PTSD, Therapy Services

How Can Therapy Help Me Overcome My PTSD?

Does it feel like fear and guilt are always looming in the background of your life? Does sudden sadness take over sometimes with no warning?

If so, you might be living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – a condition connected to traumatic experiences from one’s past. PTSD can make the world feel like a distant place, with loved ones feeling unreachable and everyday tasks unattainable. It is an unrelenting condition that gives its sufferers no escape from its barrage of unbearable symptoms. Thankfully, therapy is a great option for anyone looking to gain control of their lives again.

Let’s explore how therapy can help individuals suffering from PTSD.

Depression Concept with Human, Broken Brain and Heavy Rain
Depression Concept with Heavy Rain directly aimed at depressive Human Profile with a broken Brain. Illustrated with Chalk on Blackboard

How Do I Know If I’m Suffering From PTSD?

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, has become more common as awareness grows
around it. But, how can you be sure if PTSD is what’s driving your inner-turmoil?

Symptoms of PTSD can range from mild to severe and can begin immediately after a traumatic event or show up months later. Signs such as difficulty in relationships, nightmares, panic attacks and avoidance behaviors towards certain places or activities may all indicate that PTSD is impacting your life.

However, the only way to be certain if PTSD is the underlying cause is to consult a mental health professional who can evaluate your symptoms and help create a personalized treatment plan if necessary. Don’t suffer in silence – understanding PTSD starts with consulting someone who can help.
What Is Therapy?

Therapy is an incredibly important tool that can help individuals in many different ways. It
provides a safe, non-judgemental environment where someone can explore parts of
themselves, find emotional resolution, and make meaningful changes to their life.

It is often described as a collaborative process between the therapist and the client.
The therapist helps the client to draw on their own resources and insights by posing thoughtful questions and offering strategies for addressing challenges in their lives.
Ultimately, therapy is an essential part of growth that can provide new perspectives and cultivate personal understanding.

What Are The Different Types Of Trauma Therapy?

PTSD therapies come in many shapes and sizes, so finding the right one for you is key.
Psychotherapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps individuals understand their PTSD better, as well as counseling that allows individuals to work through any underlying trauma or mental health problems.

For those looking for a more physical approach, neurological techniques such as Neurofeedback Training are also available. This focuses on measuring and regulating brain activity with advanced EEG monitoring systems in order to help PTSD sufferers regain control of their thoughts and emotions.

No matter which type of PTSD therapy is chosen, the main goal remains the same – to manage symptoms and allow those with PTSD to return to a healthy life.

Psychotherapy: Cognitive Processing Therapy

PTSD can have a huge impact on someone’s life, and cognitive reprocessing therapy is a greatoption to help manage it.This specific form of psychotherapy focuses on helping individuals reframe the thoughts and memories that trigger PTSD symptoms. It helps people in distress reassess their traumatic experiences so they can move past them without reliving the trauma each time.

It’s also effective for working through why certain situations evoke strong responses and how to better cope, making it an invaluable PTSD therapy choice for anyone looking for relief.

Psychotherapy: Prolonged Exposure Therapy

Prolonged exposure therapy is a PTSD therapy that, rather than avoiding the memories of
traumatic events, helps individuals confront them through detailed re-telling of the situation and related management of fear.

It has been found to be one of the most successful PTSD therapies, which is perhaps why it is long-term—individuals can benefit from it spread over an extended period. Sessions are tailored to each participant’s traumas, allowing for personalised treatment so that
recovery can begin as soon as possible. It is a safe and effective way to aid those suffering from PTSD in recovery, but also has been used by people who experienced other traumas such as single event trauma or bullying.

Neurological: Eye Movement Desensitization and Response

EMDR works by connecting cognitive information with biologic trauma reactions and allowing the patient to process the traumatic event in a safe environment.

It involves having the person track bilateral stimulation, such as alternating sounds or
side-to-side eye motions, to help decrease activation of trauma memories.
EMDR offers PTSD victims an innovative and effective approach to treating their condition, thus providing them with greater psychological freedom and life satisfaction.

Neurological: Emotional Freedom Technique

The premise of EFT is that a person will talk through their traumatic experience while physically tapping on acupuncture points around the body.

