What Is PTSD?

If you're interested in learning about mental health topics, then you've probably heard of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But what is PTSD and why does it impact mental health? Let's dive into this question and go over some of the things we recommend here at Avalon Malibu if a client is dealing with PTSD.

What Is PTSD? Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition of persistent mental and emotional stress that results from injury or severe psychological shock. Trauma can affect how a person experiences safety, memory, emotions, relationships, sleep, and everyday life. While many people experience difficult emotional reactions after a traumatic event and gradually recover, some people continue to experience significant symptoms that interfere with relationships, work, sleep, or daily functioning.

PTSD can develop after many different types of traumatic experiences, including serious accidents, physical or sexual assault, combat, natural disasters, witnessing violence, childhood abuse, domestic violence, or other events involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, and having PTSD is not a sign of weakness.

PTSD can look very different in various situations, but it's often impactful to the individual's life in significant ways. Understanding the treatment options available for PTSD is important.  

What Does PTSD Feel Like?

PTSD can affect people differently. Some individuals feel constantly alert or on edge, while others feel emotionally numb or disconnected. Some experience vivid memories or nightmares, while others primarily notice avoidance, irritability, sleep difficulties, or changes in relationships.

A person with PTSD may know intellectually that they are currently safe while their body and mind continue to respond as though danger is present. Everyday situations, sounds, smells, places, conversations, anniversaries, or other reminders can sometimes activate memories or emotional responses associated with the trauma.

PTSD symptoms can fluctuate. A person may function well for periods of time and then experience a significant increase in symptoms after encountering a trigger, experiencing additional stress, or going through a major life transition.

The National Center for PTSD notes that many people improve after trauma, while PTSD treatment can help people who continue to experience distressing or disruptive symptoms.

PTSD Treatment

When answering the question, “What is PTSD,” it's essential to discuss the treatment options that are worth considering. While there are a lot of treatment options for those dealing with PTSD, there are a few common options that many people consider.

PTSD is treatable. There is no single treatment that is right for every person, but research supports several effective approaches.

The National Center for PTSD identifies trauma-focused psychotherapies as the most effective psychological treatments for PTSD. These include:

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
• Prolonged Exposure (PE)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Other psychotherapies and medications may also be appropriate depending on the individual.

Treatment should be individualized according to symptoms, diagnosis, previous treatment, medical history, personal preferences, and clinical readiness.

Medication can be helpful for those who have a high level of anxiety due to their PTSD. Another great treatment option is therapy. By starting therapy, individuals can not only learn more about what PTSD is but also ensure that they're developing healthy coping mechanisms. It can also be extremely helpful to have someone to talk to about difficult moments, so consider whether starting therapy could be the right choice for your mental health.

Why Residential Treatment for PTSD?

Not everyone with PTSD needs residential treatment. Many individuals benefit from outpatient psychotherapy while continuing to live and work at home.

Residential treatment may be appropriate when PTSD symptoms are severe, persistent, or significantly interfering with daily functioning, or when co-occurring substance use, depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric conditions make outpatient treatment insufficient.

Residential treatment provides greater structure and allows clients to step away temporarily from many of the external demands and triggers that can interfere with treatment engagement.

It also creates opportunities to practice therapeutic skills within a consistent daily routine.

At Avalon Malibu, residential mental health treatment is provided in a private, small-scale setting designed around individualized clinical care. The program incorporates psychiatric assessment, psychotherapy, trauma-informed care, mindfulness, holistic services, and other evidence-based approaches selected according to clinical appropriateness.

Consider Avalon Malibu

At Avalon Malibu, PTSD is treated as a serious mental health condition that can require individualized psychiatric and psychological care. Treatment may include trauma-focused psychotherapy, EMDR, CBT, DBT-informed skills, mindfulness, family therapy, medication management when clinically appropriate, and other therapies selected according to the individual's symptoms, history, and treatment goals.

We'd love to share more information with you about treatment plans and goals for those experiencing PTSD. We seek to provide each of our clients with individual support and guidance, which can be extra beneficial when someone is dealing with PTSD. Scheduling a tour of our facility or giving us a phone call are great ways to understand if Avalon Malibu could be right for you and your specific PTSD mental health improvement.

We understand that PTSD can be extremely difficult to cope with. If you or someone you know is struggling, we may be able to provide support. You can give us a call today at 1-888-958-7511 if you're interested in speaking with a member of our staff who can provide you with more information and help you be sure that you're on the right track. Don't hesitate to reach out to us today and take the next step toward improving your mental health.