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PTSD

Behavioral Health & Recovery located in Washington, DC
PTSD services offered in Washington, DC

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects many veterans, but the same condition can develop in people of any age after experiencing a traumatic event. Gregory Obiwuma, DNP, PMHNP-BC, MSN, BSN, RN, and the skilled team at New Era Recovery and Behavioral Health LLC in Washington, DC, specialize in helping people recover from PTSD, using personalized treatments that combine psychotherapy and medication. You can get treatment for PTSD through telehealth and in-person appointments. To learn more about PTSD treatments that can restore your mental well-being, call the office or use the online booking feature today.

PTSD Q & A

What causes PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health disorder that occurs after experiencing a traumatic event or living with stress or abuse for a long time. You can also develop PTSD if you witness the event.

The traumatic events that frequently cause PTSD include:

  • Military duty
  • Gun violence
  • Domestic violence
  • Robberies
  • Accidents (car, plane, boat, etc.)
  • Assault or abuse (physical or sexual)
  • Emotional abuse
  • Death of a loved one
  • Natural disasters

It’s also possible to have PTSD after learning that a family member or friend experienced a traumatic event.

 

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

Everyone feels anxious after a traumatic event, but those feelings and fears should gradually improve. You may have PTSD if you can’t overcome the trauma and your symptoms last a month or longer.

PTSD causes anxiety and other symptoms, including:

  • Flashbacks
  • Nightmares
  • Irritability
  • Anger
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Social isolation
  • Distraction
  • Guilt or shame (that you couldn’t prevent the trauma)
  • Avoidance (staying away from people and places that remind you of the trauma)

Avoidance can be so strong that you change your daily activities to prevent anxiety and flashbacks.

 

Why do PTSD symptoms suddenly flare up?

As you experience a traumatic event, your brain records details, such as the sights, sounds, and smells around you. However, you don’t remember all the details because your brain tucks them away in your subconscious.

Then you encounter one of those details as you go about your daily routine. The detail reaches your subconscious and suddenly revives a vivid memory of the traumatic event. The surge of memories can trigger intense behaviors and emotions that are difficult to control. 

 

How is PTSD treated?

Your therapist at New Era Recovery and Behavioral Health LLC creates a personalized treatment plan to address PTSD and other challenges frequently caused by PTSD, such as depression, insomnia, and anger. 

 

You may need medications to improve specific symptoms, but psychotherapy is essential for successful PTSD treatment. 

 

The therapists at New Era Recovery and Behavioral Health LLC are skilled in several therapeutic techniques proven to help you process and overcome memories. Therapy also helps you understand how the trauma affects your emotional and behavioral health and teaches you ways to manage your feelings.

You can return to a healthy life with treatment at New Era Recovery and Behavioral Health LLC. Call the office or use online booking to request an appointment today.