Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can leave someone feeling isolated and stuck. At New Directions Mental Health, we understand how difficult it can be to face the emotional and psychological effects of trauma. While it can be scary and lonely to see the ways trauma is affecting you over the long-term, we have the tools to help you start to heal and get back to the life you want. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or a loved one, our compassionate team is here to guide you through every step.
If you’re looking for PTSD treatment in the greater Pittsburgh area, call 724.374.7414 or schedule your first appointment at one of our clinics.
Signs & Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD develops when someone struggles to recover after either one traumatic event, or repeated, ongoing events, known as complex PTSD. Trauma directly affects the brain, particularly areas involved in fear response and emotional regulation. It can also present physically, through symptoms like a racing heart, persistent fatigue, or even immune-related concerns.
For some, trauma reappears as flashbacks or intrusive memories. Others may struggle to trust others, feel disconnected from themselves or loved ones, or experience emotional numbness. Some people might try to tamp down their feelings and memories, using maladaptive coping mechanisms like substance use, often going a long time before seeking care.
Common symptoms of PTSD include:
- Recurring flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories
- Heightened alertness or being easily startled
- Avoiding people, places, or situations connected to the trauma
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Trouble maintaining close relationships
- Feelings of hopelessness, shame, or guilt
- Dissociation, “zoning out,” or emotional numbness
Dealing With PTSD? New Directions Mental Health Can Help
When symptoms linger, it can feel like nothing will ever shift. Our trauma-informed clinicians can make a real difference in how you show up for yourself and your family. PTSD treatment across Western Pennsylvania is just a call away.
Causes of PTSD
PTSD can develop after directly experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Trauma affects everyone differently, so there’s no universal experience of PTSD, and what’s traumatic for one person may not be for another.
A common misconception is that PTSD only affects combat veterans or survivors of extreme violence. In reality, PTSD can follow any traumatic experience, sometimes emerging years later.
PTSD could be triggered by experiencing or witnessing things like:
- Military combat
- Physical or sexual assault
- Natural disasters
- Serious accidents
- A sudden, dangerous illness
Complex Trauma
The examples above typically involve a single traumatic event, but other people develop Complex PTSD after enduring chronic, inescapable circumstances that may seem less “intense” than more widely recognized trauma. Some make a distinction between “Big T” trauma, like the events above, and “Little T” trauma. Though less extreme, these experiences can still result in genuine, long-lasting trauma symptoms.
Situations that could cause complex PTSD include:
- Long-term emotional abuse or neglect
- Bullying or harassment
- Domestic violence
- Harmful religious indoctrination
- Chronic stress
- Poverty and limited access to resources
Not everyone exposed to these experiences develops complex PTSD. Responses vary depending on genetics, biology, and protective factors like community support and coping skills.
Treatments for PTSD
Healing from trauma and PTSD typically involves therapy. Many of our clinicians have specialized training in evidence-based trauma treatment and center their treatment around trauma-informed approaches. For many people recovering from trauma, it’s helpful to add medication, mindfulness, or family involvement to their care plan.
Therapy
Trauma-focused therapy involves working with a trained specialist to process the emotions connected to a traumatic experience, sometimes drawing on approaches like EMDR, accelerated resolution therapy, or trauma-focused CBT.
Many worry that PTSD therapy requires re-experiencing their trauma directly. That’s not necessarily the case. Our therapists work at your pace and won’t push you into doing anything you’re not ready for, and many trauma therapies don’t require reliving the traumatic event(s) at all. Your therapist will first help you work to establish safety and build rapport, then determine which modalities will make the most sense for your particular needs.
Mindfulness Exercises
Reconnecting with the body can be an important part of healing, since that connection is often disrupted during and after trauma. Our clinicians can help incorporate deep breathing, yoga, and grounding techniques into daily routines, which can ease symptoms and help you learn to shift your attention to the present moment.
Medication
For some, medication can support PTSD recovery, especially if they’re also dealing with anxiety or depression symptoms. Our trauma-informed psychiatric providers can help determine if medication is right for your care plan.
Family Therapy
For those recovering from significant trauma, involving family and other loved ones in the process can foster understanding and support that extends beyond the therapy room. Our clinicians are happy to speak with your family about how to best integrate into your care plan.
What’s the Outlook for Someone With PTSD?
