Coping With PTSD in the Workplace

What Is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a severe single or prolonged threatening or horrifying event. 

 

Causes of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 

Causal events include war and combat atrocities, terrorist acts, rape or sexual violence, or serious accidents and injuries. 

 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in the Workplace 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can adversely affect a patient’s job, relationships, physical health, and everyday life. 

A worker with PTSD may have physical health issues including cardiorespiratory, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal disorders that affect their work performance and lead to frequent absences. 

Symptoms that can affect a worker’s performance at work include: 

• Recurrent memories or reliving of the traumatic event even at work
• Distractions from trying to avoid thinking or talking about the event
• Memory problems
• Difficulty with close relationships
• Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
• Trouble concentrating at work
• Angry outbursts or aggressive behavior

Stress at work can amplify the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The condition often leads to depression and substance abuse that is usually hard to hide at work. 

If an employee demonstrates any of the listed behavioral or health symptoms an empathetic employer should sit down with them and determine if counseling might be indicated. 

 

What Therapies Does Sands Treatment Center Employ for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? 

PTSD is treated with medicine and psychotherapy. Studies show that trauma-focused psychotherapy is more effective than drug treatments for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

Sands Treatment Center employs a variety of PTSD treatments but finds that the efficacy of behavioral therapies surpasses available medicinal treatments. 

As opposed to Freudian therapies, behavioral therapies were taken up by therapists in the 1960s to focus more on a patient’s current twisted or abnormal thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes. 

Historical Freudian therapies focused on identifying unconscious meanings behind behaviors with the expectation that acknowledging and understanding those meanings would solve the problem.  

Behavioral therapists address the problem directly. They seek to help the patient develop and practice strategies for dealing with distorted thinking. 

Behavioral therapy is a form of mind control. It was originally used to treat depression which is often associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In the 1980s, it became popular for treating many mental health conditions including PTSD treatments, marital problems, eating disorders, and addiction.  

Behavioral therapies mesh with 12-step programs, having their genesis with Alcoholics Anonymous founded in 1965. For that reason, behavioral therapies are often combined with a 12-step program for PTSD as well as alcoholism. Alcoholics anonymous teaches addicts to eliminate so-called “stink’n think’n” (i.e., mind control). 

 

Efficacy of Behavioral Therapy 

Numerous studies have shown the efficacy of behavioral therapy. Among them is a study manuscript published in July 2012 in PubMed Central (PMC).  

 The study, “The Efficacy of Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses” reviewed 269 meta-analytic studies of behavioral therapy. The analysis concluded that cognitive-behavioral therapy was more effective than other treatments for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health disorders.  

 

Sands Treatment Center 

We at Sands Treatment Center have many years of experience treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and substance addiction as well as other disorders. We use 12-step programs in combination with behavioral therapies. For a consultation, you can meet our experts today or call (844) 200-2509 for more.

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Will PTSD Become More Prevalent In Children After COVID-19?

Children are becoming more prone to developing serious mental health conditions following COVID, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Childhood Trust has recently come out with a statement informing that disadvantaged children are especially vulnerable to mental health conditions after the pandemic. Some contributing factors include anxiety relating to the health of loved ones and detrimental effects from social isolation and hunger.

Therefore, children are in a position where they cannot access online therapy or make the healthcare appointments necessary to deal with the effects of PTSD.

The Sands Treatment Center offers treatment programs for PTSD in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Let’s explore the effect COVID-19 has had on children’s mental health.

Symptoms of PTSD

The Childhood Trust informed BBC News that many children are suffering from horrible nightmares relating to the effects of the pandemic, which is a common side effect of PTSD.

Children have been greatly affected by news of global death rates, which has led to them developing anxieties relating to the potential death of their parents and friends. With news about the increasing mortality rates being broadcasted around the world, children have internalized the sense of impending doom and have been displaying symptoms of PTSD.

A clinical psychologist from the University of Bath has made it clear that the effects of the pandemic are far-reaching and involve people developing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Social isolation has made it difficult to interact with friends, and the lack of regular education has also played an important factor in feeling a sense of loss and deprivation. Separation from loved ones, absence of freedom to move around, and monotony are some of the key factors that can have drastic consequences on children’s mental health and well-being.

Those already predisposed to mental health conditions are unable to receive the help and support they need. The Childhood Trust states that 83% of children receiving mental health care have suffered from the detrimental effects of the coronavirus.

Effects of the Coronavirus Leading to PTSD

Social isolation due to coronavirus has become the new norm.

This has led to an increasing number of child abuse and sexual exploitation cases, which has led to the development of PTSD in many children.

