What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by a terrifying event—either experiencing it personally or witnessing it happen to someone else. While often associated with combat veterans, PTSD can affect anyone who has lived through:

• Serious accidents (such as car crashes).

• Physical or sexual assault.

• Natural disasters.

• Sudden, unexpected loss of a loved one.
   

Recognizing the Symptoms

Symptoms typically appear within three months of the event, though they can sometimes surface years later. To be diagnosed with PTSD, symptoms must last more than a month and be severe enough to interfere with relationships or work.

Symptoms generally fall into four categories:
 

1. Intrusive Memories (Re-experiencing)

• Flashbacks: Feeling as though you are reliving the trauma in real-time.

• Nightmares: Recurring, distressing dreams related to the event.

• Triggers: Intense physical or emotional distress when encountering sights, sounds, or smells that remind you of the trauma.

2. Avoidance Behaviors

• Avoiding specific places, crowds, or activities that remind you of the event.

• Refusing to think or talk about what happened to avoid painful feelings.

3. Negative Changes in Thinking & Mood

• Overwhelming feelings of guilt, shame, or fear.

• Memory gaps regarding key parts of the traumatic event.

• Feeling detached or estranged from family and friends.

• Emotional numbness or an inability to experience joy.

4. Physical & Emotional Reactivity (Hyperarousal)

• Being easily startled or constantly "on guard" for danger.

• Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior.

• Self-destructive behavior (e.g., excessive drinking or reckless driving).

• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
   

How We Treat PTSD

Healing from trauma is possible. At Suburban Psychiatric Specialists, we use a combination of evidence-based treatments to help reset the brain’s alarm system.

• Psychotherapy: Approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help you process the traumatic memory so it no longer controls your emotions.

• Medication Management: Antidepressants (SSRIs) can help manage the symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with PTSD.

• Advanced Treatments: For treatment-resistant cases, we may explore options like Spravato (esketamine), which can help alleviate severe depressive symptoms often co-occurring with trauma.
   

When to Seek Help

If disturbing thoughts and feelings about a traumatic event persist for more than a month, or if you feel like you cannot get your life back under control, please contact us. Early treatment can prevent symptoms from worsening.

Crisis Support If you are having suicidal thoughts, please call 988 immediately to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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