What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that can sometimes develop in individuals who have either been part of or witnessed a terrifying, life-threatening, or traumatic event. You may continue to experience intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares long after the event has passed, contributing to significant stress and anxiety.
PTSD can result from events such as accidents, wars, physical or sexual assault, violence, bullying, childhood abuse, or witnessing the death of a loved one. Coping with PTSD can be challenging, but mindfulness, relaxation techniques, therapy, support groups, and medications can help ease your symptoms and promote recovery.
Signs of PTSD
There are different categories of PTSD symptoms, including:
Arousal and reactivity symptoms
- Getting startled easily
- Being on guard
- Concentration issues
- Sleep problems
- Aggression or anger issues
- Engaging in risky behavior
- Being suspicious
Avoidance symptoms
- Avoiding places reminiscent of the event
- Suppressing memories or feelings related to the trauma
- Not talking about the event
Cognition and mood symptoms
- Trouble remembering the event details
- Experiencing mood problems
- Isolating socially
- Unhappiness
- Negative thoughts
- Loss of interest in activities
- Distorted beliefs about oneself
Intrusion symptoms
- Unwanted memories of the event
- Flashbacks
- Emotional and physical distress
- Recurring dreams of the event
- Involuntary memories
Diagnosis of PTSD
A PTSD diagnosis involves a physical exam and mental health evaluation. It is important to note that a diagnosis of PTSD implies that the person has been exposed to trauma, which includes:
- They experienced trauma themselves.
- They witnessed a traumatic event.
- They learned about the traumatic events of their loved ones.
- They get repeated exposure to graphic details of traumatic events.
Treatment of PTSD
The treatment of PTSD is multi-fold; it may include medication, therapy, or a combination of the two alongside other interventions.
Medication
Medication can be prescribed to manage symptoms of PTSD. These generally include anti-anxiety and antidepressants.
Therapy
PTSD therapy in Dubai employs different techniques, such as:
1. Cognitive-behavioral Therapy
CBT in post-traumatic stress disorder addresses the unhelpful thought patterns and the subsequent behaviors about the traumatic event. It also helps in improving symptoms of trauma like flashbacks. In addition, CBT also promotes emotional regulation.
2. Exposure Therapy
In this therapy, people are exposed to the trauma in a controlled way so that people can learn to cope with the fear. ET is done in a controlled manner, under the supervision of a therapist.
3. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
EMDR uses guided eye movements to reduce the intensity of the traumatic events and release the blocked memories. It is also effective in reducing the symptoms of PTSD.
4. Group Therapy
PTSD counseling in Dubai can also involve group therapy, where individuals with traumas come together. It provides a safe space for people to talk about their issues, share coping strategies, and support one another.
5. Narrative Exposure Therapy
NET is specifically used for victims of multiple traumatic events, like war and violence. This technique helps people process their trauma by making them create a narrative of their experience. It thus helps in releasing the suppressed memories and reduces the symptoms of PTSD.
6. Stress Inoculation Therapy
A type of CBT, stress inoculation therapy helps people identify and manage stress related to the traumatic event. Consequently, people’s tolerance for stress and emotional regulation improves.
Other Interventions
Other interventions can aid in managing the symptoms of PTSD. These interventions should complement the primary treatment plan:
- Seek support: Isolating yourself is detrimental to your health. Reaching out to loved ones for support and comfort can help them cope better. The healing power of social contact should not be underestimated.
- Self-care: Eat well, get proper sleep, exercise, and practice relaxation techniques to support both PTSD recovery and overall well-being.
- Hobbies: Some distractions help break the cycle of morbid thoughts. Engaging in hobbies like knitting, writing, or sports can provide a good distraction and improve mental well-being.
- Join support groups: Connecting with others who can empathize with your experiences can be immensely helpful. Support groups provide people with a safe space where they can let their guard down and share their experiences with others in a similar situation.
Getting PTSD Treatment in Dubai
Having lived through a traumatic event is hard as it is, its lingering impact in the form of PTSD is harder still. While PTSD can be overwhelming, it is manageable. With the right support and interventions, individuals can regain control of their lives.
Therefore, if you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, seeking professional help can pave the way toward healing and recovery.
At Counsel Clinic, our trained and licensed PTSD therapists are highly skilled in helping individuals manage PTSD. We understand that PTSD affects everyone differently and provide personalized treatment plans based on your specific needs.
Our team is committed to delivering expert care to improve your emotional well-being and quality of life.
To get PTSD treatment in Dubai, contact us on WhatsApp at +971525609479 to schedule an online therapy session with our PTSD therapists.