COVID-19 has seen a 21% rise in alcohol sales during the lockdown period, and many children have been stuck at home with irresponsible parents drinking hazardously and causing problems at home. Children and young individuals have seen a decline in their mental health after dealing with and caring for family members suffering from alcohol dependency and substance abuse.

Due to the closure of schools, children are no longer exposed to trained professionals who can spot signs of abuse. As a result, there has been a surge in mental health conditions.

The crisis will affect the younger generation well into the future, meaning the effects of coronavirus are far-reaching and long-lasting. Medical professionals warn that these problems will not vanish easily, and their impact on children can be irreversible if the correct steps are not taken today.

Once you develop a serious illness, it is often impossible to overcome it entirely. Like with grief, you don’t get over someone’s passing but learn to live with it, which is why PTSD is especially deadly.

Children are struggling with learning efficient coping strategies, and there are no medical professionals to guide them through the process due to the strict rules of the pandemic.

What to do About PTSD in Children

Parents are encouraged to provide a nurturing environment at home and shield their children from any negative news, which can be toxic to fragile minds. There is a sense of impending doom projected throughout the world, and it is the parents’ responsibility to help their children learn to think positively and have an optimistic outlook.

Parents are also advised to allow their children to access online therapy to learn to develop coping strategies for any difficult symptoms of PTSD that have become prevalent. Children should also be encouraged to talk about their issues, and parents must listen, reassure, and engage in enjoyable activities.

Final Verdict

There is no definite conclusion that symptoms of PTSD will last for a long time or if children will begin to recover after COVID restrictions start to ease up.

Children must have regular routines to bring back a sense of normalcy during these difficult times.

For treatment for PTSD in Fort Lauderdale, Florida you can reach out to The Sands Treatment Center.

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Stress of Addiction Treatment on Family

The topic of addiction does grab a lot of attention. There is even a lot of well-documented psychological literature about it, but the negative consequences of an addict on their family still remain concealed to a large extent. 

Many family members and even friends of those who suffer from substance abuse problems often feel a lot of stress and anxiety in their daily lives. 

Too much chronic stress can cause mental health problems, and many may experience a drop in their overall quality of life. 

This is almost a part and parcel of caring for someone going through addiction treatment in South Florida. 

Let’s explore how families of those undergoing addiction treatment, in South Florida, can cope with daily life. 

Healthy Coping Should be Prioritized Instead of Blaming 

Many individuals have had negative encounters with medical professionals who have shown insensitivity towards the family of those suffering from drug addictions. 

This has led many families to stop seeking professional help and just manage by themselves. 

It is easy to judge family members and blame them for causing trauma, such as neglect or domestic abuse, which pushes individuals towards drugs or other types of addictions. 

Many of these are assumptions that medical professionals make without considering family dynamics. 

This has created a need for supportive interventions, and many options have become available one of which is group therapy, which helps support family members instead of trying to diagnose them. 

As a result of this, many families today have options to seek out compassionate and caring services that can help them vent or cope with the struggles of daily life. 

Addiction treatment is difficult for family members, especially since blood bonds are tied closer than friendships. 

When stress becomes chronic, this can negatively impact all avenues of an individual’s life. It can get frustrating to watch your loved one who is undergoing treatment fall into the same cycles of self-destructive behaviors. 

Blame and labeling become the norm, and families lack the necessary coping strategies to be compassionate towards each other. They oftentimes snap and project their difficulties onto others. 

Support Resources 

There are many services available that families of individuals suffering from substance abuse problems can avail of to manage their stress and tension. Usually, it includes family therapy and group meetings with other people going through a similar phase of stress and anxiety. 

Many families decide to put on a brave face. Still, sometimes it is important to talk things out so that you don’t propagate any toxic emotions and ill feelings toward others internally. 

Twelve-Step programs are pretty common, helpful, and practical in helping families cope with stress from substance abuse. 

You can visit their websites and get all the details you need to start going to group sessions that can help you cope on a daily basis. 

Children are not charged any money for attending these meetings, and families can attend together if they wish to do so. 

Some family members may choose to visit a therapist in a one-on-one setting. Many psychological models exist in the literature to help people cope with such issues, which the therapist can implement. 

As evidenced by the literature, one of the particularly effective models is the stress-strain-coping-support model. 

This model is useful because it helps the family members create healthy coping strategies instead of trying to diagnose them with any psychological disorders. 

Even if families cannot afford many of these treatments, research has shown that families that participate in one meeting or single session with a therapist or counselor seek to benefit greatly. 

