Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can leave someone feeling on edge, isolated, and without hope. At Harmony, we understand how difficult and lonely it can be to face the long-term emotional and psychological effects of trauma. However, healing is possible, especially with the right help. 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 West Virginia, call 304.410.0082 or schedule your first appointment at one of our clinics.
Signs & Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD develops when someone struggles to recover after one traumatic event, known as acute trauma, or repeated, ongoing events, called complex PTSD. Trauma directly impacts brain function, particularly in areas involved in fear responses and emotional regulation. It can also present physically, through symptoms like a racing heart, persistent fatigue, or immune-related concerns.
For some, trauma reappears as flashbacks or intrusive memories. Others may have a hard time trusting people, feel disconnected from themselves or loved ones, or experience emotional numbness. Some people with PTSD might try to cope by ignoring or stuffing their symptoms and memories, potentially using substances or other maladaptive coping skills instead of seeking the help they deserve.
Common symptoms of PTSD include:
- Persistent 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
Facing PTSD? Harmony Can Help
When PTSD symptoms linger, it can feel like nothing will ever get better. Our trauma-informed clinicians can make a real difference in how you show up for yourself and your family. PTSD treatment in West Virginia 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.
A common misconception is that PTSD only affects combat veterans or survivors of extreme violence. PTSD can follow any traumatic experience, sometimes emerging years later. What’s traumatic for one person may not be for another.
Situations that could trigger intense fear or helplessness, which could lead to PTSD, include:
- 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 it’s also possible to develop “Complex PTSD.” This happens after enduring chronic, inescapable difficult circumstances that may seem less overtly intense than the situations we typically associate with PTSD. It can be helpful to make a distinction between “Big T” trauma, like the events above, and “Little T” trauma. Though less extreme, these experiences can add up to result in genuine trauma symptoms.
Situations that could contribute to complex PTSD include:
- Long-term emotional abuse or neglect
- Bullying or harassment
- Exposure to domestic violence or an unsafe housing situation
- 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 centers on therapy. Many of our clinicians have specialized training in evidence-based trauma treatment and use a trauma-informed approach throughout care. For many, treatment can be aided by adding medication, mindfulness, and/or family involvement.
Therapy
Trauma-focused therapy involves working with a trained specialist to process the emotions connected to a traumatic experience, often drawing on approaches like EMDR, accelerated resolution therapy, or trauma-focused CBT.
Many people worry that PTSD treatment requires re-experiencing their trauma, but that’s not necessarily the case. Our therapists work at your pace, helping you feel safe and supported before diving into anything difficult. Additionally, many trauma therapies don’t require reliving the traumatic event at all, and your therapist will work with you to determine what’s best for your needs.
Mindfulness Exercises
A traumatic event can often lead to dissociation and disconnection from the body, so mindfulness can help regain this connection. Our clinicians can help incorporate deep breathing, yoga, and grounding techniques into daily routines, helping you re-integrate this connection beyond therapy sessions.
Medication
For some, medication supports PTSD recovery, particularly when there are co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression. Our trauma-informed psychiatric providers can help determine if this is right for you.
Family Therapy
For those recovering from significant trauma, involving family 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 best to support you.
What’s the Outlook for Someone With PTSD?
It’s possible for someone to recover from a traumatic event on their own. However, if symptoms persist, professional support significantly improves the likelihood of a full recovery, and it’s never too early or too late to seek care. People who seek treatment 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, start by approaching them with patience and understanding. Supporting their practical needs while respecting their autonomy and boundaries can remind them that they’re not alone.
Here’s how to support a loved one recovering from PTSD or trauma:
- Learn about PTSD: Understanding their experience can help you respond with empathy.
- Respect their boundaries: Give space when needed and don’t push them to talk about their trauma.
- Encourage treatment: Help research therapy options or offer to give them a ride 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 be stressful and bring up unwanted feelings for yourself, so there’s no shame in seeking your own professional support.
Healing is a shared process, and consistent support from loved ones plays a powerful role in recovery.
Why Choose Harmony for PTSD Treatment
Reaching out after experiencing trauma can feel daunting, but our trauma-informed teams across West Virginia have the tools to help you heal at your own pace.
Here are a few ways our Harmony clinics can help:
- Our services are in-network with most insurance providers, including Medicaid and Medicare, which can help keep copays low.
- A collaborative team of professionals will work together to ensure you get the comprehensive care you deserve.
- We offer convenient clinic locations across West Virginia, plus telehealth options.
- Our supportive therapists help you build coping skills and strengthen relationships.
- You’ll have ongoing access to whichever combination of therapy and medication works best for you.
Connect With Harmony 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:
- A brief intake call to confirm your insurance coverage and any copays
- Schedule your first appointment at one of our locations, or discussing telehealth options
- Work with a therapist to process unresolved emotions and build tools for managing triggers
- Meet with a psychiatric provider if medication may help alleviate symptoms
- Exploring couples or family therapy to support healing in your relationships
Call 304.410.0082 or fill out a quick form to learn more about our PTSD treatment options across West Virginia.
FAQs About Trauma & PTSD
What does it feel like to have PTSD?
At its most intense, PTSD can feel like reliving a traumatic experience again and again through flashbacks and nightmares, leaving someone feeling on edge, irritable, or disconnected from the present moment. Some show these symptoms outwardly, while others hide them well, believing they can manage by keeping them inside instead of getting the help they need to heal.
How do I recover from PTSD?
Long-lasting recovery from PTSD typically involves seeking professional help. A trauma-specialized therapist can help you process difficult emotions and build tools for healing. Talking with trusted people, spending time with loved ones, joining a support group, and caring for yourself through proper sleep and nutrition, can all support recovery too.
Is PTSD considered a mental illness?
Yes, PTSD is a serious mental health condition involving changes in brain function due to trauma. A mental health professional can help you heal these impacted regions through processing, coping skills, and other supports.
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, place, 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 undermining someone’s autonomy can be triggering. Avoid unexpected touch or overwhelming questions, and never minimize their experience. Since triggers vary by person, it could be a good idea to ask them directly what to avoid, if they would be comfortable sharing.