This practice serves to desensitize a person from their PTSD triggers, creating more neural
pathways in their brain and ultimately allowing them to develop more control over their
emotions.

While the efficacy of this type of PTSD therapy is yet to be conclusively proven, many
proponents believe that it could provide an empowering alternative in PTSD treatment.

What Is The Best Treatment For PTSD?

When it comes to how to treat PTSD, every psychiatrist has their own favorite flavor of therapy. Some like to babble on psychoanalytically about the root cause, some swear by specific treatments, and others just rely on time for emotional healing.

But if there’s one thing that far outshines the rest when it comes to treating PTSD, it’s targeted trauma-focused therapy. Trauma therapy programs work swiftly and effectively in helping PTSD sufferers break free from the chains of trauma, allowing them to begin the process of healing in a healthier, more meaningful way.

So if you’re looking for the very best kind of therapy to help you cope with your post-traumatic stress disorder – you may want to consider it!

Female hand trying to connect a missing jigsaw puzzle of human brain on gray background. Creative idea for solving problem, memory loss, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease concept. Mental health care.

The Benefits of Trying Therapy For PTSD:

PTSD can cause us to feel disconnected from ourselves and the people who love us, as we try to make sense of PTSD’s effects on our lives. But PTSD is also treatable, and therapy is an important part of that process.

A few ways therapy can help you overcome your PTSD:

  1. Relief from symptoms:

    Many people who suffer from PTSD find that their symptoms
    improve after starting therapy. This can include a decrease in flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression.

  2. Improved relationships:

    PTSD can often strain relationships with family, friends, and
    partners. Therapy can help to improve communication and build trust.

  3. Greater self-awareness:

    Therapy can help you to understand your triggers and how to cope
    with them. This can lead to greater self-awareness and control over your emotions.

  4. Coping skills:

    Therapy can teach you healthy coping mechanisms to deal with your PTSD
    symptoms. This can include relaxation techniques, journaling, and exposure therapy.

  5. Hope:

    For many people suffering from PTSD, therapy offers hope for a better future. It can
    help you to see that your symptoms are manageable and that you can live a happy and fulfilling life despite your diagnosis.


Is Therapy The Key To Unlocking Your PTSD?

PTSD can be an incredibly difficult disorder to live with, but, if you live in Maryland, Gemini
Health can guide you in beginning the journey of recovery. While the process is often hard and lengthy, there are many people who have turned to PTSD therapy and have found it to be the best choice they make for themselves.

Through PTSD therapy, people find a safe haven to talk with a professional and share their stories without fear of judgment or consequence. Sessions often provide individuals with fresh perspectives and new ways of thinking about how to cope with their PTSD symptoms. PTSD therapy offers benefits that no other form of treatment can provide: true healing from the inside out. With PTSD therapy, many individuals gain confidence, security, and even a newfound purpose in life.

For these reasons and more, pursuing PTSD therapy is almost always worth it—and most
who try it don’t regret their decision!

Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/ptsd-treatment#neurological-therapies
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd-and-complex-ptsd/symptoms/
https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/prolonged-exposure
https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing
https://www.reliasmedia.com/articles/142914-emotional-freedom-technique-and-post-traumatic stress disorder

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An adult man, looking happy, talking with group therapy members
Group therapy, Therapy Services

How To Find A Support Group to Help You Heal

Supportive therapy can be a wonderful resource when you are going through significant challenges in your life.

They provide a safe place to share experiences, feelings, and coping strategies with other people who have been in similar situations. Sometimes all you need when managing a tough season in life is someone who truly understands you.

However, there is an art to getting the most out of them.

This guide will help you navigate finding the right support group therapy for yourself and maximize their potential as part of your healing journey.

A group therapy group for depression

What Is Supportive Group Therapy?

Supportive group therapy is a form of therapy that is designed to help people who are struggling with a variety of mental health issues or life circumstances.

The goal of this type of therapy is to provide a safe and supportive environment for people to share their experiences and receive support from others who are going through similar challenges.

This type of therapy can be helpful for people who are struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety, or addiction.

Support groups are a great place to find support and advice from people who have been there. They provide an opportunity to be open with others while sharing experiences.

Supportive Therapy Techniques:

Supportive therapy can be helpful in many situations because it’s structured and uses methods similar to those used by other types of group therapies.