This allows them to deal with the stress in their daily lives as they learn to navigate this new and tricky terrain without losing themselves in the process. 

Causes of Stress 

Many family members start to self-blame once they learn of their loved one’s drug addiction. 

They wish to know exactly which trigger or stressor pushed them to start taking drugs and what they could have done differently. 

Families must learn to stop all the self-blame, as addiction can happen to anyone, and it is not necessarily their fault. 

Self-blame is also very impractical, as it tires you out as well as damages your psyche, but does not offer any solution. 

You can try to figure out the cause all you want, but it is not that simple to isolate the exact trauma that pushed individuals to start dabbling in drugs. 

The past is only sometimes relevant, and people can make life decisions that are not based on trauma. 

If individuals grow up spoiled and get shielded from the realities of life, then their tolerance to stress is minimal and they then become vulnerable to addiction. 

Looking at it optimistically, it is an opportunity to develop tolerance because suffering shapes character. 

Final Verdict 

Families undergoing hardships and suffering from chronic stress should be supported instead of diagnosed. It is also crucial that families seek out professional help instead of trying to cope or manage by themselves, as this can propagate the problem. 

To know more you can contact The Sands Treatment Center and speak to our experts. We offer families the support they need to help them cope with the stressors in daily life. To schedule a consultation you can call Call: (844) 200-2509 today.

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Aging Veterans and PTSD

Memories of wartime are challenging to let go of. Many veterans from wartimes have gone on to live happy, fulfilling lives. However, we often see these aging veterans delve back into depression and uneasiness. Most of these veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and require PTSD treatment. 

Sometimes veterans do not show any signs of PTSD till late in their lives. A sudden trigger could unplug their minds, and they might go back to all the sufferings of war.  

What Triggers PTSD In Aging Veterans? 

In aging veterans, PTSD can be triggered by anything. As people age, they lose more loved ones to death. So the death of a close friend or spouse could be a trigger that could make them think about wartime suffering.  

People often drown their PTSD with the help of substances such as alcohol. If a person suddenly stops taking that substance, they could find their memories returning to wartime since the substance that held them together was no longer present.  

News of war can also trigger PTSD in veterans. If there is news about war on the television or they come across a documentary that relays their experience, it might trigger their PTSD. 

It is easy for PTSD to be triggered in aged people because they are more sensitive to situations.  

Does PTSD Worsen With Age? 

Yes, PTSD does worsen with age, which is why there are quite a few veterans who have had manageable symptoms of PTSD their entire lives, but after a specific age the symptoms become progressively worse and might require more medical intervention.  

One of the reasons why PTSD increases as veterans age is that they retire. After retirement, people do not have as many distractions as they do while working. This is why they have more time to think, and thoughts about the past may creep upon them.  

Another reason is ailing health. As people grow older, they get more illnesses, and their previous health conditions also aggravate. They realize that they are not as physically strong as before, and any thoughts of war could make them think they will not be able to serve anymore. These thoughts can be depressing for the veteran, who might start showing signs and symptoms of PTSD. 

Symptoms Of PTSD 

There are many symptoms of PTSD that vary depending on the degree of the condition. The most common symptoms include: 

• Nightmares – People reliving their trauma from war may often have nightmares from those times, which can cause sleep disturbances. These people are also often seen with insomnia. 

• Re-experiencing Symptoms – People with war trauma could be reliving events from that time and might behave as if they are still in war conditions. They might constantly talk about survival, enemies, or recall what to do in times of distress. 
• Pessimism – War trauma can also cause people to think negatively constantly. This may also lead to depression at times.  
• Avoiding Triggering Events – Many people with PTSD choose to avoid anything that could even remotely remind them of the events they have been through.  
• Feeling on Edge – People with PTSD are also easily startled by situations. They scare easily and might get defensive as well 
• Losing Interest – War veterans are also often seen to be losing interest in things that used to bring them joy and happiness. This may also cause them to fall into depression. 

• Difficulty in Dealing with People – Veterans might feel isolated when they have PTSD. They might cut contact with friends and be challenging to deal with around family.  

How Can Aging Veterans Fight PTSD? 

There is always hope for anyone who has PTSD. War veterans who display symptoms many years after the war has ended should be enrolled in a PTSD treatment program. Pompano Beach has excellent programs for aging veterans where they can find support.  

Other than that, aging veterans might also benefit from joining a support group. Having friends with similar experiences can help the veterans find solace. They can build a community around people they are comfortable with. 

It is also important for people with PTSD to share their trauma with their loved ones. They can offer support and help them get through these trying times.  

