Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that results from experiencing trauma and affects 5% of the population at any given time. PTSD can manifest in many ways, including night terrors, depression, avoidance, heightened reactions, and anger. Regardless of which PTSD symptoms you struggle with, there’s no denying that PTSD profoundly impacts your quality of life.
Despite these symptoms, Dr. Hadi Estakhri wants you to know that the right treatment can help you learn to manage your symptoms so you can thrive. Here at Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health in Newport Beach, California, we offer a variety of PTSD treatments in a compassionate and nonjudgmental setting.
In the meantime, we’d like to share five encouraging facts about PTSD.
An estimated 13 million Americans experience PTSD in any given year, but the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs suggests that the real numbers may be higher due to cases that aren’t reported or treated. The good news is that as the mental health stigma decreases, more and more awareness is spread, and that includes awareness for PTSD too.
There’s a wide network of support for both veterans and non-veterans. Many people with PTSD find solace and comfort in communicating with others who experienced the same type of trauma. You can find in-person and online support groups for both individuals with PTSD and caregivers of those with PTSD.
Maybe you have a close family member who is going through (or recovering from) a traumatic event, and you wonder if they’ll develop PTSD. According to the PTSD Alliance, 20% of survivors experience PTSD.
People who seek support (either from friends, family, support groups, or mental health professionals) after a traumatic event are less likely to develop PTSD, according to the National Institutes of Health. In other words, if you experience a traumatic event, you don’t have to wait until you see the signs of PTSD before seeking mental health care.
While medication and therapy can help you manage PTSD, you may also find that lifestyle modifications help you relax and find comfort. Examples of wholesome activities that help relax (or even distract you) include:
Many of these activities support your overall mental well-being, boost your mood, and help manage any symptoms of co-occurring disorders such as depression.
The American Psychological Association recommends four types of therapy for PTSD:
Therapy is an effective treatment, but remember that it can take time to work. Follow your treatment plan, attend all scheduled sessions, and address any concerns with Dr. Estakhri.
Intravenous (IV) ketamine therapy and Spravato® nasal spray can also alleviate symptoms of PTSD. Ketamine therapy 一 whether you opt for the IV infusion or the nasal spray 一 produces effective relief in as little as 24 hours post-infusion.
Another benefit: Ketamine treatment complements therapy quite well. Because ketamine works so quickly, it can help you manage symptoms so you can focus on learning and applying the coping strategies you learn in therapy.
Ketamine therapy might be right for you if:
Although it can seem overwhelming to navigate PTSD on your own, the reality is that you don’t have to go on this journey alone. From support groups to medication to therapy, there are many treatments and lifestyle modifications that can help you feel like yourself again.
To learn more about your treatment options for PTSD, book an appointment with Dr. Estakhri today by calling us at 949-945-0927 or using our online scheduler.