For example, supportive therapy may help you learn new skills and develop healthier ways of coping with stress and anxiety.

Because this form of group therapy is more structured than some other forms, it usually takes place over a shorter period—usually only one hour per week or less.

Now, you might be wondering – “Is supportive therapy evidence based?”  Okay, maybe not in those exact words, but in a nutshell, you may be curious if there’s science to back it up.

Yes, supportive group therapy is evidence-based. There is a large body of research that supports the use of group therapy for a variety of mental health conditions. Groups provide a supportive and therapeutic environment that can help people feel less alone, connected to others, and improve their mental health.

Finding The Best Support Group For You:

Decide What Kind Of Support You’re Looking For:

When you’re looking for a support group, it’s important to understand that there are different types of groups. Some focus on specific issues like trauma, addiction, or family violence.

Others are more general and include many types of issues in their focus. Some groups may be open to self-identifying with a particular issue while others may require members to have been diagnosed with a disorder by a professional in order to attend.

Supportive therapy groups come in all shapes and sizes, for example:

  • Opioid overdose supportive therapy
  • Alcohol withdrawal syndrome supportive therapy
  • Supportive cancer therapy
  • Supportive drug therapy

Some groups meet weekly; others meet monthly and some meet less frequently than that.

Before deciding which type of support would work best for you, it’s important to realize what it is exactly that you hope your experience will accomplish: do you want someone else’s perspective on why things happened the way they did?

Do want someone else who has experienced similar things to tell their stories?

Or maybe all this sharing doesn’t appeal to you at all—maybe what would help most is connecting with another person who knows what it’s like not just because they’ve gone through something similar but because they’ve lived through it themselves (and survived).

Ask For Recommendations:

The best way to find a support group is to ask for recommendations. Your friends, family, and co-workers may be able to share their own experiences with support groups.

If you don’t know anyone who has been in a group before, ask your doctor or therapist if they have any suggestions. They will also be able to tell you if there are any groups that they recommend over others.

If none of these options work out for you, try contacting your insurance company directly; they may have information on which programs its providers participate in (and whether those programs offer the type of support you’re looking for).

You can also type in a quick Google search, “Support group therapy near me” to find a list of different options close by.

Call Ahead and Ask Questions:

When you call a support group leader to ask about joining, be sure to ask the following questions:

  • What size is the group?
  • What is its format?
  • What philosophy does it follow, if any? (Likely choices include cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychoanalysis.)
  • Are there any fees or other costs associated with participation in this group?
  • Where do meetings take place (at an office building, a school, etc.)?
  • When do they occur—and what times of day are most convenient for me?

Plan Ahead For The Financial Cost (If Any):

Meetings are typically free of charge, but some groups charge a nominal fee for attendance.

This allows them to cover expenses, such as renting space and paying for refreshments or childcare.

If there is a fee charged by the organization running your chosen meeting place (or if there isn’t), consider how much money this would represent over time.

Think of it as part of an investment in your own healing process—one which could save hundreds if not thousands of dollars in the long run when compared with seeking professional counseling services from providers who charge several hundred dollars per session on average!

If necessary, take steps ahead of time so that you can prepare enough cash on hand at least once per month while attending meetings so as not to miss any due dates should unforeseen circumstances arise requiring immediate attention during those sessions; however keep in mind that most group leaders work hard at keeping costs low so as not to exclude anyone who might otherwise benefit greatly from attending regularly.

Supportive Therapy Is An Invaluable Resource:

If you’re struggling right now, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to face it alone.

Support group therapy is there to help you heal and recover from mental illness, or navigate the tricky waters of life.

They can provide valuable insight into what your recovery might look like and how others have managed it in the past. Therapy support centers like Gemini Health are ready and waiting to help you get connected with others and live a happier, healthier life.

Resources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/indepth/support-groups/art-20044655

https://www.mhanational.org/find-support-groups

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/therapy-medication/supportgroups.htm

Behavioral and Mental Health Services

https://www.verywellmind.com/find-a-support-group-meeting-near-you-69433#:~:text=How%20to%20Find%20the%20Right,of%20the%20various%20support%20groups.

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Sick woman talking with a doctor at an outpatient treatment center
Therapy Services

Outpatient Treatment: What Does It Mean?

It’s no secret that mental health is something that should be taken seriously.

