According to the American Psychiatric Association, “Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experience or witnesses a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, or rape or who have been threatened with death, sexual violence or serious injury.”
The same article from American Psychiatric Association goes on to say, “People with PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear or anger; and they may feel detached or estranged from other people. People with PTSD may avoid situations or people that remind them of the traumatic event, and they may have strong negative reactions to something as ordinary as a loud noise or an accidental touch.”
For a person to be diagnosed with PTSD however, the above-mentioned symptoms would need to occur for a length of time of 1 month or longer. For those that are struggling with symptoms of PTSD, who have been living with this disorder for some time, or who have recently experienced a traumatic event, there is help, you are not alone.
It is vital that you or a loved one is living with PTSD, access quality support and care for the symptoms that are associated with this disorder. There are several local and national agencies that can help you or a loved one with the proper tools needed. Some of the ways that Bakersfield Behavioral can help an individual with PTSD, is through the use of their programing specializing in PTSD through their Outpatient Services. PTSD has several avenues of approach when it comes to successfully helping someone live with and overcome their PTSD. Cognitive Processing Therapy, Group Therapy, Medication, and other holistic approaches have proven very helpful to those living with the effects of PTSD.
If you would like to learn more about Stepping Stones, PTSD Outpatient Programming, call them today at 661-241-5537 to set an appointment.
Other agencies that can assist:
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
US Department of Veteran Affairs: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)- www.adaa.org – Anxiety & Depression Association of America
Click here to take a PTSD self-assessment
Taken from https://adaa.org/screening-posttraumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
If you or a loved one can answer Yes to at least one of these questions, please reach out for additional services from one of the above resources.
Stepping Stones Outpatient Services can provide a free and confidential assessment, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
If you or someone you care about is in immediate danger, call 911 or you can come to Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital 24/7 for a free and confidential assessment for possible inpatient hospitalization.