PTSD Treatment
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a trauma-caused condition that can manifest in several debilitating symptoms such as recurring nightmares, heightened anxiety, and emotional challenges. The nature of these symptoms can make the topic an uncomfortable one both for those affected by PTSD, as well as their loved ones. The often impersonal and medication-heavy style of treatment can also be a deterrent for many who could benefit from seeking help. At Pacific Heartwood Wellness, we know that a personalized, holistic approach to healing makes all the difference.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition caused by a traumatic event or a series of traumatic events and circumstances. While there is no comprehensive or extensive list of possible PTSD-triggering events, common examples include combat, assault, abuse, and events such as natural disasters.It is important to understand that PTSD is a natural response to trauma and that conditions like this manifest differently and for different reasons for everybody. In particular, individuals should not feel that their experiences do not merit such a notorious title or treatment—our traumas, responses, and experiences are all our own.
There is a wide range of possible symptoms that can characterize PTSD. Especially when the condition is caused by specific events, common symptoms can include intrusive thoughts and memories of these events, nightmares, heightened anxiety, and particular avoidance of potentially triggering places or experiences related to the events. Understanding and contextualizing these symptoms is an important part of recognition and subsequently facilitating a comprehensive, and holistic treatment approach once the treatment process has begun.As with all mental health conditions, treatment (or the lack thereof) will have a significant impact on the individual’s daily life. Individuals living with PTSD specifically may have trouble maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships and may have trouble focusing on and committing to work. Symptoms can certainly affect an individual’s ability to sleep, and a lack of sleep will certainly have serious consequences for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
A Holistic Approach to Healing
An understandable and common aversion to PTSD treatment is perhaps impersonal reliance on medication. To be sure, medication can be and often is an important dimension of PTSD treatment, but truly comprehensive PTSD treatment plans should take a more holistic approach. PTSD is, after all, a very contextual condition. Everything from the specific triggering event to the patient’s daily routine and interactions should be considered when designing a treatment plan and approach.
At Pacific Heartwood Wellness, treatment starts with understanding the patient’s personal information, an in-depth appointment to get to know the patient and understand their goals and challenges with treatment, and selecting an appropriate treatment plan that fits all of these details. Importantly, medication does not always have to be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Various Treatment Options
A holistic approach to healing includes offering a variety of services and solutions that can meet the needs of diverse groups of patients with often complex restrictions and in complicated situations. No matter your circumstances, there is a path towards healing for you. Some of these solutions include:Psychiatry
For many clinics, psychiatry starts and ends with prescriptions. At Pacific Heartwood Wellness, this is never the full story. Understanding and contextualizing is the most important part of treatment, and processes like genetic testing can help ensure that whatever medication is prescribed is done to be as compatible with the patient as possible. Our team with extensive training and experience in psychiatric medicine and social and community work will always do their best to find you the right treatment for your specific needs—not just medication.EMDR
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a relatively new form of mental health therapy. Patients process traumatic memories while moving their eyes in specific ways, which can be a less distressing therapy method for many. Clinical trials have shown that EMDR is effective and can even help patients more quickly than other methods.Therapy
Therapy is an important process that can be incredibly healing on its own, as well as instrumental as a supplement to any other treatment process. Our practice is well-versed in various therapy approaches, with an especially strong focus on patients with PTSD and patients who are veterans.Ketamine
For patients who haven’t responded well to traditional treatments, Ketamine therapy can be an exciting option. This is a rapid antidepressant treatment that can start to take effect in as little as a few hours and allows the regrowth of synaptic connections that may be damaged due to chronic stress and depression.FAQs
-
Recognizing PTSD can be challenging for many people. Notable symptoms include intrusive thoughts and memories of traumatic events, emotional numbing, heightened sensibility or irritability, and nightmares. If you think you might have PTSD, seeking a professional evaluation and help is incredibly important.
-
Absolutely. There are several effective treatment methods including the methods listed above. At Pacific Heartwood Wellness, treatment is approached holistically by designing a treatment plan specifically for every patient, and in more dimensions than just medication by itself.
-
Everybody’s healing is different. However, a personalized path to healing can lead to quicker and more comfortable recovery.
-
Yes. Especially if untreated, the symptoms of PTSD certainly have the potential to take a heavy toll on your well-being. Sleep issues and with sustaining interpersonal relationships can be quite harmful in the long run. This is why seeking professional and ongoing support is crucial for anybody who might be experiencing symptoms of PTSD.
The Pacific Heartwood Wellness Difference
At Pacific Heartwood Wellness, we understand that there can be an aversion to PTSD treatment, especially when psychiatric services tend to be so medication-forward. We believe that treatment does not start and end with medication, and while medication can be an important dimension of treatment, a true path to healing will take many other details and possible treatments into consideration. This fully personalized and holistic approach to PTSD treatment sets us apart from other PTSD treatment options in Sacramento.Recognizing and evaluating PTSD, as well as understanding and managing PTSD symptoms, are processes that will look different for every individual. At Pacific Heartwood Wellness, you can rest assured that treatment is designed specifically for you to meet your needs and goals at your own pace. Your path toward a brighter future starts here!