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3 Self Care Activities to Pair with Therapy

There is no real cure for depression. However, various treatments, activities, and exercises can improve depression and relieve anxiety greatly. If you struggle with depression or anxiety, you should seek professional help as soon as possible.

But many times, despite the medical treatments, people don’t see significant progress in their symptoms. If you struggle with depression or anxiety despite seeking professional help, making room for the activities below can help.

All the activities listed below have helped various people cope with their symptoms. Performing these self care activities and receiving regular professional help also enhances the chances of successful treatment and reduces those of relapsing. 

Without further ado, let’s take a look at these activities:

Yoga

Practicing yoga was considered an effective PTSD treatment in ancient eastern medicine. Monks and Buddhists still credit performing yoga and meditation on high mountains for their enlightenment. 

While meditation can be too stationary for those suffering from anxiety and exercise can be too demanding or exhausting, yoga perfectly balances mindfulness and movement. 

Since it focuses on breathing and feeling grounding within oneself, it can significantly help improve self-esteem and build self-confidence. Over time, yoga also helps strengthen muscles while improving flexibility, enhancing self-esteem and self-image. 

If you suffer from social anxiety, joining a yoga class after becoming comfortable with performing yoga alone can greatly help you manage your anxiety symptoms. For those suffering from depression, joining a yoga class can help get out in the world and lessen loneliness. 

Learning a New Skill or Language 

Learning a new skill or language is one of the most exciting self care activities. Learning something new triggers your brain to become more active and activate the parts that depression and anxiety symptoms try to shut down. Once you become invested, mastering the new skill or language can bring a sense of purpose to your life. 

People suffering from depression and anxiety silently struggle with various things, and one of the most disheartening of these is hopelessness and purposelessness. However, learning something new can help remind them of other purposes that they had in life. Accomplishing small goals can also help restore their self-esteem and renew their confidence in their abilities.

Instead of choosing to learn online, we highly recommend you take classes in-person to learn the new skill or language that interests you. Being in a class with people who share your interests can help you with your social skills. In-person communications with the mentor and being a part of a group can also help. 

Read and Write

Reading and writing are similar self care activities, but in their unique ways, they can help greatly manage depression or anxiety symptoms. Reading is like learning. It engages various parts of your brain and keeps it active. It also strengthens your brain and improves your memory. Reading with attention can help improve your focus, learning, and even cognitive abilities.

Reading also directly improves your communication skills, leading to better conversational and social skills. Reading stories can also enhance your EQ, which can help you understand yourself and others and better control your depression and anxiety symptoms. 

On the other hand, writing freely or journaling can help you articulate your thoughts. It can improve mindfulness and work as an emotional catharsis by transferring your problems, worries, and fear on paper. Journaling regularly can help you better understand your own emotions and help you gain control over them.

It can also allow you to track day-to-day symptoms and identify triggers. Those who have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD can especially benefit from self-identifying their triggers. Coupling daily journaling while seeking PTSD treatment can provide meaningful progress to their condition.  

Following the rule of positive self-talk while journaling can also help you empathize with yourself. Sometimes, we can be our own biggest critics. Long-term anxiety and depression symptoms can also negatively impact the internal monologue. However, journaling and later understanding one’s written feelings as one would with a stranger can increase self-empathy and help turn the negative self-image into a positive one. 

Finally, if you face difficulty regularly performing any of the above-mentioned activities, don’t worry about it. Mental health issues can be physically draining, and sometimes you may not find the energy to perform these activities even if you want to. As long as you have the will to improve, you will get there one day. Until then, please keep reaching out for professional help as much as you need. The understanding professionals at the Sand Treatment Center can help you work towards betterment.

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Treatment Options for PTSD

Everyone experiences trauma in their lives, but how everyone responds to it is different. An event that may seem too little to you might be extremely traumatic to someone, and trauma recovery is a slow and difficult process. If you’re looking for PTSD Treatment, Pompano Beach has many options available. 

At The Sands Treatment Center, there are various treatment options and strategies. However, the sad reality is that an option that is successful for one may not work for the other. Here are a few treatment options you can opt for.

What is PTSD?

PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder develops due to trauma in an individual’s life. Every human responds to trauma differently and is differently affected by it. Those who experience trauma also go through physical, psychological, and neurological changes. 

Studies have found that around 10% to 20% of the people who go through trauma develop PTSD. One of the main symptoms of diagnosing PTSD is how much the traumatic event is hampering your daily life. If it stops you from performing everyday activities, it is necessary to seek therapy and treatment for it.

