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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after a traumatic or frightening event. Trauma can include anything that overwhelms a person’s sense of safety  such as violence, abuse, accidents, medical trauma, military service, loss, or witnessing harm. PTSD is not a sign of weakness, and it is not something people can “just get over.” It is a real condition that affects the brain and nervous system.


Biologically, trauma can activate the brain’s survival systems. Areas responsible for fear, memory, and emotional regulation become hyper-alert. Stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline remain elevated, causing the body to feel constantly on guard, even when danger is gone.


Psychologically, trauma affects how a person sees themselves, other people, and the world. Many people experience intense fear, guilt, shame, or helplessness. Memories may feel intrusive, emotions may feel out of control, and everyday situations may feel unsafe. PTSD changes how the brain and body react — it is not a choice.


PTSD is common, real, and highly treatable. With proper support, healing is absolutely possible.

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What Are the Symptoms?

PTSD symptoms can appear soon after a traumatic event, or months or years later. They often include:

  • Flashbacks or intrusive memories

  • Nightmares

  • Avoiding people, places, conversations, or reminders of the trauma

  • Feeling on edge, jumpy, or hyperaware

  • Irritability or angry outbursts

  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

  • Emotional numbness or feeling disconnected

  • Feeling constantly unsafe

  • Guilt, shame, or self-blame

  • Panic attacks, anxiety, or depression​

Some people also develop physical symptoms headaches, stomach pain, chronic tension, or sudden bursts of adrenaline. PTSD looks different in everyone. You don’t need to have every symptom to deserve support.

How Is PTSD Treated?

OCD is highly treatable, and the most effective care is personalized to each individual. Treatment may include:

Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Trauma-focused therapy

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

  • Supportive therapy, grounding skills, and coping tools

  • Learning emotional regulation and body-based calming skills​

Medication

  • Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications when helpful

  • Sleep support or medications for nightmares if needed

  • Medication can help stabilize mood, reduce anxiety, and improve daily functioning​

Lifestyle & Support

  • Safety planning

  • Sleep and routine support

  • Reducing substance use

  • Support from trusted family or friends, if desired

  • Strategies to decrease physical arousal and hypervigilance
    ​

Advanced Treatment Options

For people with more severe or treatment-resistant PTSD, options may include:

  • Ketamine therapy

  • Esketamine (Spravato)

  • TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)
    ​

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How We Can Help at Better Balance Mental Health

Trauma can leave people feeling alone, ashamed, or misunderstood but you do not have to go through recovery by yourself. We approach trauma with compassion, safety, and respect. We do not rush you, pressure you to share details, or push medication. Healing happens at your pace.


We take time to understand your symptoms, triggers, and goals. We listen, validate, and work with you to create a plan that feels safe and doable whether that includes therapy, medication, or both. We focus on helping you regain a sense of control, rebuild trust in yourself, reduce fear, and feel safe in your body again.


Your past does not define you. Healing is possible, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

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