Defined as an event that threatens our sense of safety, whether real or perceived, a traumatic event can have a lasting emotional and psychological impact. It is normal to think, act, and feel differently following a traumatic event. For most, these effects subside after a short time, and the details of the trauma begin to fade. However, if the impacts of trauma persist for several months, remain deeply upsetting, and interfere with your functioning, you can benefit from a PTSD treatment program in Florida.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop shortly after experiencing trauma or years later when something triggers it. PTSD can have devastating effects when left untreated but is highly responsive to treatment. PTSD and substance use disorder frequently go hand-in-hand and require dual diagnosis treatment. At Harmony Hills, we offer comprehensive mental health treatment for PTSD and co-occurring disorders. Contact us at 855.494.0357 to begin your recovery today.
Common Signs of PTSD
Why some people develop PTSD and not others is not clear. Having PTSD or living with someone who has it can be intense, overwhelming, and emotionally exhausting because triggers can be all around you. Triggers can be internal, like a thought or feeling, or external, like a smell, sound, or object. Signs and symptoms of PTSD can vary significantly among people, but common signs typically include:
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares, insomnia, or other sleep disturbances
- Avoidance of people, places, or things associated with your trauma
- Hypervigilance
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Constantly feeling on edge or being easily startled
- Sudden angry outbursts
Only a professional can diagnose PTSD, so if you think you have PTSD, reach out to your doctor or mental health professional. While there is no cure for PTSD, a residential mental health treatment program can significantly alleviate PTSD symptoms and provide you with tools so that your life can become manageable once again. Residential treatment also offers the opportunity to be removed from the stresses of daily life to focus entirely on your treatment.
A Look at 5 Potential Causes of PTSD
Understanding the cause of someone’s PTSD is vital in knowing how to treat it. Experiencing or witnessing traumatic events cannot be the only factor in developing PTSD because not everyone who has these experiences develops the disorder. As with most mental health disorders, PTSD is likely caused by a complex combination of the following:
- Stressful life experiences or chronic stress
- Inherited personality traits or temperament
- Inherited genetic factors, including a predisposition to mental health disorders
- The way your brain regulates hormones and chemicals related to the body’s stress response
- Trauma
Post-traumatic stress disorder can disrupt all areas, including relationships, your job, health, and your overall enjoyment of life. Having PTSD makes you more susceptible to other mental health disorders, including substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
What Are the Risk Factors for PTSD?
Certain risk factors that could cause an individual to be more likely to develop PTSD include:
- Childhood trauma
- Experiencing a severe injury or accident
- Having a job that increases your risk of experiencing traumatic events
- Surviving a dangerous situation
- Witnessing a death
- History of substance abuse or other mental illness
- Not having a solid support network
Individual and group therapy are highly effective in the treatment of PTSD. At Harmony Hills, we utilize various evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. With professional help to properly process your trauma, you can learn to manage your post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and regain control of your life.
Reach Out to Harmony Hills for PTSD Treatment
Living with PTSD can be overwhelming and leave you feeling hopeless, but help is available. Overcoming PTSD and co-occurring disorders requires professional interventions. At Harmony Hills, we offer comprehensive, evidence-based, and holistic treatment in a safe, supportive environment that promotes healing. Our low staff-to-client ratios ensure that we intimately know each client to provide the best individual treatment. Reach out to us today at 855.494.0357 to start your recovery journey.
