide to help you with PTSD that co-occurs with another mental health concern. Your plan may include:
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Medication management services to monitor any medication you’ve been taking
- Family therapy
- Detoxification services if you also have a substance use disorder
- Basic medical care provided by doctors and nurses
Depending on how you respond best to treatment, our staff may incorporate elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and, if necessary, the 12-Step model of recovery.
Reliving traumatic events that led to a posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosis can be overwhelming. But with treatment at Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital, you can begin to understand the pain of your past and work toward living an enriching, rewarding life.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Montrose Behavioral Health Hospital.?
