In the aftermath of severe trauma exposure, you may undergo a range of distressing mental and physical changes. These changes often resolve themselves with time. However, in some cases, they lay the groundwork for developing post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. In any given year, roughly 12 million American adults qualify for a PTSD diagnosis. As a result, they require expert care provided by mental health treatment specialists.
Are you or a loved one in need of a PTSD treatment program in Waltham, MA? Talk to the professionals at Evoke Waltham. With our help, you can take the practical steps needed to cope with and overcome the symptoms of PTSD. We’re dedicated to your journey toward wellness.
Defining PTSD
All people with PTSD have gone through at least one highly traumatic life event. Events of this type come in a wide variety of forms, including:
- Physical abuse and assaults
- Sexual abuse and assaults
- Violence within an intimate relationship
- Earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters
- Major illnesses and accidents
- Exposure to combat or acts of terrorism
Your reaction to such stressful events can easily overload your natural coping abilities. PTSD produces telltale symptoms of unresolved trauma at least 30 days after that trauma occurs. These symptoms are divided into four categories. The first category includes any unwanted thoughts or memories of a traumatic event. The second has compelling urges to avoid remembering what happened during that event.
In the third category are damaging changes in your typical mood and ways of thinking. The fourth category of PTSD symptoms includes indicators of a hyper-alert, overreactive mental state. All affected people have problems in each of these areas.
How a PTSD Treatment Program Can Help
Psychotherapy is the primary treatment resource for people with PTSD. The most widely recommended psychotherapy option is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Effective CBT can take several forms, including:
- Prolonged exposure therapy
- Cognitive processing therapy
- Stress inoculation therapy
Each of these approaches can benefit your recovery in its own way. With their help, it’s possible to undo the negative thoughts and emotions that occur with PTSD. You can also decrease your susceptibility to things that remind you of past trauma.
CBT often takes place in group settings. Participation in group therapy can help you process your experiences and learn from others. You may also benefit from family therapy. That’s true because unresolved issues within your family unit can potentially interfere with your recovery.
Medication at a PTSD Treatment Center
Often medication plays an important and supportive role in a PTSD treatment program. The most common options are antidepressants classified as SSRIs or SNRIs. These medications can’t eliminate your PTSD symptoms. However, they can help reduce your symptom severity.
Reducing symptom severity is beneficial for a couple of reasons. First, even partial relief of your symptoms can make you feel better. Crucially, appropriate antidepressant use can make it easier for you to participate in PTSD therapy. You may also receive medications that help you cope with the effects of anxiety or insomnia.
Turn to Evoke Waltham for a PTSD Treatment Program in Waltham, MA
Want to learn more about how a PTSD treatment program works? The specialists at Evoke Waltham are standing by. We’ll explain the full benefits of timely PTSD treatment. We’ll also answer any questions you may have about your specific recovery options.
Evoke Waltham focuses on having a compassionate staff who are experts in their field. Our customized PTSD treatment center considers the details of your unique situation. We then use these details to form a plan that maximizes your odds of treatment success. For more information on getting started, call us today at 866.276.1920. You can also complete our online message form.
