PTSD

What is PTSD?

Traumatic experiences usually result in feelings of fear, anger, sorrow, and other negative emotions. Typically, these emotions resolve with time, but sometimes negative feelings don’t go away after the traumatic event. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arises when the emotions related to the event lead to ongoing symptoms that interfere with your daily life, work, or personal relationships. 

What types of experiences can cause PTSD?

Many people associate PTSD with combat experience, but any trauma can lead to PTSD. 

Examples of trauma include:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual assault
• Domestic violence
• Disasters, such as fire or earthquakes
• Automobile accidents
• Childhood neglect

Witnessing violence or a traumatic event can also cause PTSD. The coronavirus pandemic is an example of an extended traumatic experience. 

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

PTSD affects everyone differently. You may not experience PTSD symptoms for months or even years after the event. You could have many PTSD-related symptoms or just a few.

Some of the most common PTSD symptoms include:

• Involuntary memories or flashbacks
• Easy startle response
• Intrusive thoughts
• Angry outbursts
• Reckless behavior
• Severe anxiety
• Depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Thoughts of self-harm or harming others

PTSD can also lead to substance abuse and may affect your physical health. Associated health conditions include heart disease, diabetes, and gastrointestinal disorders.

How does a counselor treat PTSD?

Dr. Ibeh takes a whole-person approach to PTSD treatment. Through talk therapy and medication management, she helps you regain emotional control and restore physical wellness.

Dr. Ibeh helps you process the emotions around your traumatic experience. She uses techniques that help you understand the relationship between your body and your feelings. Understanding this relationship allows you to integrate the painful experience, so it remains in your past rather than affecting you in the present. Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and other forms of psychotherapy can guide you through memories of traumatic events, gradually explore them, understand the effect on thoughts and behaviors, and diminish troubling reactions.

Dr. Ibeh also uses mindfulness techniques, such as breathing exercises or meditation, to help you learn to relax and stay present during challenging moments. She may also recommend herbs, supplements, exercise, and other lifestyle changes. 

To schedule a virtual consultation, call Salient Health and Wellness or book online.