Psychotherapy helps people with post-traumatic stress disorder in many ways. Talking about traumatic memories with a trained therapist can provide the patient with information about their symptoms so that they don't feel so alone and out of control. A person with post-traumatic stress disorder may need to talk about the traumatic event over and over again. This is part of the healing process, so avoid the temptation to tell your loved one to stop repeating the past and move on.
Instead, offer to talk as often as they need to. The main treatments for people with post-traumatic stress disorder are medications, psychotherapy (“talk therapy”), or both. Everyone is different and PTSD affects people differently, so a treatment that works for one person may not work for another. It's important for anyone with PTSD to be treated by a mental health provider with experience in PTSD.
Some people with post-traumatic stress disorder may need to try different treatments to find what works for their symptoms. Psychotherapy (sometimes called “talk therapy”) involves talking to a mental health professional to treat a mental illness. Psychotherapy can be done individually or in a group. Psychotherapy treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder usually lasts 6 to 12 weeks, but it may last longer.
Research shows that support from family and friends can be an important part of recovery. There are many types of psychotherapy that can help people with post-traumatic stress disorder. Some types focus directly on the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Other therapies focus on social, family, or work-related problems.
The doctor or therapist can combine different therapies depending on the needs of each person. To make matters worse, when the natural healing process is disrupted, post-traumatic stress disorder is the result. The essence of post-traumatic stress disorder is to avoid anything that reminds us of the incident, including talking about it. When a partner, friend, or family member has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it affects you too.
This booklet provides information about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including what it is, who develops it, symptoms, treatment options, and how to find help for yourself or for another person who may have PTSD. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, frightening, or dangerous event. It explains what post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is, including possible causes and how you can access treatment and support.
