Understanding PTSD: The Road to Recovery

Too many people live with trauma. These experiences, such as car accidents, abuse or combat, natural disasters and sudden loss, can have a lasting impact. Post-Traumatic Stress disorder is a condition where the past refuses to stay in the distant past.

What is PTSD?

Some people develop Post-Traumatic stress disorder after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic experience. It is important to note that not everyone who has experienced trauma will develop PTSD. This is not a sign of weakness or strength. The condition is influenced by a number of factors, including the individual’s trauma history, genetic vulnerability and social support.

PTSD is characterized by four main symptom clusters. Flashbacks, unwanted memories, and nightmares are intrusion symptoms. They make it feel like the trauma is occurring again now. Avoidance is the act of avoiding people, places or thoughts that are associated with trauma. Negative mood and cognitive changes include persistent negative thoughts about yourself or the world, feelings of detachment, and emotional numbness. Hyperarousal is characterized by being easily startled and having trouble sleeping.

Who is Affected?

Combat exposure is a major cause of PTSD. But PTSD can affect civilians as deeply. PTSD is common among survivors of sexual assaults, domestic violence and childhood abuse. It also occurs in those who have experienced serious accidents, medical emergencies or community violence. First responders and healthcare workers are at a higher risk, as well as anyone who is repeatedly exposed to traumatizing situations.

How it Affects Daily Life

Untreated PTSD is a serious condition. Relationships are affected as survivors withdraw, or battle with anger and emotional numbness. Work performance declines. Substance abuse often increases when people try to cope with unbearable symptoms. Depression and suicidal thoughts are significantly increased. Without treatment, PTSD can become chronic.

Evidence-based Treatments

There are effective treatments for PTSD that have a strong scientific basis. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy directly addresses the traumatic memories and the distorted thought patterns that have formed around them. Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing is a specialized treatment that helps the brain integrate and process traumatic memories while reducing their emotional intensity. Prolonged exposure therapy helps people confront trauma-related situations and memories in a safe and gradual way. SSRIs and other medications are used to reduce the severity of symptoms.

Healing is Possible

It is possible that trauma has been a part of your life, but it doesn’t have to be the defining factor of your future. Our trauma-informed clinicians at Inland Empire Behavioral Group provide evidence-based PTSD treatment.