PTSD Awareness Day is a day set aside each year to raise awareness about the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD. Millions of Americans suffer from PTSD, and only a small portion of those millions will ever receive treatment for the condition. Far too many people suffer in silence because the signs and symptoms of PTSD may not be immediately obvious to outside observers. As part of a PTSD awareness program, Recovery Bay Center aims to educate the public and help those affected by this serious mental health disorder.
Recovery Bay Center is an addiction and mental health treatment center in Panama City, Florida, and the community we have fostered is keenly aware of the effects of PTSD. We understand the need to educate the public about all forms of mental health disorders, as our goal is to get as many people as possible to enter recovery and live happier, healthier lives. We hope you participate in PTSD Awareness Day and learn the signs and symptoms of this condition, as getting treatment is crucial for recovery. If you or someone you care about is struggling with PTSD, contact us at 833.991.2955 so we can help.
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is one of the most common mental health issues in America today. It develops in people who have experienced a shocking or stressful event. Those who are suffering from PTSD may feel terror or anxiety even when they are not in any danger. While there is a definite tendency for people with jobs in the military or police force to develop PTSD, almost anyone can experience its effects.
Some of the signs of PTSD may include, but are not limited to:
- Disturbing dreams or memories of trauma
- Intense emotional or physical reactions to reminders of the traumatic event
- Struggling to sleep or concentrate
- Self-destructive behaviors such as substance use
- Feelings of guilt or shame
- Increased anxiety
- Difficulty connecting with loved ones and friends
- Avoiding any reminders of the trauma
- Negative self-image and lack of self-esteem
- Chronic fatigue
- Outbursts of uncontrollable anger
The trauma that causes the condition doesn’t need to involve violence or large external events. Intense grief or being diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition are just some examples of trauma that can cause PTSD.
The Importance of PTSD Awareness
Due to the stigma surrounding mental health disorders, only around half of all people who struggle with PTSD will ever ask for help. Thus, it often falls to a person’s friends and family to spot the signs of PTSD and seek help. For men who are struggling with PTSD, there may be stigmas and taboos surrounding mental health treatment that prevent them from acknowledging that they have a problem.
PTSD Awareness Day is a chance to encourage those suffering from PTSD to enter treatment and get the help they deserve. Mental health disorders frequently get worse the longer they are left untreated. Therefore, it’s never too early to enter a treatment program.
How Can a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Program Help?
At Recovery Bay Center, the goal of PTSD treatment is to help you better understand your trauma. In addition, we give you the tools needed to work through it. Your therapist will work with you so you can open up about your thoughts and emotions regarding the trauma in a safe, accepting environment. This type of trauma-informed care recognizes that all people have experienced trauma and places no judgment on the person, but instead seeks to teach them how to process the trauma.
A therapist will teach you healthier and more productive ways to deal with the pain of PTSD. With the proper treatment, PTSD doesn’t need to take over your life. The approach of Recovery Bay Center to treatment also encourages the healing process of the person as a whole, which is why there are a wide variety of additional therapies offered. Based on your initial assessment, your therapist may recommend some of the following therapies in addition to PTSD treatment:
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Meditative therapy
- Group therapy
- Adventure-based therapy
- Anger management
This is by no means a complete list, and there are even more therapies available to suit your needs. Because there is no one-size-fits-all approach, we will customize your treatment plan to your goals and preferences.
Get Treatment for PTSD at Recovery Bay Center
Starting treatment for PTSD can be the key to recovery and a happier, healthier life. There is no need to suffer in silence. Our treatment center in Panama City, Florida, offers a supportive community and a vacation-style recovery experience.. To learn more about PTSD and what Recovery Bay Center offers, contact us at 833.991.2955.