What Are the Treatment Options for PTSD?

Let’s take a look at treatment options for PTSD in more detail;

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy or therapy is a treatment to help patients with PTSD cope with their trauma and eventually lead their normal lives. Therapy focuses on reducing anxiety and depression-related symptoms that are comorbid with PTSD as well as dealing with traumatic experiences. Here are two types of psychotherapy that work best for patients with PTSD.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy

This form of therapy focuses on the ability to come up with harmful thinking patterns as a result of the traumatic event. Most of the time, people who experience something traumatic in their lives end up developing a response to fear that is more than what generally people feel.

In prolonged exposure therapy, the therapist works with you to gradually come over those fears. The first step is to educate you about the symptoms of PTSD and the techniques to regulate emotions when you feel triggered.

Once you’ve learned those skills, the next step is to come up with a level of fear with your therapist. You will be exposed to the slightest of triggers and learn to cope with them. The triggers would increase in intensity once you’re capable of controlling and handling your fears at each stage.

This treatment will help you learn that what you faced is in the past and thoughts related to that traumatic event are not dangerous anymore. 

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

CPT focuses specifically on treating PTSD as this treatment focuses on the notion that people who go through trauma are not able to fully comprehend what happened to them.

This therapy takes around 12 sessions and is focused on identifying and restructuring unhealthy thought patterns that are stopping you from processing the trauma. For example, if you are blaming yourself for something that happened in the past, your therapist will help you realize that you weren’t at fault and it was something that was beyond your control. 

The therapist helps you understand the past by talking to you about it or asking you to write about your experience and how you relive it every day.

Neurological Therapies

Studies have found lasting effects of post-traumatic stress disorder on the nervous system and the brain. For that reason, neurological therapies have been effective in quite a few cases.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) – Tapping

The technique here is like acupressure, EFT tapping is a treatment to calm down and regulate emotions using massage that focuses on the points that are sensitive on your skin to gradually relieve stress and pain due to trauma.

This technique may help reduce the stress levels in your body after trauma and slowly make you feel better. This therapy is used with psychotherapy options.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a form of therapy; it main uses a series of eye movements to re-pattern thoughts related to the trauma experienced. Your therapist will choose one aspect of the memory you find extremely traumatic and help you remind yourself of something positive while you think about it.

Medication

With therapy treatments, medications such as antidepressants are also prescribed by psychiatrists to help cope with trauma in severe cases. However, these should only be taken in regular doses and after consulting a professional. Some medications include Zoloft and Prozac.

Wrapping It Up

Trauma can hamper our daily life functioning and cause several neurological, emotional, and psychological effects. If these symptoms last longer than a month, seeking professional help is necessary. The Sands Treatment Center has professional therapists to help you overcome trauma and deal with it effectively. Click here to contact them for their mental health services now!

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Don’t Let PTSD Give You the Holiday Blues & Follow These Tips

Let’s face it, the holidays are not an enjoyable time for everyone. People who struggle with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) may experience stress and anxiety from social gatherings, tense family situations, and countless holiday obligations. As you know, after you have completed your PTSD Treatment Program, there is still plenty of work to be done.

Treatment is not a “quick fix,” so don’t be surprised if you get a case of the “holiday blues.” If you know coping mechanisms to handle PTSD, but you’re concerned that the holiday season may throw a few curveballs, keep reading. Our team has put together a list of strategies to cope with and manage PTSD anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

Practice Self-Care

The most important thing to do is take care of yourself. It’s easy to get in a whirlwind of holiday festivities, such as holiday parties, shopping, family gatherings, and all the preparation that goes into the season. What can you do to keep from getting overwhelmed? If you have a routine to help you stay on track with your health and mental wellbeing, stick to it. Additionally, incorporate new activities such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and other calming exercises.

Get Lots of Rest

Don’t forget the importance of good sleep, no matter how hectic your schedule is. Getting quality sleep has always been linked to mental health and can improve conditions such as PTSD. It can also increase your energy, provide better focus, and mitigate stress. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep every night, but no more than nine.

Volunteer for Your Mental Wellbeing

This rewarding activity does a lot more than benefit the individual on the receiving end. Individuals who volunteer discover that it’s good for their mental health, as it increases their sense of satisfaction and overall wellbeing. Don’t just assume that people who volunteer are happier because they were happy, to begin with – this may be true for some, but not all. In fact, some studies have revealed that volunteering can improve certain individuals’ moods. Therefore, if the holiday season has you down, you can boost your mood and lend a helping hand by volunteering with the less fortunate.

