Handling PTSD

Up to 70% of adults in the U.S. experience trauma at some point in their lives, and of that 70% up to 20% develop PTSD as a result. PTSD can be a very harmful and dangerous anxiety disorder if not treated properly. Visiting Dr. Joel Kuppersmith, a psychologist in Huntington, can help lessen PTSD symptoms and help you recover from the effects of the trauma suffered.  

What is PTSD?

PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) is a mental health problem some people suffer from after experiencing a life-threatening situation. Some common causes of PTSD are:

• Natural disasters
• Military combat
• Sexual assault
• Terrorist attacks
• The unexpected death of a family member or close friend

Sometimes the symptoms of PTSD do not appear until weeks or even months after the traumatic occurrence.

Effects of PTSD

The symptoms and effects of PTSD can impact a person’s everyday life. Specific symptoms may vary depending on the individual and the trauma experienced. The most common symptom of PTSD is involuntarily reliving the experience through:

• Nightmares
• Flashbacks
• Reappearing images or senses
• Physical effects such as shaking, sweating, pain or nausea

Trying to avoid situations that could trigger these symptoms is another common effect of PTSD. This may include avoiding thinking or talking about the trauma as well as avoiding certain people or places. Some other symptoms of PTSD include anxiety, depression, and phobias. There can also be physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and stomach pain. PTSD can cause suffering for not only the individual but their loved ones as well. Visiting a psychologist in Huntington like Dr. Kuppersmith can help you overcome PTSD and allow you and your loved ones to heal.  

How a Psychologist Can Help

If you suffer from PTSD, visiting a psychologist can help. Psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy and is the method often used to help people dealing with mental and emotional difficulties like PTSD. Dr. Kuppersmith, an experienced and dedicated psychologist in Huntington, can treat you or a loved one suffering from PTSD. Contact us today for more information and to schedule an appointment.