PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that develops after a person has experienced a traumatic or frightening event. While most people feel afraid during and after a traumatic experience, those who have PTSD continue to feel fear long after the event is over and they are no longer in danger.
It’s important to remember that not everyone who experiences PTSD has been in danger. Some people develop symptoms of PTSD after the sudden death of a loved one, or other unexpected trauma.
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Re-experiencing symptoms include:
Avoidance symptoms include:
Arousal and reactivity symptoms include:
Cognition and mood symptoms include:
The course of the illness varies, with some people recovering in six months, while others developing chronic, lifelong symptoms.
Antidepressants are shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder. At Brightside, we use data and research to find the right medication for you.
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We use evidence-based therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that is proven to be effective in treating post traumatic stress disorder.
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A comprehensive approach to care leads to better outcomes. By practicing daily healthy habits and self-care, you can reduce your symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder.
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Whether you choose medication, therapy, or both, our memberships include expert online care designed to help you feel better, faster.
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Start by answering a clinically-proven set of questions, which will help us understand your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan with Medication, Therapy, or both.
Within 48 hours, you’ll have a video consultation where you can share how you’re feeling and decide on next steps together.
Unlimited messaging, video sessions, and regular check-ins help you stay in touch with your provider so they can monitor your symptoms and adjust until treatment is right for you.
“A literal life saver. So convenient, so effective, and more involved/high touch than my former psychiatrist was. I should have done this a year sooner.”
“Brightside has made such a huge improvement on my quality of life. The ease of access, the convenience of the med delivery, and the intelligent check in scoring system all contribute to a next level quality of care.”
“My provider has answered every question I’ve had, listened to worries and concerns and symptoms, assured me and is truly invested in my quality of care. I’ve gone from moderate-severe depression to mild depression in just 2 months.”
“I am so very grateful to have found Brightside. This is the most hopeful I have felt in maybe two years. Brightside isn't just working for me, it saved me. Brightside really turned may life around.”
“My life is so much better after starting with Brightside. My doctor truly cares about my well being and I’m just so grateful for this.”
“A literal life saver. So convenient, so effective, and more involved/high touch than my former psychiatrist was. I should have done this a year sooner.”
“Brightside has made such a huge improvement on my quality of life. The ease of access, the convenience of the med delivery, and the intelligent check in scoring system all contribute to a next level quality of care.”
“My provider has answered every question I’ve had, listened to worries and concerns and symptoms, assured me and is truly invested in my quality of care. I’ve gone from moderate-severe depression to mild depression in just 2 months.”
“I am so very grateful to have found Brightside. This is the most hopeful I have felt in maybe two years. Brightside isn't just working for me, it saved me. Brightside really turned may life around.”
“My life is so much better after starting with Brightside. My doctor truly cares about my well being and I’m just so grateful for this.”
To diagnose PTSD, a healthcare provider must do an evaluation of your symptoms. PTSD is diagnosed if someone experiences all of the following symptoms for a minimum of one month:
The symptoms must also be severe enough that they interfere with your daily life and are causing significant distress.
It’s important to remember that not everyone who lives through a traumatic event will develop PTSD. However, there are certain risk factors that can make someone more likely to develop the condition.
These risk factors include:
It is normal to feel afraid or uneasy following a traumatic event. However, if your symptoms have lasted over a month and are severe enough to interfere with your day-to-day life, you may be suffering from PTSD.
Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss treatment options that may be right for you.
From medication to therapy, there are a variety of treatment options to help with the symptoms of PTSD.
Medication
Several types of medications can help with the symptoms of PTSD. These include antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. Sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) are the two selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications FDA-approved to treat the symptoms of PTSD.
You and your healthcare provider can work together to find the right medication for you. Keep in mind that it takes a few weeks to feel the full effects of these medications.
Therapy
Effective therapies for treating PTSD include different types of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), such as exposure therapy and cognitive restructuring. Talk therapy is another effective treatment for people struggling with PTSD.
Exposure Therapy
This type of therapy helps someone control their fear in the face of something they’re afraid of. Exposure therapy gradually increases exposure to the trauma experienced in a safe way by using imagination, writing, or visiting the location of the traumatic event. The therapist can then use these tools to help someone develop coping strategies.
Cognitive Restructuring
Cognitive restructuring helps reframe triggering or bad memories into a more realistic memory. Sometimes, people struggling with PTSD won’t correctly remember what happened during the trauma and may feel guilt or shame about their role in the event. This type of therapy helps to restructure memories in a more neutral, less triggering way.
Talk Therapy
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can be another effective treatment for PTSD. Talk therapy for PTSD can either occur one on one or in a group setting, and helps people talk through their symptoms.
Talk therapy can teach helpful ways to react to frightening or triggering events by:
Self-Care, Coping, and Support
Many treatment plans for PTSD involve aspects of self-care. This can include:
Receive ongoing online care from hand-selected providers who are experts in treating anxiety & depression.
Data-driven prescribing that analyzes over 100 unique data points and decades of clinical research to pinpoint your match.
Build the skills needed to overcome anxiety and depression with an evidence-based approach to therapy that is proven to work.
Track your progress at every step, so you and your provider can make informed decisions and adjust your care until it’s right for you.
If you’re in emotional distress, text HOME to connect with a counselor immediately.
Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for 24/7 emotional support.
If you’re having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your local ER.
