Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are widely discussed but also widely misunderstood, and if you’re struggling to overcome distress, you deserve clear answers and compassionate care. Lumina Psychiatry, a telehealth practice serving patients throughout New York and Oregon, offers comprehensive psychiatric assessments, evidence-based solutions, and therapeutic support. Schedule your appointment online or call the office today to get started.
Trauma is your emotional and physical response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event, which could include abuse, assault, serious accidents, military combat, natural disasters, or sudden loss. Trauma isn’t defined solely by the event itself but rather by how your nervous system responds to it.
Most people experience short-term stress reactions after trauma, but if your symptoms persist and significantly interfere with daily life, the problem may develop into PTSD.
PTSD can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event and involves changes in how the brain processes fear and stress. Your fight-or-flight response protects you, but if it fails to reset once you’re no longer in danger, the ongoing distress can impact your life and mental health.
Symptoms can vary, but common signs include:
You may also struggle with negative thoughts about yourself or the world. If symptoms last longer than a month, feel intense, or interfere with work, relationships, or daily functioning, it’s time to consider professional help.
Seek immediate support if you feel unsafe or experience thoughts of self-harm.
Fortunately, with science-backed solutions, PTSD is highly treatable. Your personalized care plan may incorporate:
Therapy may include approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), prolonged exposure therapy, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). These approaches help your brain process traumatic memories in a safer, more adaptive way.
Certain antidepressants (especially SSRIs) can reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, and hyperarousal.
Regular sleep, exercise, grounding techniques, and strong social support can enhance recovery. Prioritizing self-care by limiting caffeine and alcohol and eating nourishing foods may bolster your sense of safety within your body.
If you’re experiencing persistent anxiety, flashbacks, avoidance, or emotional numbness, reaching out to the caring providers at Lumina Psychiatry for evaluation is a strong and critical step.
With the right treatment, you can experience major symptom relief and regain a sense of safety and control. To schedule your evaluation for trauma and PTSD, call the Lumina Psychiatry office now or book an appointment online.