Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects about 3.5% of adults in the United States and 37% of those diagnosed have severe symptoms. Even though there are plenty of institutions that may treat PTSD in Colorado Springs, there is a lot of misconception around it. You may get PTSD after a natural disaster, military combat, and other highly stressful events. The symptoms may range from mild to severe and they may have short-term or long-term effects. Keep reading to learn more about PTSD in Colorado Springs.
1.Medication Isn’t Always Your Best Option
The most effective treatments for PTSD are Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR therapy. The World Health Organization disapproves of the use of medication to treat PTSD. The duration of your treatment depends on the nature and severity of your trauma. Patients who wait too long to seek help are likely to require longer treatment periods. They may have to deal with other issues like substance abuse.
2.The Symptoms Can Be Physical
If you have PTSD, you may rehash the past events and experience physical symptoms such as headaches, heart palpitations, and chills. Other symptoms include dehydration, nausea, and sleeplessness.
3.It Affects Almost Eight Million People In The United States
If you have the symptoms of PTSD, it is easy to fall under the false impression that you are alone. However, it is a common problem that affects almost eight million people in the United States. At least seven out of every 100 people develop PTSD at some point in their lifetime.
4.You Can Get It from Events That Aren’t Life-Threatening
You do not need to be involved in a tragic road accident or been in a warzone to have PTSD. It may be the result of smaller traumas that accumulate over time. It is common to have PTSD from non-life-threatening events such as bullying, relationship stress, or minor car accidents.
5.It Affects People Differently
People that have been through the same trauma over the same period may experience PTSD differently. Some may develop severe symptoms while others have no symptoms at all. PTSD is complex and it has nothing to do with your weakness or strength.
6.Women Are More Likely to Get It Than Men
Women are two times more likely to have PTSD than men. The symptoms manifest differently in men and women. In women, the symptoms are mostly about avoiding triggers and uncomfortable thoughts. They may have trouble dealing with the triggers. Men tend to get angrier. They may turn to drugs and alcohol to numb their feelings.
7.The Symptoms Don’t Necessarily Begin Immediately
The symptoms of PTSD may take months or years to manifest. Your doctor may not be able to make a diagnosis immediately after the trauma. When people experience the symptoms of PTSD immediately after a trauma, they may be diagnosed with conditions like acute stress disorder. Some symptoms of PTSD may be similar to insomnia, anxiety, or depression.
If you suspect that you have PTSD, consult your doctor immediately. Early treatment may keep the problem from getting worse.