Mental Health Clinic - Carbondale IL
How to Manage PTSD Symptoms
The Albany Clinic • Feb 13, 2023
At The Albany Clinic, we understand the impact that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can have on an individual’s daily life. Our goal is to provide our patients with the tools and resources they need to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health disorder that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. It can also happen because of prolonged exposure to a traumatic situation. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, and feelings of intense distress or guilt related to the traumatic event. PTSD can also have a negative impact on an individual’s daily life, making it difficult to carry out routine tasks and leading to feelings of anxiety and depression.
PTSD symptoms can manifest in different ways and in severity, and they can overlap and coexist in the same person. It’s important to note that they can be grouped into four main categories: intrusive symptoms, avoidance symptoms, negative changes in cognition and mood, and changes in arousal and reactivity.
- Intrusive symptoms: This category includes re-experiencing the traumatic event through flashbacks, nightmares, and other distressing memories. People with PTSD may also have physical reactions, such as sweating or a racing heart, when they are reminded of the trauma.
- Avoidance symptoms: This category includes behaviors that are used to avoid reminders of the traumatic event. People with PTSD may avoid people, places, or activities that remind them of the trauma. They may also have difficulty remembering important parts of the traumatic event.
- Negative changes in cognition and mood: This category includes changes in the way a person thinks and feels. People with PTSD may feel guilty, ashamed, or blame themselves for what happened. They may also have negative thoughts and feelings about themselves, the world, and the future.
- Changes in arousal and reactivity: This category includes changes in a person’s physical and emotional reactions. People with PTSD may have trouble sleeping and may have increased feelings of anxiety, irritability, and anger. They may also feel more on edge and more easily startled.
It’s important to remember that PTSD symptoms can be debilitating and can significantly impact an individual’s daily life. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider if you suspect you may have PTSD to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Strategies for Managing PTSD Symptoms
- Therapy: Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), can help an individual process the traumatic event and learn coping strategies.
- Medications: Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can be prescribed to help manage symptoms of PTSD.
- Interventions such as IV ketamine therapy and Stellate Ganglion Block have been clinically shown to be effective in the immediate reductions of PTSD symptoms and suicidal ideation.
- Support groups: Joining a support group of individuals who have also experienced PTSD can provide a sense of community and validation.
- Self-care: Regular exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep can all help to improve overall well-being and reduce symptoms of PTSD.
At The Albany Clinic, we understand the impact that PTSD can have on an individual’s daily life. If you or someone you know is living with PTSD, we invite you to contact us to learn more about ketamine therapy and stellate ganglion blocks, and how they can provide rapid relief from PTSD symptoms. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to our patients, and we can help you find the right treatment plan that best fits your needs. Don’t let PTSD control your life any longer, take the first step towards recovery and give us a call today.
The post How to Manage PTSD Symptoms appeared first on The Albany Clinic.
At the Albany Clinic, our goal is to make you comfortable and provide relief for your symptoms. We accomplish this with a warm atmosphere, a caring and competent staff, and a state-of-the-art facility.
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