You may have heard of soldiers who have been through combat, get out of the service, and then have to deal with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). But this is a problem that doesn’t just affect soldiers. It can happen to anyone who has been through a traumatic event. If you think you might have some signs of PTSD, you may be wondering if it will simply go away on its own or if it’s time to get help.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
First off, it is important to realize that everyone has different definitions of “trauma.” Some might go through a natural disaster and be fine, while others might go through the exact same situation and develop PTSD. Some signs of PTSD include
• Flashbacks to the event
• Recurrent dreams or memories of the event
• Avoidance of places or people who remind you of the event
• Having trouble concentrating
• Constantly feeling nervous, tense, frustrated, and irritable
• Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Withdrawing from loved ones
• Distressing thoughts
• Trouble sleeping
• Feelings of isolation
• Recurrent feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame about the event
PTSD does not go away on its own, and unfortunately, many people going through PTSD try to cope by using alcohol or drugs – but you should know there are proven, healthy ways to deal with it. Cognitive behavioral therapy is commonly used to deal with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Basically, this therapy works by helping the patient learn to identify and then challenge unhealthy thoughts, assumptions, and thinking patterns so that they can substitute them with healthier thoughts as well as reconceptualizing how they understand what has happened to them. The patient and therapist may also work on exposure to the “trauma narrative” that the patient has and reminders of the trauma to help reduce avoidance behaviors. Of course, these treatments are done in a safe and controlled way, with the patient and the therapist collaborating on what will happen during the therapy session.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is just one of the treatment options at Wasatch Crest Treatment in Heber, Utah. You don’t have to deal with PTSD or addiction on your own – call (800) 385-3507 for help today.