Some people can recover without professional treatment after experiencing a traumatic event, but you don’t have to heal on your own. It’s never too early or too late to seek support. Additionally, if symptoms persist for several weeks, treatment significantly improves the likelihood of a full recovery. People who seek professional help generally feel better sooner than those who try to cope alone.
How Can Loved Ones Support Someone With PTSD?
If someone you love has PTSD, it’s crucial to approach them with patience and understanding. Supporting their practical needs while respecting their autonomy and boundaries can meaningfully support their healing.
Here are a few ways to support a loved one recovering from PTSD or trauma:
- Learn about PTSD: Understanding their experience helps you respond with empathy instead of frustration.
- Respect their boundaries: Give space when needed, and avoid pushing conversations about their trauma. They should initiate if they want to talk about these heavy topics.
- Encourage treatment: Help research therapy options or offer transportation to appointments.
- Keep communication open: Let them know you’re ready to listen, and that you won’t minimize their experience.
- Prioritize your own wellbeing: Supporting someone through PTSD can bring up a lot, so don’t hesitate to seek out support for yourself.
Healing is a shared process, and consistent support from loved ones plays a powerful role in recovery.
Why Choose New Directions Mental Health for PTSD Treatment
Reaching out after trauma can feel daunting, but our trauma-informed teams in Pittsburgh, Monongahela, Wexford, and across southwest Pennsylvania have the tools to help you heal at your own pace.
Here are just few of the ways our care stands out:
- We’re in-network with most insurance providers, including Medicaid and Medicare, which can help keep copays low.
- A collaborative team of professionals all work together on your care.
- Convenient clinics are located across southwestern Pennsylvania, plus telehealth options.
- Our therapists can help you build new coping skills and strengthen your relationships.
- You’ll have ongoing access to whichever combination of therapy and medication works best for you.
Connect With New Directions Mental Health to Start PTSD Treatment
Whether you’re navigating PTSD yourself or supporting someone who is, our team is ready to provide expert, compassionate care.
Here’s what to expect when you start treatment with New Directions Mental Health:
- A brief intake call to confirm your insurance coverage and talk through any copays
- Scheduling your first appointment at one of our locations, or discussing telehealth options
- Working with a therapist to process unresolved emotions and build tools for managing triggers
- Meeting with a psychiatric provider if medication may help alleviate symptoms
- Exploring couples or family therapy to support healing in your relationships
Call 724.374.7414 or fill out a quick form to learn more about our PTSD treatment options across the Pittsburgh area.
FAQs About Trauma & PTSD
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It may cause flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and emotional distress related to the trauma.
What does it feel like to have PTSD?
At its most intense, PTSD can feel like reliving a traumatic experience over and over through flashbacks and nightmares, leaving someone feeling on edge, irritable, or disconnected from their body. Some show these symptoms outwardly, while others hide them well, believing they can manage by keeping them inside instead of getting professional help.
How do I recover from PTSD?
Seeking professional help is the most important step. A trauma-specialized therapist can help process difficult emotions and build tools for healing. Talking with trusted people, spending time with loved ones, joining a support group, and caring for your physical health can all support recovery too.
Is PTSD considered a mental illness?
Yes. PTSD is a serious mental health condition involving real changes in brain function due to the trauma experienced. Working with a mental health professional supports healing in the brain regions affected.
What are common PTSD triggers?
Common PTSD triggers include loud noises, crowds, physical touch, news coverage of similar events, or anything that recalls the trauma, such as a person, location, or even a scent.
What should I avoid doing around someone with PTSD?
Remember that trauma often involves a loss of control in the moment it happened, so anything that undermines someone’s autonomy can be triggering. Avoid unexpected touch or overwhelming questions, and never minimize their experience. Since triggers vary by person, you could ask if they’re comfortable sharing directly what would be helpful to avoid.
What types of therapy are used to treat PTSD at New Directions?
We offer evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and trauma-focused therapy to help individuals manage symptoms and heal.
Can medication help with PTSD symptoms?
Yes, psychiatric providers may prescribe medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to reduce PTSD symptoms and support overall functioning.
Do you treat veterans and survivors of abuse?
Yes, our clinicians are experienced in treating PTSD related to military service, abuse, accidents, and other types of trauma across various populations and age groups.
How do I start PTSD treatment at New Directions?
To get started, complete our online intake form or contact our intake coordination team. We’ll match you with a provider experienced in trauma-informed care.
PTSD Insights
To learn more about PTSD and treatment options, check out these blogs today.