However, people often neglect their mental health when they don’t view it as a high priority. But the truth is, your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

In addition, some people may not have the means to check themselves into inpatient treatment. They may have jobs they can’t miss, or children to take care of. This can prevent them from receiving the care they desperately need.

If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or any other mental illness, outpatient treatment can be a great option for you.

In this article you will find an outpatient therapy definition, and the benefits it can bring to your life.

outpatient therapy patients sharing their problems
Members of group therapy listening to patient sharing her problems

What Is Outpatient Therapy?

Outpatient treatment is a type of mental health treatment that allows you to live at home while receiving therapy and other services.

This form of treatment is typically less intensive than inpatient, therefore may be a good option if you’re struggling with mild to moderate depression or anxiety. Services offered in an outpatient setting can vary, but they might include individual or group therapy, medication management, and crisis intervention.

Outpatient behavioral health therapy can be an essential step in someone’s journey to recovery from mental illness. It can provide them with the support they need to make progress in their recovery while still being able to live at home and maintain their regular routine.

How Does Outpatient Treatment Work?

If you opt for outpatient treatment, you’ll typically meet with your therapist or case manager a few times each week.

These appointments will usually last for 60 to 90 minutes. In addition to meeting with your therapist, you might also have regular check-ins with a psychiatrist or nurse.

You might also attend group therapy sessions and participate in other activities, such as recreation therapy or art therapy.

How Long Does Outpatient Treatment Last?

The number and frequency of appointments will depend on your individual needs. If you’re struggling with more severe symptoms of depression or anxiety, you might need to meet with your therapist more often.

An outpatient program can last for as long as you need it to—some people only participate in treatment for a few weeks, while others continue attending sessions for months or even years.

Once you and your therapist feel like you’ve made progress in treatment and reached your goals, you can begin slowly tapering off of therapy.

What Are The Benefits Of An Outpatient Treatment Program?

There are many benefits to an outpatient behavioral health therapy program. Let’s touch on a few of the most important:

1. You Can Get Treatment While Maintaining Your Normal Life

 One of the main benefits of outpatient treatment is that you can get the help you need while still maintaining your normal schedule. If you have a full-time job or you’re a student, you can continue going to work or school while you’re receiving treatment. This can be a great option for people who can’t take time off from their responsibilities to find treatment.

2. You’ll Be in a Safe and Supportive Environment

 When you receive outpatient treatment, you’ll be in a safe and supportive environment where you can feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings. You’ll be surrounded by people who understand what you’re going through and who want to help you get better. This kind of encouragement can be incredibly helpful when struggling with mental illness.

3. You Can Get Individualized Care

 Outpatient treatment programs offer individualized care, which means that your care will be tailored specifically to your needs. Your treatment plan will be designed based on your unique situation, so you can be sure that you’re getting the care that’s right for you.

Sick woman talking with a doctor at an outpatient treatment center
Sick woman talking with gynecologist about disease in the clinic

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Mental Health: Which Is Better?

While there is no clear-cut answer as to which is “better”, it all comes down to each person’s unique mental health experience. There are certainly pros and cons to both inpatient treatment and OP therapy. Let’s discuss a few.

First, inpatient treatment provides 24/7 care and supervision. If you’re in the midst of a mental health crisis, this can be invaluable. There will always be someone there to help you through difficult moments, and you won’t have to worry about being left alone during a time of vulnerability.

In addition, an inpatient program can give you space away from home to heal. When you’re dealing with mental health issues, it can be difficult to cope with everyday life.

Inpatient treatment gives you the chance to step away from everything and focus on your recovery. This can be an immensely helpful experience, as it allows you to come back to everyday life feeling refreshed and better equipped to handle whatever comes your way.

Inpatient is a better option for those struggling with more severe mental health issues, mental health crises, or those who feel as though they can’t make progress at home.

Outpatient treatment on the other hand is often less expensive and is a wonderful option for those who need to handle their daily responsibilities while receiving treatment.

Inpatient Treatment Is Not Your Only Option:

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental illness, please know that there are resources available to help you. For example, here at Gemini Health, we strive to assist all patients with every aspect of their health, no matter what their circumstances may look like.

