Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine serving Virginia
PTSD Services Offered Throughout Virginia
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects people of all ages who experience a traumatic event, whether during military duty or the course of daily life. At Vital Health & Integrative Care, Aminata Kamara, FNP, PMHNP-BC, offers PTSD treatment to patients throughout Virginia, using telehealth appointments. She completes your initial assessment, prescribes medication, and provides therapy through convenient virtual visits. If you or your child needs help with PTSD, call the office or book an appointment online today.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health disorder that begins after you experience or witness a dangerous event or you’re subjected to severe emotional or mental stress.
The traumatic events that lead to PTSD include:
- Military duty
- Domestic violence
- Accidents (car, plane, boat)
- Physical or sexual assault
- Physical or emotional abuse
- Death of a loved one
- Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes)
You can also develop PTSD if you learn that a close friend or loved one experienced the traumatic event.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
It’s natural to feel anxious and fearful after a traumatic event, but your feelings should get better. If any of the following symptoms last a month or longer, you may have PTSD:
- Anxiety
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Anger
- Irritability
- Guilt and shame
- Difficulty sleeping
- Depression
- Social isolation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Avoidance
Flashbacks and sudden memories of the event usually trigger intense anger, fear, or anxiety. Avoidance means you stay away from the people, activities, and places that remind you of the trauma.
Younger children usually show their anxiety in different ways. They may be clingy and get upset if they can’t be with you. You might notice regression in their skills, such as bed wetting after learning to use the toilet.
Why do PTSD symptoms suddenly flare up?
As you experience trauma, your brain records all the details associated with the event, including sights, sounds, and smells. However, you’re not always aware of the details because the memories get pushed into your subconscious.
As you go about daily life, you may randomly encounter one of the details and it connects with your subconscious, bringing back the forgotten memory. These memories are often so vivid and powerful that they cause powerful behavioral and emotional responses.
How is PTSD treated?
Aminata Kamara treats PTSD with medication management and psychotherapy to help you cope with the traumatic event and overcome your anxiety. During therapy, you may learn to recognize PTSD triggers and gain new skills for dealing with anxiety and overcoming the impact of PTSD on your life.
Many people improve with therapy that carefully guides them through the traumatic event, gradually exploring their memories and helping them understand its effect on their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
If you need caring support and treatment for PTSD, call Vital Health & Integrative Care or book a telehealth appointment online today.
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