PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often affects people in the military, but anyone who experiences a traumatic event can develop the same debilitating condition. At Mimi L. Morris, DNP, PMHNP-BC, PLLC, you can get exceptional treatment that targets your symptoms, helps you overcome the trauma, and supports your ability to move forward without anxiety, flashbacks, and flare-ups. To schedule a telehealth appointment, call the office in Missoula, Montana, or use online booking today!

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health disorder that occurs after you experience severe mental or emotional stress, an actual or threatened injury, or a dangerous event. You can also develop PTSD if a close friend or family member tells you about a traumatic event they experienced.

Traumatic events that often cause PTSD include:

• Military duty
• Robberies
• Gun violence
• Domestic violence
• Physical or sexual assault
• Emotional abuse
• Death of a loved one
• Car, plane, and train accidents
• Earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods

PTSD can begin after one event or an ongoing series of traumatic experiences. For example, you may go through years of emotional abuse before the signs of PTSD appear. 

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

The feelings of anxiety and fear that naturally occur after a traumatic event should improve. If they last longer than a month or keep worsening, it’s time to seek help at Mimi L. Morris, DNP, PMHNP-BC, PLLC.

PTSD symptoms fall into four categories:

Intrusion symptoms

Intrusion symptoms refer to nightmares, flashbacks, and memories that suddenly “intrude” into your conscious thoughts, making you relive the trauma.

Changes in cognition and mood

You may lose interest in the activities you usually enjoy, have negative thoughts, or develop feelings of shame or guilt. Many people can’t remember parts of the event. 

Avoidance

You stay away from the activities, places, or people that remind you of the traumatic event. YOu may purposefully isolate yourself and/or stay away from work. 

Arousal and reactivity

PTSD makes many people feel irritable, tense, and on edge. You may have insomnia or behave in ways that are uncharacteristic for you. 

Some persons with PTSD experience dissociative symptoms with feelings of detachment, having a sense of unreality of self or body. or feeling like their surrounds are surreal. is PTSD treated? 

Mimi completes a psychiatric evaluation, verifying your symptoms are caused by PTSD and screening for conditions that often accompany PTSD, such as depression and anxiety disorders.

There are medications that are FDA approved for treatment of PTSD but there are other medications that are commonly prescribed for off label use. Therapy is a first line treatment for PTSD and 

Mimi recommends getting specialized evidence based therapy that focuses on your unique symptoms and goals. During therapy, you may learn to identify triggers or gain skills for managing your emotions and behaviors. Some therapies help you face your fears, make sense of bad memories, or learn ways to manage situations you want to avoid.

When you need help dealing with PTSD, call Mimi L. Morris, DNP, PMHNP-BC, PLLC, or book an appointment online today.