PTSD affects people across the United States. Unfortunately, post-traumatic stress disorder does not only affect combat veterans. First responders, frontline workers, victims of childhood trauma and abuse, and people who have lived through collective trauma and natural disaster can develop and live with PTSD without knowing it. Here in Nebraska, the team at Northpoint Nebraska is here to help people with PTSD mental health treatment.
If you or someone you love is struggling with signs of PTSD, know you are not alone. Northpoint Nebraska’s Omaha clinic is here to help. Our outpatient programs use evidence-based and alternative therapy programs to help manage PTSD and co-occurring disorders. Call us now at 402.698.3475 to enroll in our PTSD treatment program. 
What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a physical, emotional, and psychological condition in response to unprocessed trauma. Trauma occurs during a life-threatening situation. Whether someone is witnessing a traumatic event or in danger themselves, the brain releases chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol. This will cause the body to go into fight, flight, or freeze mode. This ancient response helps the body survive.
Sometimes, the body will process these chemicals during the traumatic event. When this happens, the event becomes a memory. Unfortunately, when the chemicals don’t process, it becomes a traumatic memory. Studies show traumatic memories are stored in the body’s tissues, not just the brain. This causes trauma to get “trapped” in tissues, waiting to release and process. This trapped trauma becomes post-traumatic stress disorder, a series of symptoms that occur when the body is attempting to complete the processing of a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can include:
- Anger
- Aggression
- Reactive behavior
- Intense Guilt
- Shame
- Constantly feeling unsafe
- Anxiety
- Worry
- Depression
- Self-isolation
- Confusion
- Mood swings
- Self-medicating
- Paranoia
- Shaking
- Flashbacks
- Panic attacks
- Disorientation
- Nightmares
- Sound sensitivity
- Light sensitivity
Everyone’s experience of PTSD is different. For some, triggers directly relate to their traumatic experience. For others, disconnected things can trigger a traumatic response. Once PTSD has been triggered, it’s hard to calm down the nervous system and return to a regulated state. Prolonged stress and continued exposure to traumatic events through work, recurrent disasters, or abuse can cause PTSD to worsen.
Unfortunately, many people turn to drugs, alcohol, and other self-soothing behaviors to manage PTSD at home. While these coping mechanisms may provide temporary relief, in the long term, they make PTSD worse. Post-traumatic stress disorder can also increase the risk of addiction.
PTSD Treatment and Therapy in Nebraska
PTSD is treatable. At Northpoint Nebraska, we use evidence-based therapy alongside other treatments to help patients across Nebraska cope and recover. Behavioral therapies are one of the leading approaches to PTSD, assisting patients in understanding the connections between their experience and behavior. CBT and DBT can help patients find healthy coping mechanisms and withstand emotional pain related to trauma triggers. Our meditation therapy program can also help patients calm their nervous system, reduce addiction triggers, and manage day-to-day life. With music therapy and specialized trauma therapy, patients at Northpoint Nebraska have access to a range of therapies for holistic care.
Northpoint Nebraska treats PTSD, addiction, and co-occurring disorders with a range of outpatient treatment programs. Our IOP, PHP, and general outpatient programs provide the flexibility and care you need to manage PTSD.
Start PTSD Therapy at Northpoint Nebraska Now
PTSD can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Left untreated, PTSD can lead to addiction, self-harm, and a range of health problems. If you or someone in your life is struggling, Northpoint Nebraska can help. Call us now at 402.698.3475 to connect with a trauma therapist and begin PTSD therapy in Omaha today.