Our outpatient behavioral health therapy may be a good option for you or your loved one. It is important to seek help from a professional if you are struggling so that you can get on the path to recovery and improve your overall well-being. Inpatient treatment is not the end-all be-all for mental health services. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you get back to your best self.

Resources:

https://www.pchtreatment.com/inpatient-vs-outpatient-mental-health-treatment/

https://www.goodtherapy.org/difference-inpatient-outpatient.html

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Anxiety, Depression, PTSD

Benefits Of Ketamine For Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD

Nearly one in five adults in the US live with a mental illness. But not everyone benefits from the same treatment options. The good news is that there are different treatments to try, including ketamine. 

Ketamine can draw a mixture of reactions. Some people have never heard of it before, whereas others will remember its history as a wartime anesthetic or think of it as a party drug. However, using ketamine for anxiety, depression, complex PTSD, and other psychological disorders is a breakthrough treatment option.

Are you interested in learning more about ketamine therapy for anxiety and other disorders? Read on for everything you need to know. 

What Is Ketamine?

Ketamine was first discovered in the 1960s and was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an anesthetic in the 1970s. It was used during the Vietnam War for injured soldiers as it is an anesthetic that does not require a ventilator.

It is now used in different ways, including in veterinary medicine and as a common sedative in pediatric emergency care. Some people use it recreationally, which is why it is only legal by prescription only. 

Ketamine produces a dissociative experience, which can be described as a trance-like state. There are different types of ketamine, with two main types being used for psychological treatment. These are:

The types of ketamine interact differently with the brain, but both are effective treatment options. However, it can treat treatment-resistant depression and other psychological disorders, such as complex PTSD and anxiety. What type of ketamine you receive depends on your doctor's assessment of your needs and where you receive treatment.

 

How Does Ketamine Work?

Research is still being done to determine how ketamine precisely works. However, what is known is that it produces important and useful effects. There is evidence that it can work in different ways in the brain to relieve depression and other psychological disorders:

  • Stimulates neural activity
  • Increases neuroplasticity for new thought patterns 

When the ketamine dose is administered, the experience can last around two hours, but its benefits last after treatment finishes. The experience can include feelings of unreality, euphoria, and distortions. Ketamine therapy for anxiety and other psychological disorders is done in safe clinical settings with medical supervision.

How Does Ketamine Work for Depression? 

Ketamine for depression and other psychological disorders works differently than when it is used as an anesthetic. A lower dose is given, with the focus on the other effects ketamine produces. It depends if you are given the nasal spray or IV treatment, but both offer benefits for depression. 

For example, studies have found that ketamine triggers glutamate production, which helps the brain produce new neural connections, which can be lifesaving for people with depression. It helps them break negative thought patterns and behaviors, open up to new perspectives, and become more receptive to therapy.

Ketamine likely increases glutamate production because it connects to NMDA receptors in the brain. This allows it to create more glutamate between neurons. Glutamate triggers connections in AMPA receptions, which help other neurons communicate more efficiently.

The result includes changes in mood and thought patterns. There are suggestions that ketamine works for depression in different ways, such as opening communication between other parts of the brain. It may also reduce inflammation signals, which can contribute to depression.

Ketamine for Anxiety 

Ketamine for anxiety works in different ways. Depression and anxiety are often connected, so the changes to glutamate also help reduce anxiety symptoms.

Studies have found that ketamine can help with a variety of anxiety disorders, including:

Often ketamine therapy for anxiety will be done alongside other treatment forms, such as therapy. This means you have sufficient reduction in anxiety symptoms to benefit from other treatments, such as therapy, which can help you get to the root cause of anxiety.

Ketamine opens you to different perspectives, which can help you reach new realizations. It can help you move forward with your recovery journey. 

Ketamine for Complex PTSD

Ketamine for PTSD can also be beneficial. As with depression and anxiety, glutamate plays a role in stress response, traumatic memory formation, and other symptoms of PTSD.

Because ketamine targets glutamate, it can help the brain release trauma and ease symptoms of PTSD. Studies have found that PTSD severity reduces in patients who have ketamine therapy. 

Benefits of Ketamine

There is a reason why ketamine has been used for so many years. It offers a variety of benefits, which have helped patients in many ways. Here are the top benefits of ketamine therapy for anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders. 

