Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that sometimes develops after someone experiences a traumatic event. Although most often associated with violent or dangerous events such as physical or sexual abuse, combat, natural disasters, and horrific accidents, people can also develop PTSD after suffering psychological, emotional, relational, spiritual, or physical injury.
Are you or is someone you love suffering from PTSD? At Honey Lake Clinic, we understand PTSD, and our PTSD treatment program can help. Contact us today at 888.428.0562.
What Is PTSD?
According to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the PTSD criteria for defining a traumatic event reads: “The person was exposed to death, threatened death, actual or threatened serious injury, or actual or threatened sexual violence.”
How Do You Define Serious Injury?
Danger, death, and sexual violence are pretty unmistakable. The term serious injury, however, is not as clearly defined. Whether an event is serious and could cause psychological, emotional, relational, spiritual, or physical injury is based on the victim’s immediate evaluation of the event as it occurs. What might be traumatic and disruptive to some may not be to others.
PTSD does not only occur when a person has been exposed to life-and-death danger, physical violence, or physical abuse. It can also be caused by “minor” trauma—things like divorce, moving away from close friends, rejection, failures, or even the loss of a job. Serious injury is defined by the one experiencing it.
What Are the 5 Signs of PTSD?
PTSD is characterized by recognizable symptoms. These occur because the sufferer hasn’t adequately processed the event. The trauma can keep resurfacing, causing as much distress as if it is happening again, amplifying anxieties and fears, and impacting thought, mood, and life.
Here are five signs to look out for if you are looking for PTSD warning signs.
- If you have experienced a traumatic event or episode (or witnessed one).
- You are re-experiencing the traumatic event.
- You avoid things that remind you of the trauma.
- Your memory may be affected, your mood altered, and your emotions intensified.
- Experiencing hypervigilance or exaggerated states of fear.
Sound familiar? Do you recognize any of the signs and symptoms in your life?
While these signs of PTSD can be expected to some extent right after a tragic event, if you or a loved one experience them for more than a month, you should speak with a professional.
In addition to the previously mentioned symptoms, other signs of PTSD can include persistent feelings of guilt or shame, difficulty maintaining close relationships, and intrusive thoughts or nightmares related to the traumatic event. Some people may also exhibit self-destructive behavior, such as excessive substance use or reckless driving.
Furthermore, trauma survivors may feel constantly on edge, leading to problems with sleep and concentration. It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience with PTSD is different, and symptoms can vary in severity. If you struggle with these issues, know that help is available.
Diagnosing PTSD
While there isn’t a medical test or exam to diagnose PTSD, a behavioral health specialist with expertise and experience assessing and treating PTSD can help you. They know the right questions to ask, consider the signs and symptoms sufferers present, and evaluate it all against established criteria to diagnose PTSD.
A good assessment and an accurate diagnosis are your first steps in treating PTSD and getting the right specialist to implement the best-fitting treatment for your particular situation and symptoms. For most, this can be accomplished on an outpatient basis, but some require a more intensive and safer residential treatment setting.
Treatment Options for PTSD
Fortunately, there are a variety of effective treatment options available for those struggling with PTSD. At Honey Lake Clinic, our Christian-based approach combines evidence-based techniques with faith-based principles to provide each individual with a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan. This can include:
- Counseling sessions
- Medication management
- Support groups
- Equine-assisted therapy
- Art therapy
- Prayer and spiritual guidance
With our tailored treatment program, we can help you or your loved one overcome PTSD and find healing, hope, and restoration. Don’t wait any longer to get the help you deserve. Contact Honey Lake Clinic today for more information on how we can support you on your journey toward recovery.
Contact Honey Lake Clinic for Treatment Options
The individualized treatment, experienced staff, and tranquil environment at Honey Lake Clinic can help you regain control of your life and regain happiness and wholeness. Call Honey Lake Clinic at 888.428.0562 to learn more or get started today.
