For many people, obtaining proper post-traumatic stress disorder treatments (PTSD) can alleviate or result in them overcoming their PTSD symptoms. After treatment, many people feel like they have a better quality of life.
Untreated PTSD is not a condition which improves on its own — and unfortunately, it may even get worse. It is common to believe your PTSD symptoms will subside over time; however, this is very unlikely, especially if symptoms have persisted for more than one year. Even if you feel like you can manage your symptoms now, the affects can increase and have the potential to get worse over time.
Obtaining treatment can help you keep PTSD from causing problems in your relationships, career or education, so you can live the way you want to, on your own terms.
Common questions about PTSD treatment
Can a therapist really understand what I’ve been through?
Therapists are trained to treat PTSD, whether or not they have experienced trauma themselves. The important thing is that your therapist understands how you think about your experience, so he or she is able to teach you skills to help you manage your symptoms.
Is it ever too late to get treatment for PTSD?
It is never too late to get help. Even if the trauma happened years ago, treatment can help you; and the treatment available now for PTSD has greatly improved. If you previously obtained treatment and were unsatisfied with it or you are still experiencing symptoms, it’s a good idea to try again.
What if I don’t feel ready for PTSD treatment?
It is normal to feel like you’re not ready for treatment, or to come up with reasons why now isn’t the right time, like you can’t afford it or you’re too busy. But not wanting to talk or think about the trauma can actually be a symptom of PTSD. You may never feel truly ready to get help for PTSD, but if you’re having symptoms, it’s better to get treatment now than to wait. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner your quality of life can improve and you can start to feel better.
Where can I go to get help for PTSD?
There are many resources available for PTSD treatment. If you are a veteran, check with the local Department of Veterans Affairs office to find out if treatment is available there. Visit http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/PTSD.asp to find a VA PTSD program near you.
You need not have served in the military to have post-traumatic stress disorder. Although often associated with those who have served in combat situations, PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced a traumatic life event.
Your primary care doctor is an excellent resource who can refer you to a mental health care provider who specializes in PTSD treatment. Our team at Holiner is trained in providing PTSD treatment in addition to treatments for depression, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, identifying sleep disorders and many other mental health conditions. To get help for PTSD or other mental health concerns, please contact us today at either our Dallas or McKinney offices, or call 972-566-4591 (Dallas) or 469-742-0199 (McKinney).