Immediate Effect

The benefits of ketamine are almost immediate. It can rapidly reduce symptoms of depression and other psychological disorders. You do not have to wait, which can speed up the recovery process and can be lifesaving for people who are experiencing suicidal ideation. 

Patients are able to see changes that motivate them to continue with their treatment. This may involve other interventions, too, such as counseling. They do not have to wait for new medications to work to engage in their treatment plan.

Although ketamine has a rapid effect, several doses are usually required for long-lasting impact. Usually, the effects of one dose last for around a week. 

Maintenance Doses Possible 

Ketamine is a safe intervention under supervision, which means medical professionals can create treatment plans for IV ketamine. Patients can receive IV ketamine for a set period of time, such as weekly for twelve weeks. This enables them to focus on overcoming their psychological disorder.

Safe to Use Under Medical Supervision

Medical staff used ketamine during the Vietnam war because it is an anesthetic that does not slow breathing or heart rate. Patients need to use it under medical supervision because of the risks causal use presents. There are several side effects and the risk of addiction if people chase the euphoria of the experience.

However, under medical supervision, it is safe to use to treat psychological disorders. Usually, it is for people who have treatment-resistant psychological disorders. But ketamine therapy is becoming increasingly common in the mental health field. 

Physical Health Benefits

Ketamine can help reduce pain, which is why medical professionals use it to treat neuropathic conditions and as an anesthetic. However, many people who experience psychological disorders also experience physical pain. Ketamine can relieve this burden and help patients who use opioids or other substances for pain relief. 

Allows New Thought Processes

One of the biggest benefits of ketamine for PTSD, anxiety, and other psychological disorders is that it improves synapse growth. It rewires connections between neurons, so new thought processes are easier to access. It can be difficult to break thought patterns, which is why ketamine for anxiety and other disorders can be so beneficial. 

Reduces Safety Risks

Ketamine can also reduce safety risks associated with mental health disorders. For example, it can reduce the severity of symptoms, such as:

  • Suicidal ideation
  • Self-harm thoughts
  • Isolation
  • Paranoia 
  • Compulsive behaviors
  • Substance abuse

Sometimes patients cannot wait for a traditional SSRI to work. Ketamine opens the gateway for more treatment possibilities that empower the patient while keeping them safe. It also provides peace of mind for loved ones who may be worrying about the severity of symptoms. 

Take Advantage of Therapy 

There are different types of therapy available for psychological disorders. Therapies include:

The type of therapy you need depends on the psychological disorder you experience and your personal needs. However often the symptoms of psychological disorders make it difficult to engage in therapeutic interventions.

Ketamine therapy can help relieve the symptoms that act as a barrier to therapy. It can allow the patient to access therapy and attend. Or it can help them get more out of their therapy sessions. 

Fewer Side Effects

Most mental health treatments involve side effects of some kind. However, the benefits of a treatment can outweigh the risks. However, most of the ketamine's possible side effects are not long-term. 

These side effects can include:

  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • High blood pressure 
  • Dissociation 
  • Perceptual disturbances

Most side effects just last for the first IV ketamine infusion and end soon after. This is different from some other mental health treatments, which can include long-term side effects. However, more research is being done into frequent and long-term ketamine usage. 

Research Support

Research on ketamine therapy for anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders is promising. This is why it is now being used as a mental health treatment option. And research continues to grow, making it possible for ketamine to be a more common mental health treatment.

Ketamine for Depression in Maryland 

Ketamine offers many benefits as a mental health treatment. It can help people overcome psychological disorders and continue on their recovery journey. However, it is essential to pick a reputable provider who offers ketamine for anxiety and other psychological disorders.

Are you looking for ketamine for depression in Maryland? Gemini Health Elkridge Maryland offers ketamine for PTSD in Maryland, along with other conditions. Contact us today to learn more. 

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PTSD

How do you treat PTSD

As society has grown to improve its understanding of trauma, and traumatic experiences, PTSD treatment options have changed. Modern understanding of this mental health condition has broadened the therapeutic options available to individuals suffering. PTSD treatment therapy includes cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EDMR), and prolonged exposure (PE) therapy. 

For many years, PTSD was referred to as “shell shock.” While PTSD has likely existed for hundreds of years, it began to be widely acknowledged with the conclusion of World War I. The returning soldiers were exhibiting signs of being emotionally damaged from the ravages of the Great War. While PTSD has been referred to in many ways, it differs from other psychiatric disorders. But what is PTSD?  

