PTSD services offered in Silver Spring, MD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may develop after you’ve experienced or witnessed a shocking event. At E&B Behavioral and Medical Clinic LLC, Beatrice Tekah, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, and Ernest Keyaka, NP, PMHNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC, offer the psychiatric help you need to manage PTSD symptoms and find normalcy in your life. Call the Silver Spring, Maryland, office or use the online tool to find out more about how their PTSD management can help you.
PTSD Q & A
What is PTSD?
You may associate PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) with members of the armed forces who have been through combat or other military situations, but the condition can affect anyone who has experienced a terrifying event.
Examples of other situations that can lead to PTSD are:
- Being a non-combatant in a war zone
- Witnessing a death
- Living through natural disasters like hurricanes
- Experiencing sexual assault
- Being a victim of an auto accident
- Undergoing a home invasion
These one-off traumas cause “acute” PTSD. It’s also possible to develop “complex” PTSD if you’ve been a victim of persistent trauma, such as domestic abuse.
What symptoms suggest I have PTSD?
PTSD shows up as a collection of symptoms. Not all patients experience PTSD in the same way. You may notice changes in your mood, thinking, physical reactions, or emotions.
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Recurrent memories of the trauma
- Nightmares about the event
- Flashbacks (reliving the traumatic event)
- Avoiding talking about the trauma
- Isolating from any reminders of the trauma
- Depression and hopelessness
- Problems with memory and concentration
- Challenges in close relationships
- Feelings of detachment from friends and family
- Emotional numbness
- Being easily startled and always on the alert for danger
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability, angry outbursts, and aggressive behavior
PTSD may also include survivor’s guilt. You feel guilty that you survived or didn’t suffer the same tragedies as others who were part of the triggering incident.
How do you treat PTSD?
The team at E&B Behavioral and Medical Clinic LLC recognizes that every person’s experience with PTSD is unique. They tailor treatment to help you manage your specific symptoms and learn how to deal with triggers.
Treatment for PTSD usually includes a combination of:
Psychotherapy
The therapy team at E&B Behavioral and Medical Clinic LLC helps patients with PTSD talk about their trauma. Their compassion, patience, and empathy can help patients feel safe. Over time, psychotherapy helps you come to terms with what has happened and how to find closure.
Medication
Medication may be part of your PTSD treatment plan if you have symptoms of depression and anxiety. When you’re better able to manage these coexisting conditions, you can address your trauma through therapy and improve your long-term mental health.
If you’re struggling with symptoms of PTSD, call E&B Behavioral and Medical Clinic LLC today or use the online tool to book an appointment.