PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can trigger horrifying flashbacks, anxiety, and nightmares. If you suffer trauma and develop PTSD symptoms, contact Norvy Jean, NP-BC, and the team at Nova Wellness Health in Wantagh, New York. They offer talk therapies and medication management as part of a holistic care plan that helps you overcome PTSD. Call Nova Wellness Health today to request an in-person or telehealth PTSD evaluation. You can also book an appointment using the online scheduling feature.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder, more commonly known as PTSD, can affect people who experience something traumatic. Events that often lead to PTSD include:

• Natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes
• Sexual, physical, and emotional abuse
• Fires and floods
• Terrorist acts
• Personal assault and rape
• Severe car accidents
• Plane or rail crashes
• Mass shootings

PTSD is primarily known for its effects on combat veterans, but people living and working in war zones can also suffer from PTSD. In fact, anything that you find unusually shocking or terrifying could cause PTSD.

Most events are brief but complex (chronic) PTSD can develop in people who’ve endured years of abuse or torture.

What symptoms might I experience with PTSD?

PTSD symptoms typically fit into one of four types:

Intrusive thoughts
Flashbacks are among the most distressing PTSD symptoms. They happen when you hear, see, or smell something that takes your mind back to the traumatic event. The memories can be so vivid you feel like you’re reliving the experience. Being unable to quit thinking about your trauma and having frequent nightmares are also common.

Negative emotions
Depression, anxiety, irritability, and anger are common emotions in people with PTSD. You might feel overpowering rage at whomever you hold responsible for the trauma. Some people also develop survivor’s guilt — hating themselves for surviving when others didn’t or not doing more to help during the crisis.

Reactivity
Having PTSD heightens your responses, so you’re constantly on edge. Sudden loud noises or an unexpected touch will likely make you jump, and you could strike out in fear.

Avoidance
Avoidance behaviors develop because PTSD symptoms are so tough to endure. You might try to reduce your exposure to triggers by shutting yourself off from your family and friends and avoiding anything or anyone that would remind you of your trauma.

PTSD patients are typically more vulnerable to substance use disorder because they self-medicate with illegal drugs and/or alcohol to numb their feelings. Without expert help, some people with PTSD become suicidal.

How do I get over PTSD?

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is vital for PTSD. It helps you process trauma and manage daily living problems stemming from PTSD, like avoidance behaviors.

The Nova Wellness Health team might suggest medication to help ease symptoms like depression and anxiety. Combining psychotherapy and medication often achieves the best results.

Call Nova Wellness Health to arrange your PTSD assessment or schedule a consultation online today.