Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
& Trauma Recovery
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that is brought on by memories of an extremely stressful event or series of events that cause intense fear and a feeling of helplessness. The event may be related to war, physical or sexual assault or abuse, an accident, or a mass disaster. It can develop if the event happened to you, or if you witnessed it. PTSD is not normal stress-related anxiety. It persists long after the event and is characterized by the intensity of the feelings, how long they last, how you react to these feelings, and the presence of particular symptoms. More than 5 million adults in the United States are affected by PTSD each year.
Symptoms of PTSD usually develop within the first 3 months after the event, but they may not surface until months or even years after the original traumatic event. Symptoms may include: intrusive thoughts recalling the traumatic event; nightmares; flashbacks; efforts to avoid feelings and thoughts that either remind you of the traumatic event or that trigger similar feelings; feeling detached or unable to connect with loved ones; depression; hopelessness; feelings of guilt; irritability or angry outbursts; hypervigilance (being overly aware of possible danger), headaches; disrupted sleep; insomnia; hypersensitivity including at least two of the following reactions: trouble sleeping, being angry, having difficulty concentrating, being startled easily, and/or having a physical reaction.
Early intervention immediately after a traumatic event, through support groups, psychotherapy, certain medications and alternative therapies, may help prevent PTSD from escalating.
Acupuncture can help with symptoms of PTSD such as insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Other alternative therapies, such as massage, Cranial Sacral Therapy, MPS™-Micro-current Point Stimulation, massage cupping, nutrition and herbals supplements are useful tools as well. All of these therapies help regulate the parasympathetic nervous system from being overstressed by the misfiring of neurons.
At Sandhill Healing Center, Inc., our concentration in trauma recovery its through the use of various alternative therapies customized for a client's particular needs. Our licensed staff is prepared to assist you, and if necessary, we have available conventional psychotherapy treatment referrals, in such techniques as Biofeedback and Hypnosis, available to complement a more comprehensive treatment plan.
For more information, call 941.235.8929