Living with PTSD Isn’t Easy – Fortunately, Our Therapists Can Help
Are you living with PTSD?
There are many different reasons why someone may develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. There are several different factors that can lead to this disorder, and a lot of emotional trauma that comes along with it.
While PTSD is not easy to live with, our therapists will try their best to provide you with relief. They are highly trained and experienced in helping patients cope with the effects of PTSD, and they have had great success with helping patients find comfort and peace in life once again.
If you are living with PTSD, we can help. Contact Partners in Physical Therapy today to consult with one of our Lake Charles, LA therapists and learn more about our services.
Why am I living with PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder typically stems from a certain traumatic event that is usually painful for patients to recount. As defined by the American Psychiatric Association,
“Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, or rape or who have been threatened with death, sexual violence or serious injury.”
While there can be many symptoms associated with PTSD, the American Psychiatric Association discusses the 4 main categories that these symptoms typically fall into:
- Intrusion. This category refers to intrusive, involuntary thoughts regarding the traumatic event in question. Many patients may view these intrusive thoughts as frame-by-frame flashbacks of the event that sometimes seem so real that it is hard for the patient to decipher memory from present reality.
- Avoidance. This category refers to the ways in which patients living with PTSD will tend to avoid anything that may remind them of the traumatic event. This may include any person, place, activity, object, or situation that could trigger painful memories of the event. This also may make it extremely difficult for the patient to discuss the event, as they are trying their best to protect themselves from distressing memories.
- Alterations in cognitions and mood. This category refers to distorted beliefs or memories that the patient may experience regarding the traumatic event experienced. It may prove difficult for patients to remember exactly what happened during the traumatic event and may lead to negative thoughts about themselves as well, including guilt and shame. Alterations in cognitions and mood can also display as intense ongoing fear or horror that a similar traumatic event will occur again. Many patients presenting symptoms in this category also find themselves detached or estranged from others, and it can be extremely difficult for them to experience positive feelings and emotions.
- Alterations in arousal and reactivity. This category refers to symptoms of arousal and reactivity following the traumatic event in question. Patients experiencing symptoms within this category may be overly watchful or suspicious of those around them, and may display outbursts of anger or irritability. Patients experiencing symptoms in this category may also behave recklessly or self-destructively, and they usually have issues with concentration and/or sleeping.
How can I get started?
If you are living with PTSD, you are not alone – and our therapists are here to help. At Partners in Physical Therapy, we want to help you live comfortably once again, without fear or troubling thoughts.
If you are ready to get started on a therapy plan that is right for you, don’t hesitate to contact our Lake Charles, LA clinic too. We will help you find peace and happiness in life again.
