Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Previously referred to as “shell shock” or “combat fatigue,” PTSD is often associated with war veterans; however, anyone can develop PTSD, no matter their age, race, or gender.
Any traumatic event can trigger PTSD, but oftentimes this mental health condition develops after experiencing significant harm or threat from things like abuse, the unexpected death of a loved one, war, or a natural disaster.
After a traumatic event, it always takes a while to adjust and adapt, but when you have PTSD, the feelings of fear, anger, and helplessness can linger long after the event has passed.
If your quality of life has been impacted by PTSD and its side effects, such as poor sleep, nightmares, and social isolation, our team, led by Venice Sanchez, MD, at Sydea Medical Practice in Newport Beach, California, wants you to know that there is hope.
So, in this month’s blog, we’re taking the time to share some encouraging facts about PTSD.
During the aftermath of a traumatic event, you might feel isolated and cut off from loved ones who can’t understand what you’re going through. However, it’s important to understand that up to 10% of people living in the United States develop PTSD annually. So, there is someone out there who can understand and sympathize with your experiences in some way.
There are many PTSD support groups available online. Talking with peers who have similar experiences can help ease the intensity of your symptoms and offer relief from shame and guilt.
CBT is a type of talk therapy that helps you identify negative thought patterns that are influencing your feelings and actions before replacing them with more productive ways of thinking.
When used for PTSD, CBT helps you process your trauma, face your fears head-on, and think about the event and yourself in a new way. Going through CBT can prevent PTSD from controlling your life as you work through it and understand it in a safe and controlled environment.
While therapy is an incredibly effective tool for working through and moving past traumatic events, it can take quite a long time for it to provide symptom relief. While you undergo CBT, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can give your brain the tools it needs to function daily as you learn coping mechanisms to use in the long term.
While undergoing therapy and taking medication, engaging in productive hobbies can help you care for your overall well-being and boost your mood and physical health. Examples of healthy habits that can boost mental health and general health include:
Engaging in a hobby that you genuinely enjoy can create some bright spots in your day and give you something to look forward to.
While the above-listed treatments have certainly been shown to be effective, if you still struggle with debilitating symptoms of PTSD, you may wonder what other options are available.
At Sydea Medical Practice, our team offers transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy to help your brain form new connections, which improves the efficacy of medication and CBT. During this brain stimulation therapy, an electromagnetic coil is placed on your head to change the electrical activity in your brain and change the way you think and process things.
To learn more about treatments for PTSD, schedule an appointment with our team by calling our office or using our online booking feature today.
