While post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly associated with soldiers after battle, it can occur in anyone who has experienced a deeply disturbing, frightening event. There can be severe repercussions when PTSD is unnoticed and untreated. Often, people with PTSD do not recognize the signs themselves, so it usually falls to those around them to notice the problem. Depression, insomnia, night terrors, memory loss, and sudden, dramatic mood changes can be signs of PTSD. Severe cases can also include flashbacks and disassociation from the present time. The treatment of PTSD aims to decrease these symptoms, increase self-esteem, and empower the patient with the skills to deal with his or her disorder head-on.
Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If the symptoms get worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, you may have PTSD. Plains Area Mental Health has counselors trained to help. Call one of our offices today or take our free on-line assessment on this website.
P.S. Although PTSD treatment does not always require medication, it may sometimes be used temporarily and in rare cases permanently.