PTSD

Not everyone who suffers trauma goes on to have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but those that do face considerable challenges. If you develop PTSD symptoms, visit Berhanu Bedassa, PMHNP, at Bridge of Hope Mental Health Services in Portland, Oregon. Berhanu understands the effects of trauma and offers compassionate treatment to help you overcome your problems. Call Bridge of Hope Mental Health Services or schedule a consultation online today for effective PTSD care.

What is PTSD?

PTSD develops after someone experiences severe trauma. This is often a life-threatening event, although witnessing it can be just as affecting as being the victim.

Experiences that lead to PTSD include:

• Military combat
• Living or working in a war zone
• Hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods
• Fires and earthquakes
• Severe auto accidents
• Personal assault and rape
• Air, rail, and sea transportation disasters
• Terrorist acts
• Mass shootings

PTSD is best known for developing after a sudden, catastrophic event. But it can also be a chronic (long-term) problem for people who endure years of abuse.

Which symptoms indicate I have PTSD?

PTSD symptoms fit into four categories:

Intrusive thoughts

Flashbacks are the most widely recognized PTSD symptom. A trigger like a smell, sound, or situation takes you back to the trauma, making you believe you’re reliving it. These vivid and intense experiences are highly distressing. You might also have nightmares and struggle with unwanted thoughts provoked by your trauma.

Avoidance

The horror of experiencing flashbacks can be so unbearable that you go to great lengths to avoid them. You might withdraw from family and friends, isolate yourself at home, or leave without telling anyone where you’re going. Avoidance considerably affects your ability to study, work, and manage daily life.

Negative feelings

Negative feelings about yourself and others are typical with PTSD. You might feel angry toward the people you blame for the event and wish them harm. Some people develop survivor’s guilt, thinking they should have died or blaming themselves for not doing more. Many people with PTSD also suffer from depression and/or anxiety.

Reactive symptoms

PTSD can cause irritability, frustration, and anger. You jump when you hear a loud noise or flinch when someone touches you. You might behave recklessly or do self-destructive things like drinking alcohol to excess or taking illegal drugs.

What treatments can help with PTSD?

At Bridge of Hope Mental Health Services, Berhanu combines psychotherapy (talk therapy or counseling) with medication to treat PTSD successfully.

Psychotherapy can be challenging for people with PTSD because they often tend to avoid discussing the experience. But opening up to a skilled counselor is vital for PTSD recovery.

Medication helps reduce severe symptoms and problems like depression and anxiety so that you can benefit more from your psychotherapy.

Call Bridge of Hope Mental Health Services or book an appointment online today to arrange a PTSD evaluation.