Treatment for PTSD in Massachusetts
Whether your or your loved one’s trauma happened last week or years ago, we know it can turn your world upside down. Our skilled team at Aftermath Behavioral Health understands how PTSD messes with the mind and body. We curate treatment plans uniquely for each client to ensure safe, judgment-free, and effective healing.
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What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that can develop after someone goes through a scary, shocking, or dangerous event. It’s like having your brain stuck in “danger mode,” even when you’re safe. PTSD can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.
It’s not just “being upset” about something bad that happened; PTSD can really change how someone thinks, feels, and acts in their daily lives.
Symptoms of PTSD
For each person, PTSD symptoms can vary. Common indicators include:
- Intrusive memories or flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Severe anxiety
- Avoiding reminders of the trauma
- Negative changes in mood and thinking
- Hypervigilance or being easily startled
What Are the Different Types of PTSD
Not all PTSD experiences are the same. It’s important to note that not all types of anxiety or stress progress to PTSD. Support and care can manage symptoms like this effectively. There are several types, each with unique characteristics.
Let’s look at the most common types of trauma disorders:
Acute Stress Disorder
This occurs within the first month after a traumatic event. It usually includes similar symptoms to PTSD but for a shorter period.
Complex PTSD
Repeated trauma can develop into complex PTSD (CPTSD). It’s often seen in survivors of childhood abuse or long-term domestic violence.
Delayed-Onset PTSD
Symptoms can occur months or years after the trauma. This can be overwhelming, especially for those who thought they’d processed the traumatic experience.
Birth Trauma
This type, also known as postnatal trauma, affects new moms who’ve had a stressful, traumatic, or distressing birth experience. It can make bonding with the baby difficult.
Uncomplicated PTSD
Unlike CPTSD, which can be a response to multiple traumatic events, this type is attributed to a single event.
Understanding the Causes of PTSD
Knowing what causes PTSD can help individuals make sense of their experiences. Some common triggers include:
Serious Accidents
Car crashes or other life-threatening events can cause shock and fear that lingers long after physically healing.
Violence
Experiences like assaults, robberies, or domestic violence can shatter one’s sense of safety.
Military Service
Combat exposure is a well-known PTSD cause. It often leads to intense stress from the danger of war, leaving lasting mental scars.
Sudden Loss
Losing a loved one unexpectedly, like in a car accident, can trigger shock and grief that’s overwhelming.
Other Types of Trauma
Natural disasters, severe illnesses, or witnessing violence can also cause PTSD. Even seemingly “minor” events can be impactful if they’re personally traumatic.
The Importance of PTSD Treatment
According to the National Center for PTSD, about 6% of people in the US have PTSD at some point, but many of them recover and no longer meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis after treatment. This shows how crucial the right help is for individuals struggling with PTSD. Advantages of treatment like ours include:
Healing From the Traumatic Event
Process the trauma safely and learn to view the event without causing fear or anxiety.
Improving Relationships
Reconnect and rebuild bonds with loved ones, since PTSD can strain relationships.
Physical and Mental Health Improvements
Reduce stress-related health problems and boost general well-being.
Substance Abuse Risks
Prevent this dangerous coping mechanism with healthier methods to deal with PTSD.
PTSD Treatment Options at Aftermath Behavioral Health
At Aftermath Behavioral Health, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. In using a holistic approach, we offer PTSD treatment in Massachusetts that provides a deeper understanding of trauma and tailored methods to work through it.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns related to their trauma. It’s like rewiring the brain to respond differently to trauma triggers.
Medication Management
Medication can help manage symptoms related to trauma, like anxiety and depression, making other therapies more effective. While we don’t prescribe medication at our center, we can refer clients to trusted providers if needed.
Continued Support and Treatment
Our programs include ongoing support groups, counseling, and access to educational resources. During a program with us, there’s a strong focus on relapse prevention to help maintain progress.
Levels of Care Offered for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Everyone’s journey with healing from trauma can look different. That’s why we offer different levels of care to meet you where you are in the recovery process.
Psychiatric Day Treatment Program
Our Psychiatric Day Treatment, also known as Mental Health Day Treatment, provides intensive care without overnight in-facility stays. It requires several hours each day, five to seven days a week. During this time, clients take part in therapeutic activities, ranging from wellness practices to traditional talk therapy.
Intensive Psychiatric Outpatient Program
Our Intensive Psychiatric Outpatient Treatment offers structured support while leaving room to maintain daily responsibilities like school or work. Less frequent than day treatment, this program blends proven and holistic methods for busy individuals who need more support than standard outpatient counseling.
Mental Health Outpatient Program
For those who need ongoing support, our outpatient program offers regular PTSD therapy sessions in the evenings or on weekends. Our trauma-informed outpatient program offers valuable tools to cope with triggers and difficult emotions. With access to support groups and resources, individuals can feel guided and less isolated.
Heal With PTSD Treatment at Aftermath Behavioral Health
At Aftermath Behavioral Health in Wakefield, Massachusetts, we’re ready to walk the path to relief and healing with you. Our experienced team, custom treatment plans, and range of care options can give you or your loved one a safe place to recover and grow. Reach out to us today to learn more about our PTSD treatment program. Take back your peace with our compassionate guidance.
We partner with numerous insurance providers to make your treatment affordable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD
How Common Is PTSD?
While PTSD isn’t the most prevalent mental health condition, it can affect anyone. About 6% of Americans experience PTSD at some stage in their lives.
What Causes PTSD?
PTSD is caused by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This could be combat, natural disasters, serious accidents, assault, or any event that feels scary or dangerous. Due to the varying causes, it can also stem from other untreated mental health concerns, like stress.
What Can Make PTSD Symptoms Worse?
Stress, lack of sleep, and constant reminders of the trauma can worsen PTSD symptoms. Substance use, isolation, and avoiding treatment can also worsen symptoms.
Does PTSD Change a Person?
PTSD can significantly impact a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. However, with proper treatment, many people heal from their experiences, and symptoms slowly diminish.
How Is PTSD treated?
PTSD typically calls for a blend of therapies and approaches. Therapies include CBT, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and exposure therapy. Anxiety treatment may also help, especially if the individual has a co-occurring condition.
Does PTSD Treatment Work?
Yes, PTSD treatment can be very effective. While everyone has unique experiences dealing with trauma, many experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life with proper treatment and support.
