PTSD services

What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Trauma may include:

• Military combat
• A serious accident
• Natural disaster
• Physical or emotional abuse
• Sexual assault
• Serious illness
• Injury
• The unexpected death of someone close

It’s normal to experience fear, sadness, or anxiety after a traumatic event. With PTSD, however, these symptoms continue or become disruptive long after the event has ended. Without treatment, PTSD symptoms can persist for months or even years.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

PTSD symptoms can affect your thoughts, emotions, behavior, and physical well-being. Common symptoms include:

• Flashbacks or unwanted memories of the trauma
• Nightmares
• Avoiding people, places, or situations that serve as unpleasant reminders
• Anxiety or persistent fear
• Depression or feelings of hopelessness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Irritability or angry outbursts
• Feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling constantly on guard or easily startled
• Loss of interest in activities
• Physical symptoms such as fatigue or headaches

PTSD may also occur alongside depression, anxiety, substance-use disorders, or other mental health conditions.

What are my PTSD treatment options?

After a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation for PTSD, Sharon can recommend an individualized treatment plan based on your symptoms, history, and goals.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can be an important part of your PTSD treatment. Evidence-based approaches may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), and prolonged exposure therapy (PE). 

These therapies can help you process traumatic experiences, identify unhelpful thought patterns, and develop healthier ways to respond to triggers. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) may also be considered for some individuals with PTSD.

Medication management

Medication may be appropriate depending on your symptoms and other mental health or substance-use concerns. Sharon carefully reviews your medical and psychiatric history before recommending medication and monitors your response throughout treatment.

Healthy routines, regular sleep, exercise, mindfulness, supportive relationships, and stress-management strategies can also complement professional treatment.

If PTSD symptoms are affecting your daily life, you don’t have to keep struggling on your own. Compassionate psychiatric care can help you better understand what you’re experiencing and develop a treatment plan designed around your needs. Call Mindwellness Psychiatry LLC today or contact us online to learn more about PTSD treatments.