Though the majority of people who experience trauma will not develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the US Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that about six percent of adults in the US will have PTSD at some point in their lives. Veterans are at more risk than non-military civilians, but anyone can develop PTSD, including children.
Watching someone you love struggle with PTSD can be heartbreaking and confusing. You might wonder if healing is even possible. The good news is, it is. This condition is highly treatable, and people who are diagnosed and receive professional help go on to live normal, fulfilling lives without the debilitating symptoms of PTSD. PTSD treatment in Boston at Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health includes personalized trauma treatment using a range of evidence-based therapies. Reach out to learn more today.
Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD
People who have experienced PTSD or care about someone who is struggling with this condition often seek information to inform their decisions around treatment and management. Some questions that are commonly asked include:
Because PTSD is a chronic condition, like arthritis or diabetes, it cannot be cured, but it can be successfully managed.
Yes, PTSD is very treatable.
Unlike a cure, recovery is a highly attainable goal with treatment and support.
Resoundingly—yes. People with untreated PTSD suffer and have difficulty functioning, but after treatment and with the support of professionals and loved ones, there is abundant hope for a full, rich life free from PTSD symptoms.
Knowledge is power when it comes to treating and recovering from PTSD. Spreading the word to your loved one suffering from PTSD that the condition is treatable is the first step. Looking into the proven, evidence-based modalities used successfully in PTSD treatment is another step in empowering your loved one to seek help.
Can PTSD be treated? Know your options
Living with PTSD can be overwhelming, but help is available. With the right treatment, many people experience significant relief from their symptoms. There are several effective treatments for PTSD:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
This powerful behavioral modality effectively treats PTSD by shifting negative thoughts and beliefs in order to realign emotions and behaviors that trigger and reinforce symptoms. In CBT, your loved one will learn to recognize their sabotaging thoughts and replace them with healthier, self-affirming thoughts. Gentle use of exposure therapy may be part of CBT. Your loved one is exposed, gradually and in a safe space, to reminders of their trauma in order to move past their triggering effects. Emotional regulation, mindfulness, and the ability to manage stressors are all part of CBT for PTSD.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR will help your loved one reprocess their trauma so that it is no longer front and center all the time, feeling as if it is still happening. Using bilateral stimulation via eye movements, the memories of what happened, though not gone, lose their ability to derail so many aspects of daily life. Through this desensitizing process, people experience increased self-confidence, learn to trust again, get rid of spiraling, dark thoughts, and can rebuild meaningful relationships.
Trauma-focused care
Like CBT and EMDR, trauma-focused therapy works to rebalance a nervous system damaged by past trauma. Focusing on the consequences of trauma to the self—including emotions, cognition, and behavior.
These therapies, and more, are available at Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health. Provided in a comfortable and supportive setting, our trauma-informed therapies are evidence-based, and most involve mindfulness practices and are solution-focused. Therapies and treatment plans are customized to each individual’s unique needs and goals.
Early intervention for PTSD treatment
A study available in the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine suggests that the timing of interventional treatments for PTSD could be a critical factor in successful outcomes. Researchers are seeking data that will help them predict who’s most likely to develop PTSD or other trauma-related conditions so that treatment can begin before any symptoms are identifiable as PTSD, leading to even better outcomes.
Seeking treatment as early as possible, even if you are uncertain about the diagnosis, is always best. Anyone who has experienced trauma deserves therapeutic support, even if PTSD is not yet officially established.
How to manage life with PTSD
Until your loved one accesses treatment, managing PTSD symptoms can help. Some tips you can share with them include:
- Try not to self-isolate: Loneliness and isolation can make PTSD symptoms worse.
- Create a reliable daily routine: Having one makes it less likely to encounter triggering stressors.
- Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing all help. Not just when you are experiencing symptoms, but daily, or even hourly, to keep the nervous system calm.
- Avoid intoxicating substances: Alcohol and drugs exacerbate PTSD symptoms.
- Ask for help: The people who care about you can and want to be there for you.
While there are things you can do on your own to manage PTSD, professional help and support are always recommended. When you are ready, consider seeking that care at Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health.
Contact Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health today to start PTSD treatment in Boston
At Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive, personalized trauma treatment options designed to empower individuals on their healing journey. Your loved one can access leading-edge PTSD treatment provided on an outpatient basis by skilled, experienced, caring clinicians.
People do recover from PTSD, and there is absolutely hope for someone coping with this challenge. Call 855.520.0531 to begin the healing journey, or you can simply connect via our online form.