Healing from trauma is possible, with care that prioritizes safety, accuracy, and trust.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health issue that may develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, a life-threatening event, a major disaster, a serious accident, or an assault. People with PTSD have symptoms such as traumatic memories (flashbacks), nightmares, feeling “on guard,” avoidance of people, places, and things that remind them of the trauma, agitation, and sleep problems, among others. They often have trouble returning to their normal routine of work, school, family life, or other activities after the triggering event. While it is natural to struggle for a while after a crisis, people with PTSD have these issues for months or even years — sometimes sporadically, and sometimes nearly constantly.
Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a mental health issue that may occur during the first month after a traumatic event, life-threatening event, major disaster, major accident, or assault. The symptoms of ASD are the same as those of PTSD, with a key difference: a PTSD diagnosis may not be given until those symptoms have continued for a month or longer. ASD may also differ from PTSD in that patients are more likely to suddenly feel disoriented or lost, and some describe feeling as though they are outside of their body.
People with PTSD and ASD often tend to self-medicate in an effort to be free of their symptoms. Many feel shame and embarrassment and may hesitate to reach out for professional help as a result. Dr. Mitchell will formulate an accurate diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan, working closely with each person to tailor an effective recovery plan.
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