PTSD

Why do I have PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a long-term mental health condition that’s triggered by a life-changing event. In some cases, PTSD sufferers live through a terrifying event, while in other cases, they witness a traumatic event. You’re more likely to have PTSD if you have:

• Experienced multiple stressful situations
• Imbalances in brain chemicals and stress hormones
• Family history of mental health issues, including depression

Military personnel and first responders often struggle with PTSD, since they’re frequently exposed to traumatic events, but PTSD can certainly affect anyone of any age. Women and men who experienced child abuse or were molested as children may have PTSD, as can women who have experienced a verbally and physically abusive relationship.

Our psychiatric nurse practitioners see patients who have gone through any form of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

Symptoms of PTSD don’t usually develop right away. In some cases, it can take up to a month or even up to several years for issues to arise. When they do, you may experience:

• Recurrent memories of the event
• Negative thoughts about yourself or others
• Reliving the trauma
• Upsetting dreams or nightmares
• Severe emotional distress
• Memory problems
• Mood swings
• Anger issues
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Insomnia
• Avoidance of things that remind them of the trauma

In many cases, it’s even common to become easily startled or frightened, almost like you’re always on guard for danger.

How is PTSD treated?

The first step in treating post-traumatic stress disorder involves recognizing your symptoms and asking for help. At Intrepid Mental Wellness, you can get a thorough evaluation with one of our skilled psychiatric nurse practitioners, who have extensive backgrounds in recognizing PTSD symptoms and customizing treatment plans.

Your PTSD treatment will likely involve both psychotherapy (talk therapy usually using EMDR), where your psychiatric nurse practitioner collaborates with your therapist, as well as medications. Effective medications for PTSD include:

• Antidepressants
• Mood stabilizers
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Blood pressure-lowering medications

Your provider will spend time helping you recognize PTSD triggers and how to cope when you come across them. Over time, your PTSD symptoms should gradually start to diminish, so you can have an improved quality of life.

We offer flexible scheduling for PTSD appointments, including telemedicine sessions where you can talk with her from the privacy of your own home or office. Rest assured, once you become a patient of Intrepid Mental Wellness, you can expect personalized care for managing PTSD.

Schedule your PTSD evaluation at Intrepid Mental Wellness today. You can either request an appointment online or call the clinic.