PTSD

If you’re experiencing long-term effects after a devastating event, you’re not alone. Around 8 million adults in the United States have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during any given year. PTSD can have a debilitating effect on your ability to function in daily life and maintain healthy relationships. The good news is that, with treatment, you can regain control over your PTSD symptoms and enjoy a full, robust life. Paula Williams, LCSW, at Sis Therapy/Already Done LLC has the training and expertise to help you make a full recovery from PTSD. To schedule a telehealth evaluation, call the office in Virginia Beach, Virginia, or book one online today.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that occurs after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Anyone who undergoes trauma may have difficulty coping and feel nervous, fearful, or depressed following the event. Still, over time, most people integrate the experience and readjust to normal functioning. 

When you have PTSD, the negative emotions associated with your trauma continue for months or years, and they cause a range of debilitating symptoms.

What causes PTSD?

PTSD arises after a traumatic experience, such as:

• Combat experience
• Childhood physical or sexual abuse
• Sexual or physical assault
• Domestic violence
• Narcissistic family systems
• Car accidents
• Natural disasters

Any extreme or life-threatening event can cause PTSD. It can occur in children, teens, adults, or seniors.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

PTSD symptoms are grouped into four different categories: intrusive thoughts and feelings, avoidance, mood changes, and physical and emotional reactions.

Examples of intrusive thoughts and feelings include:

• Nightmares
• Flashbacks or involuntary memories
• Fearful thoughts

Examples of avoidance include:

• Refusing to discuss the traumatic experience
• Avoiding places or people that remind you of the event
• Avoiding social situations

Mood changes include:

• Feeling detached, numb, or hopeless
• Lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Memory problems
• Poor concentration
• Inability to experience positive emotions

Physical and emotional reactions include:

• Sleep disturbances
• Irritability
• Angry outbursts
• Easy startle response
• Tension and anxiety
• Self-destructive behaviors

PTSD can also cause physical systems, such as a weakened immune system, headaches, sweating, and digestive disorders. Symptoms can interfere with your work, create conflict with friends or family members, and may contribute to anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, and substance abuse.

Which treatments can improve PTSD?

At Sis Therapy/Already Done LLC, Paula has extensive training in trauma recovery. She can help you establish a sense of safety as you work through the traumatic experience together.

Paula provides personalized care designed to give you support, compassion, and the coping skills you need to process your trauma and regain control over your emotions and behavior.

Some of the techniques she may recommend include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Creative therapy and journaling
• Family therapy

The idea of talking about your traumatic experience may seem unsettling, but remaining isolated and attempting to cope on your own can make your symptoms worse.

To schedule an evaluation with Paula, call Sis Therapy/Already Done LLC or book online today.