PTSD

Surviving trauma doesn’t always end when an event is over — the impact can linger, leading to intrusive thoughts, disrupted sleep, and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The good news is that the experienced Mental Health Counseling and Wellness Center providers in Las Vegas, Nevada, offer compassionate care for PTSD to help you heal and reclaim the life you deserve. If you or a loved one is showing signs of PTSD, call the office or request an appointment online today.

What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD is a mental health condition that may develop after someone witnesses or goes through something traumatic. It may stem from devastating events like physical or sexual assault, warfare or combat, serious accidents, sudden loss of a loved one, or natural disasters.

Being afraid or upset after a distressing event is completely normal, but individuals with PTSD don’t shake off these feelings quickly. Instead, they continue to feel the effects after the danger has passed, and these symptoms can interfere with daily life, relationships, work, and well-being.

What are the most common symptoms of PTSD?

The signs of PTSD can vary between individuals, but you might experience:

Increased arousal or reactivity

You may be constantly tense, easily startled, or have trouble sleeping. You may also be more prone to angry outbursts.

Intrusive thoughts

These may include distressing memories and flashbacks to the traumatic event when awake or nightmares when sleeping.

Avoidance

You may make up excuses to avoid visiting places or situations that remind you of what happened. You may also withdraw from people.

Changes in mood and thought patterns

Your mood and thoughts may take a turn for the worse, resulting in hopelessness and detachment, or even struggling to recall some parts of the trauma.

How is PTSD diagnosed?

The licensed providers at the Mental Health Counseling and Wellness Center can use a detailed assessment process to determine if you or someone you care about has PTSD. They discuss your symptoms and what triggered them, and talk about how they affect your life.

If your symptoms have persisted for over a month and greatly interfere with your life and functioning, your provider may diagnose you with PTSD and create a care plan tailored to your needs.

What can I expect from PTSD treatment?

Your personalized treatment plan may include:

• Coping mechanisms to help you manage symptoms, get better sleep, reduce stress, and feel more in control
• Psychotherapy (talk therapy), particularly therapies that focus on trauma, like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Medication to manage moods and anxiety may also be a valuable tool

The good news is that PTSD is treatable, and improvement is within reach. If you want to reclaim your life from the symptoms of PTSD, call the Mental Health Counseling and Wellness Center today or use the online booking form.