Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

If you are someone who has suffered from one or more Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms, then you need PSTD therapy. What is PSTD? It is an acronym for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and it is a debilitating condition experienced by individuals who have experienced, either in real-time or virtually, a traumatic event. The term was first used in 1980 and describes a whole range of related mental health problems, including anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks, panic attacks, insomnia, stress, and depression. Although many of these symptoms are similar to other mental health conditions, there are two main distinctions that make PSTD particularly difficult to live with: the fact that the condition occurs in people who have been in horrible physical danger and that their memories of the danger are constantly recurring and extremely painful.

There are many potential causes of PTSD, but the most common are stressors like violence, disaster, abuse, and other events that cause long-term emotional, physical, and psychological trauma. Because the symptoms are so powerful, the survivors of these events often feel that they have no choice but to keep living with the consequences of their experiences. As a result, many of them suffer symptoms like the ones outlined above, but additionally experience panic attacks, flashbacks, depression, and other mental health conditions, as well. This condition is difficult to treat and to live with, but there are several types of treatment options available. In most cases, victims receive psychiatric care in conjunction with or separate from traditional therapy. Sometimes they receive both.

One approach to treating PTSD involves moving patients into a semi-tranquil environment, in which the patient can avoid or minimize the various symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy, also sometimes known as CBT, is meant to teach the sufferer new ways to think and act, as well as how to avoid symptoms that tend to lead to more severe disorders. A frequent method of treatment is the use of exposure. This involves putting PTSD patients in situations that cause them to be in danger and then placing them in a controlled state for a period of time. By allowing the patient some exposure to the situation without triggering panic attacks, sufferers can learn to deal with the disorder more effectively.

Another type of PTSD therapy is called art therapy. Since PTSD sufferers tend to develop avoidance habits as a result of their traumatic stress disorder, art therapy can help individuals to develop more appropriate reactions to stressors. The purpose of this type of therapy is not to provide the victim with a sense of “normalcy,” but to return them to a state of normalcy through the use of art. Common things that are used in art therapy include building fantasy worlds, dressing up, practicing sitting and walking and coloring.

Another common form of PTSD therapy is called cognitive behavioral therapy. This is sometimes combined with art therapy and works to help the victim overcome symptoms like memory loss, avoidance, blushing, depression, anger and guilt. These are all symptoms that can lead to a life full of feelings of sadness and isolation.

It is important to note that many of the symptoms of trauma -like anxiety, mood swings, intrusive thoughts, reoccurring thoughts and flashbacks stem from the sufferer’s inability to effectively deal with past traumas. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to help sufferers develop healthy coping mechanisms that help them to better handle their stress and to eliminate negative thoughts that interfere with their life. Common forms of treatment include talk therapy and treadmill exercises. In addition, relaxation techniques like meditation are often helpful. In fact, some sufferers find that the effects of PTSD and its symptoms can be eliminated by simply modifying their habits and thought processes.

Then there is the prolonged exposure therapy. Clinics that practice prolonged exposure therapy aim to expose sufferers to their traumas over a long period of time. The theory behind prolonged exposure therapy is that repeated exposure to stress and trauma leads to long term psychological health problems, including depression, anxiety, stress related disorders, and even suicide. Of course, this form of treatment should not be used for those who have suicidal thoughts or feelings. If you feel that you may be a candidate for ptsd therapy, your doctor is the best resource for further information.

When it comes to preventing the development of PTSD or any other form of anxiety and panic disorder, it is vital that we all understand and know the signs and symptoms of the disorder. In the case of trauma, it is important that we as a society take more responsibility for our mental health, especially when it comes to young children. Through education, there is hope that more people will become aware of the potential long term effects of PTSD and will take steps toward prevention. If you suspect that you or a loved one may suffer from PTSD or another anxiety-related disorder, be sure to contact your doctor or mental health professional immediately.