Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Understanding PTSD

If you’ve experienced something deeply disturbing or dangerous, it can leave a mark that lingers long after the event is over. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is your brain’s way of trying to protect you—but sometimes that protection becomes a problem in itself. Rather than helping you move forward, PTSD keeps you stuck in a cycle of fear, hypervigilance, and emotional pain. You may feel like you’re constantly bracing for danger, even when you’re physically safe.

PTSD isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a human reaction to something that overwhelmed your ability to cope. Whether your trauma was a single event—like an accident or assault—or something prolonged, like abuse or military combat, PTSD can make you feel as though you’re reliving it every day. But healing is possible, and you don’t have to go through it alone.

Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms can vary from person to person, but they generally fall into four main categories:

Intrusion – You might experience distressing memories, nightmares, or flashbacks where it feels like you’re back in the moment of trauma.
Avoidance – You may find yourself steering clear of reminders—places, people, or even thoughts—that make you feel vulnerable or threatened.
Negative changes in thoughts or mood – This could look like persistent guilt, shame, depression, or feeling emotionally numb. You might lose interest in things you used to enjoy or feel detached from others.
Hyperarousal – You might feel constantly on edge, have trouble sleeping, or startle easily. It can feel like you’re in a constant state of fight or flight.

Symptoms can surface soon after a traumatic experience, or they might not appear until months or even years later. PTSD can also be complex, especially when trauma occurs repeatedly over time.

Causes and Risk Factors

PTSD is caused by exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. This could happen through:

Direct experience
Witnessing an event
Learning that a loved one experienced trauma
Repeated exposure to traumatic details (such as in first responders or military roles)

While not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, certain factors can increase your risk:

A history of previous trauma
Childhood abuse or neglect
Lack of support after the trauma
Preexisting mental health conditions
Substance use
Ongoing stress in daily life or relationships

Trauma affects the brain’s ability to regulate emotions and threat responses. When recovery is disrupted, PTSD can develop.

Diagnosis

PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms persist for more than a month after the traumatic event and cause significant distress or impair your ability to function in daily life. A mental health provider will ask about your symptoms, trauma history, and how it’s affecting your relationships, work, and overall well-being.

If you’re also experiencing other concerns like depression, anxiety, substance use, or dissociation, these will be considered as part of a comprehensive evaluation. Diagnosing PTSD isn’t about labeling you—it’s about identifying what you’re dealing with so you can get the help that works.

Evidence-Based Treatment Options

Treatment for PTSD is most effective when it’s personalized and grounded in proven methods. Your journey might include:

Medication Management

Several classes of medications have been shown to help manage the symptoms of PTSD:

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are often considered first-line treatments. They help regulate mood and reduce anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and hyperarousal.
SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) may also be used when mood and energy levels are affected.
Prazosin, an alpha-blocker, is sometimes used off-label to reduce trauma-related nightmares.
Other medication classes, such as mood stabilizers or anxiolytics, may be considered depending on individual symptoms and co-occurring conditions.

Medication won’t erase the trauma, but it can reduce the intensity of your symptoms and help you stay more present and grounded, which supports therapy work.

Therapeutic Interventions

Therapy is a cornerstone of PTSD treatment. Several approaches have strong research backing:

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) helps you reframe negative beliefs related to the trauma.
Prolonged Exposure (PE) gradually reduces avoidance by helping you safely face memories and reminders.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) uses guided eye movements to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories.
Trauma-focused CBT combines cognitive and behavioral techniques to manage symptoms and improve functioning.

Other supportive therapies—such as group counseling, mindfulness-based interventions, and somatic experiencing—can complement the core treatments.

How Medication Management Helps

When your nervous system is stuck in overdrive, it can feel impossible to relax, sleep, or even think clearly. Medication management gives your mind and body some relief. By reducing the intensity of your symptoms, medication can help create a stable foundation for healing. That stability allows you to better engage in therapy, rebuild relationships, and begin to reclaim your life.

At Valiant Mental Health, we work with you to find the right balance. We consider your symptoms, history, lifestyle, and goals—not just a checklist. Medication is never one-size-fits-all, and you’re an essential part of every decision.

How Valiant Mental Health Supports You

Living with PTSD can feel lonely, overwhelming, or even shameful—but you’re not broken, and you’re not alone. At Valiant Mental Health, we create a space where your story is heard without judgment. We specialize in trauma-informed care, meaning we recognize how trauma shapes not just symptoms, but trust, safety, and recovery.

You’ll receive a personalized care plan that reflects your unique needs. Whether you’re seeking medication support, therapy referrals, or help understanding your triggers, we’re here to walk beside you—not ahead of you. Healing from trauma takes time, and we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way.

You deserve peace of mind. And with the right support, it’s possible.