Treatment for Trauma & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a very common anxiety disorder that develops in some people following frightening, stressful or distressful life events. Once thought of as a soldier’s disease, it affects more than 3,000,000 people of all ages in the US every year. It is characterized by intense fear, helplessness and stress and affects life’s normal functioning. It is natural to experience fear after a traumatic situation and nearly everyone will experience a range of reactions after trauma. Most people recover from initial symptoms naturally, it’s when one continues to experience problems they may be diagnosed with PTSD. Not every traumatized person experiences PTSD and not everyone with PTSD has been through a dangerous event. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that some experiences, life the sudden, unexpected death of a loved one, can also cause PTSD.
Risk factors for PTSD include people who have been through a physical or sexual assault, abuse, accident, disaster or another serious event. According to the National Center for PTSD, about 7 or 8 of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Women are more likely than men and genetics may also play a factor.
Symptoms usually begin with 3 months of an experience but can sometimes begin years later. To be diagnosed with PTSD, an adult must have all of the following for at least 1 month:
– At least one re-experiencing symptom: Flashbacks – reliving the trauma over and over, including physical symptoms like sweating or a racing heart
– At least one avoidance symptom: Staying away from places, events or objects that are reminders of the traumatic experience
Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event.
– At least 2 arousal and reactivity symptoms: Being easily startled
Feeling tense or ‘on edge’
Difficulty sleeping
Angry outbursts
– At least 2 cognition and mood symptoms: Trouble remembering key aspects of traumatic event
Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
Distorted feelings like guilt or blame
Loss of interest in enjoyable activities
CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS can have extreme reactions to trauma but their symptoms may not be the same as adults. In very young children these symptoms can include wetting the bed after having learned to use the toilet, forgetting how to or being unable to talk, acting out the scary event during playtime or being unusually clingy with a parent or other adult.
Older children and teens are more likely to show symptoms similar to those seen in adults. They may also develop disruptive, disrespectful or destructive behaviors, including thoughts of revenge
Every Mind Springs Health practice across the western slope provides counseling and therapy for Trauma & PTSD. Our therapists specialize in Evidence-Based Practices, meaning treatment has researched and been proven to be effective.
New to Treatment?
Starting treatment is easy! Just pick the Mind Springs Health treatment location most convenient for you and come in to see us during Open Access Hours.
New clients are seen by a member of our treatment team to determine and assess everyone’s unique circumstances and situation and the client’s first therapy appointment is scheduled.
Experiencing Severe Symptoms Right Now? Call the Colorado Crisis Services Hotline
If you are currently experiencing extreme symptoms of Trauma & PTSD, contemplating suicide or self-harm, or undergoing any other crisis, please call the 24/7/365 Crisis Line immediately at 1-844-493-8255