Attend Group Meetings

After finishing our PTSD treatment program, people incorporate a variety of activities in their lives to help them get better. People suffering from mental health conditions often have a dual diagnosis (mental disorder and substance abuse). To treat both, they join a 12-step program, go to therapy, and participate in group meetings.

Over time, some of these activities fall by the wayside, usually, the activity that the individual deems “least” important. For many, this is attending group meetings. If you have stopped, now is the time to restart. Some advantages include:

• Fewer feelings of isolation, loneliness, and judgment
• Fewer feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger
• Increase in positive emotions
• More confidence in yourself and your abilities
• Increased motivation to manage PTSD and substance abuse

Go Outside

Even if you have nowhere specific to go, don’t stay cooped up inside. Your body’s circadian clock needs exposure to the world beyond your four walls. In other words, spending too much time inside can negatively impact your energy levels, sleep schedule, and increase your risk of substance abuse. Again, if you have nowhere specific to go, consider:

• Taking a walk to the nearest park
• Reading a book at the farthest park
• Going for a bike ride to and from work (if possible)
• Taking your dog for a longer than usual walk and in a different neighborhood
• Watching the sunset at least once a week
• Learning a new outdoor sport, like tennis, soccer, or baseball

Don’t Be Afraid to Say No

Are you a people pleaser? Do you have difficulty saying no to activities you don’t want just to avoid making someone else feel bad? It is good to be selfless occasionally, but especially when you are feeling stressed because of the holidays. So, remember, try not to over-commit.

Attend Some Gatherings

Saying “no” can sometimes be a double-edged sword. If you say it too often, it can have several negative impacts, so remember to find balance. Don’t RSVP “yes” to every holiday invitation, but at the same time, don’t make a habit of turning them down. When you go to a party, if you struggle with substance abuse, we recommend taking a friend to help you stay sober.

Don’t forget that at The Sands Treatment Center, we’re with you all the way. For assistance, contact us by calling (844)200-2509.

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5 Things Everyone Should Know About PTSD

Trauma is something we are all bound to experience at some point in time. Whether it’s due to losing a loved one or going through a horrific accident, trauma exists in all shapes and sizes and can evoke a range of reactions within us. While some of those reactions are subtle, others can be much more serious. It’s possible to experience stress, difficulty paying attention, sleep problems, and a number of other problems as a result. However, if certain symptoms persist for a long period of time, they could lead to a diagnosis of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

Most people associate PTSD with military combats and shootings. While it is likely for survivors of these events to go through it, the disorder has the ability to affect anyone who has ever been exposed to a traumatic event (s).

When it comes to PTSD treatment, South Florida has a number of facilities to cater to your needs. However, before we get there, here are five things everyone should know about the disorder.

The Duration and Onset Tends to Vary

Most PTSD symptoms are expected if someone has been exposed to a traumatic event, but the onset and duration can differ in every case. For example, some people may experience chronic PTSD (with symptoms for six months or more), while others may have symptoms for a much smaller duration (less than six months).

It’s also possible that people have PTSD, but their symptoms reduce in intensity over time or even go away for a while but come back after watching a triggering movie, for instance. There is no particular way to determine 

how or at what time someone may experience the onset of symptoms.

Risk Factors Play a Strong Role

The biggest risk factor for developing PTSD is nonetheless witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. However, the likelihood of developing it also has to do with certain risk factors. For example, people who have been through the following have a higher risk of developing PTSD.

• Warlike events or combats
• Natural disasters
• Brutal violence
• Child abuse
• Sexual assault
• Medical incidents 
• Vehicle accidents

However, the list isn’t limited to the stated events only. As per the NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health), there are also some additional risk factors that include:

• Physical stress after a traumatic event such as an injury or pain
• Not getting enough social support after a trauma

Exposure Therapy is Effective In Some Cases

While reliving the experience can seem counterintuitive, the same can also help people with the disorder learn how to react to triggers and manage their symptoms effectively. However, exposure therapy should only be tried with a qualified and trusted therapist in a safe environment. 

The procedure consists of the therapist subtly guiding you to go back to the traumatic incident in your mind. Using their assistance further, you can reduce your fear by changing the way you think about that experience.

Flashbacks Aren’t Experienced the Same Way.

Flashbacks are commonly associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, but it is possible for some people to not experience them at all. Some flashbacks tend to be very vivid, taking you back to the event just the way it happened, and there could be triggers involved such as visions, smell, and sound. However, other times, people may only have the memory of a traumatic incident without any extreme flashbacks. 

