Post-traumatic stress disorder does not only affect combat veterans. First responders, frontline workers, survivors of childhood trauma and abuse, and people who have lived through collective trauma and natural disasters can develop and live with PTSD without knowing it. The team at Northpoint Nebraska is here to help people with a PTSD treatment program.
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 mental health treatment 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.
Causes of Trauma
Trauma and PTSD can stem from a variety of sources, including:
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Combat experiences
- Neglect due to parent, caregiver, or family abandonment
- Natural disasters
- Personal losses such as a death in the family
Furthermore, PTSD can be triggered by witnessing traumatic events. It is important to recognize the many ways trauma can impact someone’s life and recognize the signs of PTSD.
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
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 negative 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.
The Link Between PTSD and Addiction
Many people with PTSD turn to drugs and alcohol in an attempt to ease their symptoms. Whether it’s self-medicating or trying to numb the pain, substance abuse can worsen the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, leading to further isolation and numbing.
When someone living with PTSD decides to turn to drugs or alcohol to numb their symptoms, they are at risk of developing an addiction. Addiction can be both a cause and a result of post-traumatic stress disorder. It’s important to note that addiction is not just physical; it’s psychological as well.
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 experiences and behavior. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy 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 PSD treatment program provides 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 or complete our online form to connect with a trauma therapist and begin PTSD therapy in Omaha today.