Understanding PTSD: Symptoms, Treatments, and Support

January 18, 2023/0 Comments/in OasisTMS

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy is gaining attention for its increased success in treating individuals living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). TMS therapy is an FDA-approved procedure that painlessly revitalizes areas of the brain responsible for mood control, while it improves communication within the central nervous system. It has already proven effective for many people living with a variety of other major depressive and anxiety disorders that have been resistant to prescription medications and other traditional therapies.

Many people have heard of post traumatic stress disorder, but don’t fully understand it. It is not uncommon for people to develop PTSD after an extremely traumatic event. If you think you may have PTSD, it is incredibly important to seek help from a mental health professional. Post traumatic stress disorder Research shows that people who experience post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are twice as likely to have dementia when they are older.

That’s why it’s essential that people with PTSD get the support they need to thrive in their daily life and be free of stress and anxiety. However, diagnosing trauma and finding the right therapy can be a challenge.

Everyone has different symptoms of PTSD. Many people with PTSD suffer from depression and anxiety. What is important is finding a way to manage your stress response effectively.

TMS therapy is an FDA approved treatment for depression that is also effective in the treatment of PTSD. TMS treatment can help people overcome mental obstacles and learn to cope with stress levels.

Keep reading to learn more about Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy and PTSD.

The Key to Understanding PTSD and the Brain

According to the National Center for PTSD, about 7 or 8 out of every 100 people in the United States will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Approximately 8 million adults will have PTSD in any given year. Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men, and genetics may predispose some people to develop the condition more than others.

Understanding PTSD is the first step to healing. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. This may include experiencing physical or sexual assault, abuse, combat trauma, accidents, disasters, or other serious events. Some people develop PTSD after a friend or family member experiences danger or harm. Others may develop PTSD with the sudden, unexpected death of a loved one, for example. Post-traumatic stress disorder alters a person’s brain, which changes the way they interact with the world around them. Nearly anyone of any age can develop PTSD, including children. Most importantly, PTSD is not a sign of weakness. It is a treatable medical condition.

PTSD was traditionally associated with shell shock, also known as battle fatigue syndrome, as many army soldiers return from war with symptoms. It’s estimated that 10%-30% of U.S. military personnel have PTSD diagnoses, but it’s not only army veterans that suffer from this condition.

There are many risk factors for developing PTSD. People who have any traumatic experience such as sexual assault, violence, or the unexpected death of a loved one can have symptoms of PTSD. There is also a condition called CPTSD (complex post-traumatic stress disorder).

There are many similarities between PTSD and CPTSD. They both include experiencing trauma, but CPTSD is categorized by prolonged exposure to a traumatic event. CPTSD sufferers often come from abusive households where their abuse was repeated at an early age. Whereas, PTSD can happen at any moment in your life, depending on your personal circumstances.

Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

Trauma affects people differently, making it hard to spot the signs of PTSD. This is especially true if you’re living with stress or anxiety or have a loved one who is going through hardship.

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but for PTSD sufferers, it can prevent them from keeping jobs and making new friends. One of the main symptoms of PTSD is reliving the trauma.

Reliving Traumatic Events

Reliving a traumatic event can be anything from frequent nightmares interrupting your sleep to sudden flashbacks of time and place.

If PTSD is untreated, this can lead to public panic attacks and an inability to keep friendships. But PTSD also causes people to get triggered by specific dates associated with past events. Treatment options for people with flashbacks and nightmares include cognitive behavioral therapy and prolonged exposure therapy.

It’s also important to watch for signs of hallucinations or flashbacks in loved ones, as this indicates PTSD. If you notice that your loved one is having nightmares regularly, you should encourage them to seek help.

Avoidance

Avoiding negative situations or emotions is a way for PTSD sufferers to escape the pain associated with their trauma. This could mean avoiding a place where they used to go or people like family and friends.

If PTSD is left untreated, these avoidance behaviors can prevent people from connecting with their community and forming long-lasting relationships. There can also be less interest in hobbies and activities that used to bring you joy. Getting to the root of the trauma in treatment will help ease the anxiety around situations so you can face them confidently.

When a loved one is showing signs of avoidance, it’s important to step in and guide them through the process of getting the help they need.

TMS therapy is an effective PTSD treatment that can help people feel more in control of their emotions. People with PTSD can use TMS therapy to gain a sense of balance in their mental health and feel more positive.

Hypersensitivity to Light and Noise

It’s common for people suffering from PTSD to experience heightened emotions and reactions to their environment. As PTSD puts people in a state of fight or flight, it can make them irritable and stressed.

Not only does hypersensitivity lead to issues with your relationships, but it can cause difficulty falling and staying asleep. If your body is stressed and not getting enough rest, it can make your emotions more overwhelming. Your body can also feel tired and nauseous. Without treatment, the physical symptoms can progress to headaches and digestion issues, limiting your potential to achieve new goals and create memories with the people you love.

Support and Treatment for PTSD

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressants like serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are frequently prescribed treatments for PTSD. However, TMS therapy is a groundbreaking treatment for depression and PTSD that comes without the side effects of many medications.

TMS therapy works by sending electromagnetic pulses to your brain to target the areas associated with depression and PTSD. In other words, it can help regulate your emotions to ease the suffering of PTSD.

Besides medical treatment, it’s equally important to seek support from your surrounding community and local groups. You can join PTSD online support groups or find out about meetings in your surrounding area.

Above all else, self-care is critical to recovering and healing from PTSD. Journalling, meditation, yoga, and exercise are all excellent ways to improve your mood and help you feel more in control.

Everyone can live a whole and happy life with PTSD as long as they surround themselves with the support they need.

Visit Oasis TMS for TMS Therapy

Whether you’re suffering from PTSD or know someone having a hard time, Oasis is here to help.

Our TMS therapy offers solutions to symptoms of PTSD in a safe and welcoming clinic with a team of staff. They are equipped with the skills to provide the treatment you deserve.

Visit our website and schedule a consultation today. We’re looking forward to meeting you.

We have a page dedicated to TMS for Veterans with Depression