Millions of Americans have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a serious mental health condition that requires treatment from mental health professionals who understand the symptoms of the disorder and its consequences. If you’re looking for a rehab in California that offers PTSD treatment, contact Virtues Behavioral Health today at 855.579.8599.
Causes and Symptoms of PTSD
The human brain is well equipped to cope with overwhelming stress. Fear and anxiety are normal reactions to situations the brain perceives as dangerous or frightening. But sometimes, dangerous experiences are too traumatic for the brain to process fully.
A severe injury or prolonged exposure to violence or grief can cause more trauma than the brain can handle. When the brain is unable to process events fully, PTSD can result.
PTSD was once considered to be a disorder that only affected combat victims. Today, mental health experts understand that many kinds of trauma survivors can be at risk for PTSD. This includes abused children, victims of spousal abuse, and survivors of tragic events like a plane crash, a mass shooting, or war. Living in a violent neighborhood or repeatedly being told stories about traumatic events can also lead to PTSD.
The cause of PTSD is more than simply emotional. An overload of trauma has a physical effect on the brain, damaging neural pathways and affecting the delicate balance of hormones produced by the brain. The symptoms caused by PTSD can be mild or severe enough to interfere with everyday function.
Some of the common symptoms of PTSD include:
- Hyperawareness
- Depression
- Avoiding people, places, or memories that remind you of the trauma
- Having negative feelings about yourself or others
- Nightmares
- Panic attacks
- Inability to sleep
- Aggression or anger
- Feeling tense much of the time
Reliving the trauma, often known as “flashbacks,” can be another disruptive symptom of PTSD. People who experience flashbacks may have hallucinations or other sensory memories that seem to be happening at the moment. A PTSD rehab in California can help.
Benefits of a PTSD Treatment Center in California
Many treatments for PTSD are effective. Treatment options may include medication, talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness training. However, some people are treatment-
resistant, which means their symptoms are not reduced even though they follow recommended treatments.
By seeking help from a PTSD treatment center in California, clients have a team of experienced mental health professionals committed to helping them. They may have access to a wider array of treatment options and can be more closely monitored to help understand what is or isn’t working without waiting for weeks or months of treatment to go by.
The Long-Term Effects of PTSD
The long-term effects of untreated PTSD can be tragic. Many people who struggle with PTSD turn to alcohol or substances for relief. This can lead to developing an addiction, which makes treating PTSD more complicated.
The connection between PTSD and addiction has become recognized so much that most alcohol and drug rehabs in California also offer programs specifically for PTSD treatment.
In addition to addiction, people with untreated PTSD may experience the following:
- Anger management problems
- Loneliness or isolation from others
- Severe depression and suicidal thoughts or actions
If you suspect you may be suffering from PTSD or believe a loved one is, don’t hesitate to seek PTSD therapy in Los Angeles. Avoiding care may compound your problems and lead to life-changing consequences.
Find PTSD Therapy in Los Angeles at Virtues Behavioral Health
Virtues Behavioral Health understands the importance of PTSD treatment and the challenges people face when their mental health issues go untreated.
At our PTSD rehab in California, clients find compassionate, evidence-based care and an experienced team who is committed to helping them feel better. Call Virtues Behavioral Health today at 855.579.8599 to learn more about PTSD treatment.
