Over ten million Americans struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) each year. This mental health condition can diminish your quality of life unless you seek the guidance of a PTSD therapy program.
If you or a loved one need a reputable PTSD treatment program in Massachusetts, you can rely on the compassionate professionals at Promises Washburn House. Our programs feature dual diagnosis treatment to address the challenges of PTSD as well as common co-occurring disorders like drug or alcohol use disorder. Contact us at 855.298.3104 to learn more.
What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences a traumatic event or series of traumatic events. It can also occur simply by witnessing such an event.
Some examples of traumatic events that can lead to PTSD include:
- Child abuse
- Domestic violence
- Military combat
- Natural disasters
- Serious accidents
- Sexual assault
As mentioned, seeing any of the above events happen to someone else, whether a loved one or a stranger, can be traumatic and instigate symptoms of PTSD.
Different Types of Trauma
Some people go their entire lives without realizing they are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. While some traumatic events are obvious, such as participating in military combat, others may be more subtle. Major traumatic events are referred to as big T traumas, while more minor traumatic events are called little t traumas. Some examples of little t traumas are:
- Bullying
- Social rejection
- Breakups
- Loss of a pet
Although categorized differently than big T traumas, these events do not necessarily cause less distress. The primary difference is that they do not involve violence. Regardless of whether you have experienced big T or little t trauma, you may find relief from a PTSD therapy program.
Do You Need a PTSD Treatment Program?
Without treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, most people end up suppressing their symptoms and bottling up their struggles. This will only worsen your symptoms over time. Although you may try to tough it out or ignore your emotional discomfort, there will come a time that your symptoms start significantly interfering with your life.
Here are a few signs that you may need the help of a PTSD treatment center:
- You are having flashbacks or nightmares about the traumatic event.
- You find it difficult to stop replaying the traumatic event in your head.
- You often feel on edge, as if something bad is going to happen.
- You avoid certain people, places, or things because they remind you of the traumatic event.
- You have experienced negative changes in your mood or cognitive function.
For most people, PTSD symptoms arise within three months of experiencing trauma. However, your symptoms can begin much later. Your distress may be most noticeable immediately following a traumatic event, but for a diagnosis of PTSD, symptoms would need to prolong for one month or more.
How Can a PTSD Treatment Center Help?
If you recognize the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, it is recommended that you schedule an assessment with a PTSD treatment center. Even if you cannot single out a particular traumatic event in your life, you may have a little T trauma that is having more of an effect on you than you realize.
Treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder typically involves:
- Behavioral therapy
- Holistic therapy
- Medication
- Support
PTSD treatment programs can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life by improving your coping skills and teaching you how to process and move on from trauma.
Find a Trusted PTSD Treatment Program in Massachusetts at Washburn House
PTSD is a serious condition that requires proper treatment to manage its symptoms. With the help of Promises Washburn House, you can reclaim a sense of emotional balance, calm, and safety. Our PTSD therapy program will help you work through trauma and release feelings of fear and anxiety. To learn more and enroll in treatment at our Massachusetts facility, reach out at 855.298.3104 or fill out our online form.