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PTSD
PTSD clinical psychologist
serving buffalo, TONAWANDA, ORCHARD PARK, & HAMBURG, NY
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition where anxiety and flashbacks are triggered by a terrifying event. This can happen to those who experienced the traumatic event first-hand or witnessed it. Many people struggle with coping with traumatic events, but with the right self-care and time – they usually feel better. For people with PTSD, the symptoms worsen, last for months to years, and interfere with their day-to-day functioning.
If you’ve been diagnosed with PTSD or are struggling with symptoms, seeing a clinical psychologist for treatment can help you regain a sense of control over your life. PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop within a month after a traumatic event, but the symptoms may not appear until years later. They can negatively impact social or work situations and relationships. For many people, it can feel like the symptoms will never go away. PTSD is treatable with the use of psychotherapy and medications. At WNY Psychotherapy Services, our clinical psychologists have years of experience in helping patients that struggle with PTSD. They will properly diagnose your mental health condition and develop a personalized treatment plan. We can provide counseling services, depression help, mental health tips, and more for those dealing with PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD
Many mental health conditions have similar symptoms, but PTSD has four different categories of symptoms. They consist of intrusive memories, avoidance, behavior changes, and mood swings. Not every person struggling with PTSD will show the same symptoms. It’s important to notice any changes in your mental and physical health after a traumatic event.
Intrusive Memories
Whether you’re thinking about the traumatic event or not, memories can come flushing back into your mind. This can occur during the day as flashbacks, which makes it seem like the traumatic event is happening again. This can also occur at night, as dreams or nightmares - which can cause extreme distress and insomnia. The memories can make you feel anxious, guilty, afraid, or even suspicious. PTSD can also develop physical symptoms such as chills, headaches, heart palpitations, and panic attacks.
Avoidance
This is when you’re attempting to not think or even talk about the terrifying event. You may avoid places, people, or activities that remind you of the event. This causes people with PTSD to feel alone and detached from the rest of the world.
Behavior Changes
If you’re struggling with PTSD, you may notice changes in your behavior. These are called “arousal symptoms.” For example, if you’re normally a social drinker, you might start drinking more heavily. Other common behavior changes include irrational outbursts, feeling frightened, trouble sleeping, overwhelming guilt or shame, and difficulty focusing.
Mood Swings
PTSD can also manifest as negative thinking and mood changes. You may feel hopeless, numb, suicidal, or bad about yourself or others. Activities that you once loved may not interest you anymore. People with PTSD also can have low motivation to maintain relationships with friends and family.
CONTACT OUR CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST TODAY
The clinical psychologists at WNY Psychotherapy Services are here to help those struggling with PTSD. We offer compassionate and friendly counseling services, so you don’t have to manage your mental health condition alone. Our clinical psychologist will work with you to develop a treatment plan to reduce your symptoms and improve your overall well-being. For years, our clinical psychologists have helped patients with PTSD across Hamburg, Buffalo, Tonawanda, Orchard Park, NY and the surrounding areas. With the proper treatment and support, you can regain control of your life. To learn more about our counseling services, contact our clinical psychologist.