PTSD Treatment Services offered in Denver, CO

There are a range of symptoms of PTSD. Some symptoms, such as having nightmares or flashbacks about the event, can be particularly upsetting because they can make the person feel as if they're right back at the site of the event and reliving it all over again. Many individuals avoid going to the site of the initial incident. For example, a victim of a sexual assault may no longer want to go to the place where the attack took place.

Other symptoms of PTSD may include:

• Irritability
• Anger
• Insomnia
• Feeling emotionally numb
• Emotional distancing
• Trouble focusing 
• Persistent, unwanted and upsetting memories about the event 
• Avoiding people who could trigger memories of the event 
• Feeling on edge or being easily startled
• Isolating from others

The symptoms typically appear not long after the triggering event. Many people who experience PTSD may try anything possible to cope, including drinking to excess or becoming dependent on drugs. Some also engage in self-harm or commit suicide.

PTSD is typically associated with veterans who've been through combat. Unfortunately, many types of events and incidents can cause PTSD, and they can occur at any time. Things that can cause PTSD include:

• Bombings
• School shootings
• Natural disasters, including tsunamis, wildfires, mudslides and hurricanes
• Physical or sexual assaults
• Plane crashes
• Car crashes
• Life-threatening illnesses
• Being the victim of a kidnapping
• Experiencing domestic abuse
• Witnessing a traumatic event

PTSD is frequently accompanied by another diagnosis of one or more other medical conditions or diseases. These are referred to as comorbidities, which exist alongside and simultaneously with the primary PTSD diagnosis. Common comorbidities of PTSD are:

• Alcohol abuse
• Drug abuse
• Anxiety disorder
• Depression 
• Antisocial personality disorder 

Many people feel they can navigate the symptoms of PTSD on their own. Unfortunately, many don't even realize they have the disorder until they speak to a mental health professional. This can often make it challenging for people to understand that they need professional help and how beneficial therapy could be.

There's no cure for PTSD, but getting professional help can make a massive positive difference in helping to manage the symptoms and move forward with a wonderful and fulfilling life. Some people experience the symptoms of PTSD for a short time, while others may experience them for years. The longer someone goes without professional help, the longer they're likely to continue to experience PTSD symptoms.

Medication and therapy can be helpful for those who have PTSD. Some individuals may choose more than one type of therapy, such as speaking one-on-one with a mental health professional and attending support groups. 

There's no one-size-fits-all specific treatment for those who have PTSD. Personalized plans have the most influence. Our PTSD treatment team in Denver can help create a plan ideal for your PTSD symptoms.