Children Can Also Develop PTSD

There’s no age limit when it comes to experiencing the effects of trauma at some point in time. It’s often assumed that only adults develop the disorder due to something that may have happened to them during childhood, but that’s not the case. Unfortunately, children can also suffer from PTSD as a result of several events such as abuse or neglect. The higher the severity of the trauma, the greater the chances of developing PTSD. 

The Final Call

In the end, it’s important to understand that you don’t necessarily have to be a first-hand victim of trauma to develop PTSD. You can also have it if someone close to you had suffered an extreme event or had died as a result. However, the earlier you intervene and get treated, the better it is. 

The hardest part about dealing with PTSD is feeling that you’re alone in it with very limited options. However, that’s not the case. The highly knowledgeable and professional staff at the Sands Treatment Center, South Florida, knows what it takes to help you lead a healthier life. Call them today at (844)200-2509 for a consultation.

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The PTSD and Addiction Connection

Our surroundings are in constant flux. 

 

We must confront difficulties that aren’t always pleasant, and these things place stress on us. With all the problems in life that we encounter daily, PTSD is increasingly common. Often known as post-traumatic stress disorder, it is a negative reaction to stress. It is described as the result of a stressful or traumatic incident and an inability to deal with what has happened. Although it is not necessarily a sickness, the onset of symptoms might be connected to some important event in your life.

 

PTSD and the Basic Premise of Stress

The basic problem is that some people can handle stressful situations better than others. Additionally, when certain people are placed in specific circumstances, such as when people are presented with stimuli that might provoke dread, sadness, or even psychosis, negative emotions arise that can create problems like anxiety, worry, or grief. Several investigations have revealed that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can cause substance abuse and addiction.

 

Veterans and Addiction

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Veterans who have PTSD have a significantly higher risk of developing an addiction.

 

It is also easy to see how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) might develop into addiction. When a person has undergone a traumatic situation, numerous coping mechanisms might display, including the usage of alcohol or drugs. People turn to drugs to relieve stress and to cope with their problems. Not seeing that the substance misuse will only worsen, they find themselves immersed in their troubles, struggling to manage two major issues instead of just one. Because of their intense stress, as well as the new reliance they’ve developed in an attempt to ease it, their current stress is also on the rise. A potential answer then becomes to use additional medications.

 

PTSD: Dependency

Additionally, because of the fact that these narcotics are both psychologically and physically addicting, dependency will quickly emerge.

 

While you may not be able to see this process in action around you, it’s certainly playing an active role in our society. Everyday situations are handled in our own unique ways but using the same rationale. When people who have given up attempting to confront life have fallen prey to whatever it is they were unwilling to face, that sometimes means living on the streets. Alcoholics and drug addicts live in a reality of highs and lows. Whatever it is that they were unable to confront must be something rather terrible if they’re attempting to hide from it.

 

Coping with PTSD from Drug Abuse

When a person tries to stop using drugs or alcohol, they are more likely to be tempted into using them again. Instead of coming up with a solution to that problem, they resort to abusing again. As long as people are addicted to substances, they may hide from their issues behind the illusion of a substance abuse existence. This is a complex problem that demands a refined answer. Many individuals have a difficult time when trying to deal with people in these circumstances because they only consider one side of the argument.

 

Finding Treatment for PTSD and Addiction

Today, more individuals than ever before have discovered the answers to these problems and have found treatment, which may help with both the addiction and dealing with the issues of life. Successful therapy breaks down the boundaries and rehabilitates the individual, allowing them to succeed at the same time.

 

Origins of PTSD: Crisis

A crisis is anything that may be expected or predicted in life. We build the abilities essential to deal with and resolve any issues that arise. Everyone has crises in their everyday lives. The most common causes of crises include situations like job loss, interpersonal problems, financial setbacks, and late delivery deadlines. They are adding stress to an existing condition.

 

PTSD: Trauma

For most people, trauma is something that occurs outside of typical daily routines. Feelings of hopelessness typically result from this activity. Natural catastrophes, deliberate disasters, and repetitive trauma, such as war, sexual assault, terrorist threats, or domestic violence, are all examples of traumas.

 

PTSD: Long-Term Effects of Trauma 

A PTSD incident disables a person’s ability to make decisions and relies on the brain’s amygdala to accomplish such tasks. As blood flow is diverted from important organs to the muscles to enhance physical strength and pain awareness is decreased, blood flow is transferred from vital organs to the muscles to boost physical strength. the typical response to an unusual occurrence

 

PTSD is distinct in that it is an official diagnostic that is primarily based on the severity, symptoms, and time of occurrence. 