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that is directly correlated to a terrifying event. The individual may have witnessed or experienced the terrifying event, but this psychiatric disorder is directly triggered by this moment. The traumatic moment triggers the human body’s “fight or flight” symptoms. In less terrifying moments, the “fight or flight” symptoms eventually subside. But with a traumatic experience, those symptoms can reoccur long after the event has ended.   

Some common catalysts for developing PTSD are war/combat, terrorist acts, serious accidents, rape, violence, near-death experiences, and natural disasters. These events may cause terrifying nightmares, severe anxiety, flashbacks, and hyper focused thoughts revolving around the experience. If you find yourself having difficulty coping with the event and adjusting to life afterward, you may be experiencing PTSD. The symptoms will get worse and impact the quality of your life.  

When you are suffering from PTSD, it is critical to begin receiving PTSD treatment. For individuals experiencing these symptoms, the best treatment for PTSD is to begin working with a skilled mental health professional. But, how do you treat PTSD?  

How Is PTSD Treated Today?  

After World War I, thousands of soldiers returned from a devastating war with emotional symptoms that were not linked to any physical damage they may have incurred during combat. Doctors at the time began referring to these symptoms as “Shell Shock” due to soldiers being exposed to exploding shells during the brutal fighting.  

Early treatment for these traumas were not sensitive to the emotional component of these symptoms. Due to societal norms at the time, “Shell Shock” was seen as a sign of weakness or failure. These treatments may have been just as damaging, if not cruel, to those suffering. These approaches included: 

  • Electroconvulsive shock treatment  
  • Disciplinary treatment (physical or militarily) 
  • Solitary confinement  
  • Emotional deprivation 
  • Forced movement of limbs with machines 
  • Electric heat baths 
  • Hypnotism  

As society has grown to improve its understanding of trauma, and traumatic experiences, PTSD treatment options have changed. The best way to treat PTSD is through therapy. Modern understanding of this mental health condition has broadened the therapeutic options available to individuals suffering. 


PTSD Therapy 

Forms of therapy for PTSD now include trauma-focused psychotherapy and medication. PTSD treatment therapy includes cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EDMR), and prolonged exposure (PE) therapy. With these various psychotherapy (or talk therapy) approaches, it may leave you wondering how do therapists treat PTSD with these options.  

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For PTSD:

 A type of talk therapy that supports the individual to recognize how their patterns of thinking may emotionally paralyze them, and keep them in a constant state of trauma. This therapy is usually coupled with exposure therapy when treating PTSD. 

 

Exposure Therapy For PTSD: 

This is a type of behavioral therapy which helps suffering individuals safely acknowledge and face situations and memories revolving around the traumatic event.  

EDMR Therapy For PTSD: 

A series of guided eye movements that encourage the individuals to focus on the trauma while experiencing eye movement stimulation. This allows the individual to experience a reduction or even relief from the magnitude of the trauma experience.  

 

Prolonged Exposure Therapy For PTSD:

A therapy that assists and teaches individuals how to gently approach trauma related memories and environments. This therapy supports patients to focus on not avoiding their trauma or its associated memories, and allowing them to confront the symptoms of the event itself. This allows for long-term recovery from their PTSD.  

 

Medication Therapy For PTSD: 

Typically used to support talk therapy, certain prescription medications like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are used to help individuals overcome their trauma symptoms. SSRIs are antidepressants used to alleviate the depression symptoms triggered by the traumatic experience.  

While there is no “catch-all” sure proof way to treat PTSD, there are many types of treatment that can help support an individual function and cope with the traumatic event. The important thing for individuals suffering from PTSD is to reach out for mental health therapy. The best therapy for PTSD is to be under the guidance of a mental health professional who can help establish a treatment plan for them to overcome their symptoms. Patients can learn techniques to help them manage and cope with their emotional triggers to better function in their day to day life.  

If you are struggling with PTSD, and need help to begin treatment for your symptoms, Call Gemini Health (301) 363-1063. We are a team of skilled mental health professionals who are trained in various treatment approaches. Gemini Health can help treat and manage your mental and behavioral health concerns. Call today to schedule an appointment today. 

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