People casually throw around statements like, “I think I have PTSD,” or “You’re going to give me PTSD.”
PTSD is a mental health disorder characterized by a strong fear response to certain situations that trigger memories of past or current trauma. If you believe you are struggling with this condition, there is no better time than right now to get the treatment you need.
What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as defined by the National Institute of Mental Health, is a disorder that develops in a person who has experienced a significantly shocking, scary, or dangerous incident.
Fear is a normal and healthy indication of the health of your brain. Fear allows your body to prepare to take action, the fight or flight mechanism. If you experience trauma from any type of event that is shocking and scary to you, your brain puts you into a flight or fight mode, where mental clarity improves, your heart races, and your body’s digestive system slows down. Your brain and body can deal with the problem and move on.
But for some people, that initial trauma is not processed properly. The fight or flight response continues to occur even when no danger is present. The trauma lingers in the body and brain, creating ongoing, long-term change in the brain’s functions. If you continue to experience mental health problems for a long time after a traumatic event has passed, that could be an indication of PTSD.
When Does PTSD Happen?
Most people do not get PTSD from everyday occurrences but rather from significant incidents. Some examples include:
- Experiencing a disaster firsthand
- Experiencing physical, emotional, sexual, or other types of abuse
- Being involved in an accident
- Being put into a serious situation with life-and-death risks
- Going through combat
- Watching another person die or experience pain
These types of situations have a big impact on the brain. Without proper resources, your brain gets “stuck” on the terror and trauma of it all. The National Center for PTSD says that about 6 out of every 100 people will experience some level of PTSD in their lifetime.
Signs You May Have PTSD
The signs of PTSD may differ slightly from one person to the next. However, most people will experience similar indications that something is not right. Some of the most common signs of PTSD include:
- Re-experiencing the trauma: This may include feeling as if you are reliving that traumatic event even long after it has ended.
- Avoidance: You may be avoiding people, places, things, or conversations related to the trauma
- Changes in mood: It is not uncommon for cognition and mood symptoms to form after PTSD develops, often leading to anxiety disorders
- Experiencing intense flashbacks or nightmares: These often occur without warning and cause the body to react as if the danger is present.
- Intense fear and changes in personality: Some people stop engaging in things they enjoy doing because of fear. They may feel helpless and limited in their ability to deal with life.
What to Do About PTSD
If you believe you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD, now is the best time to get help. The sooner you do, the healthier the outcomes can be. At Willow Creek Behavioral Health, we offer help for all types of anxiety disorders, including PTSD. When you meet with us, you will gain education, support, and guidance that allows you to receive the type and level of care you need.
Our treatment programs provide you with real tools, evidence-based techniques, and outstanding professionals who can help you move beyond the pain. It is not your fault that you are facing PTSD, but with help, you can learn how to move beyond the fear.
Take the Time Now to Get the Help You Need
Contact Willow Creek Behavioral Health today to learn what your options are. Let our professionals support your best recovery by providing you with an individualized treatment plan to address your underlying trauma. Contact us now to learn what we can do for you today.