 

PTSD: Marijuana and Cocaine Addictions

Addictions tend to emerge as a result of an intense amount of strain, and they are viewed as a means of relieving symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To relieve symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, individuals use self-medication. The last thing a victim wants to go through again is being in a heightened state of arousal or reliving the horrific incident, which causes them to respond to sudden stimuli. It tends to set them into a state of combat or flight. People choose to use drugs and alcohol to try to “cover-up” the painful incident that occurred in the past. Those who have just returned from several tours of service in Afghanistan face difficulty in regaining their mental and physical health and turn to narcotics and alcohol to aid them in the short term.

 

PTSD: Healing

For people suffering from PTSD, the healing process is quite difficult. No two people have the same reaction to the same scenario. There are roughly 18 suicides each day among veterans returning from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan who are suffering from PTSD. It appears that the most effective treatment is support. Evidence shows that bringing everyone into the process—employee, spiritual, family, and community members—is the best approach to rapidly improve someone’s condition.

 

PTSD: Where to Get Treatment

The Sands Treatment Center in South Florida is expert and experienced in dealing with PTSD issues and disorders. Call 844-200-2509 or get connected to us here.

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Coping Strategies to Manage PTSD Symptoms

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be debilitating. 

They can impact your life in many negative ways, from your work to your personal relationships and more. 

If you are tired of PTSD diminishing the quality of your life, then it may be time to consider professional PTSD treatment in South Florida. 

At The Sands Treatment Center, we work with first responders and medical workers in need of medical treatment. We can help you live your life to its fullest without additional interruption. 

Aside from our professional holistic approach, there are numerous coping strategies you can apply on your own to deal with PTSD symptoms. 

If you don’t know where to start, read on to learn valuable insights to get onto the road to recovery.

Connect with Supportive People 

Even when you feel like withdrawing from the world and your old connections, it’s important to find some form of support. 

Consider group-based support, such as meetings or group therapy, to connect with like-minded individuals. Your closest friends and family members may realize that you’re struggling, but having never been in your position, they may not have the right words to say or know what to do. 

Sometimes, this can only increase your feelings of isolation.

Group-based PTSD treatment in South Florida will connect you with a group of individuals who share your struggles and know exactly what you’re going through. 

Knowing that you aren’t alone is critical in getting better. 

Additionally, you may establish connections and meet people who can introduce you to other forms of therapeutic treatment.

Look Into Professional Counseling 

An effective form of PTSD treatment in South Florida is working with a counselor or therapist. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which we offer, creates a safe environment to help foster growth. 

Your sessions will be guided by a specialist who is specifically trained to help individuals who have PTSD. You and your therapist will create many goals, primarily how to:

• Reduce your symptoms of PTSD, so they become less frequent and debilitating.
• Learn coping strategies to manage PTSD symptoms when they occur.
• Build self-esteem and continue your road to recovery.

During your sessions, you and your therapist can decide on more specific goals, depending on the issues you primarily face. It may be difficult at first, but it’s important that you attend your sessions consistently to get the most out of your treatment.

Keep a Daily Journal 

People who struggle with PTSD are more likely to develop other mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Therefore, it’s important to implement daily strategies to improve your mental health. 

A good practice is to keep a journal. 

Some people find it helpful to organize their thoughts and express their innermost feelings. This can be especially helpful for individuals struggling with PTSD. 

Journaling is a way to improve your coping skills and post-traumatic growth.

 In turn, it can reduce your symptoms of tension, anxiety, and anger.

It’s also a good place to document all your experiences: the struggles you’re facing today, and the trauma that brought you here. 

If you are going to counseling, whether one-on-one, group or both, you can take it to your sessions and discuss any issues that you documented and are generally hard to put into words.

Monitor Your Feelings 

It would be impossible to stop and analyze your feelings every second, but it can be helpful from time to time.  Evaluating your emotions during certain situations will help you take back control over them. 

Until you know what your triggers are, it will be impossible to address them, whether on your own or with a medical professional. Make note of what triggers your feelings of anxiety, fear, stress, or isolation. 

You can’t effectively treat the emotions until you know what’s causing them. 

Contact The Sands Treatment Center

We provide services for PTSD and addiction recovery in South Florida. Our services include holistic cognitive behavioral therapy, intensive outpatient programs, and partial hospitalization programs. 

You’ll work with a knowledgeable staff that has years of experience with PTSD and addiction treatment. 

So, if you’re ready to take control of your emotions and not let PTSD railroad your life, contact us to learn more about our holistic approach to recovery.

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