This is a question that you may be asking yourself if you are considering therapy. It can be difficult to know whether or not a therapist will be a good fit for you, especially if you are struggling with a mental health issue like stress or PTSD.
In this blog post, we will discuss the experience of Crownview therapists when it comes to treating stress and PTSD. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right therapist for you!
What is Stress?
Stress is your body’s response to demands. It can come from any situation or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stress is how the brain and body respond to these demands.
The stress response is the body’s way of protecting you. When working properly, it helps you stay focused, energetic, and alert. In emergency situations, stress can save your life-giving you extra strength to defend yourself, for example.
But if you don’t get rid of the stress hormones flooding your body after the danger has passed, they can wreak havoc on your mind and body. That’s when stress turns from a normal response to a condition that interferes with daily life.
Types of Stress
There are two main types of stress: acute stress and chronic stress.
Acute Stress
Acute stress is the kind of short-term “alert” response that occurs when you have to dodge a car or give a presentation at work. It’s your body’s immediate reaction to a new or challenging situation. This type of stress is generally short-lived and manageable. You may feel an increase in your heart rate and respiration, but once the stressful event is over, these physical effects usually subside.
Chronic Stress
Chronic stress, on the other hand, occurs when the demands of work or home life are constant and last for a prolonged period of time-months or even years. It can take its toll by making you feel constantly under pressure, anxious, irritable, and unable to concentrate. Chronic stress wears down your immune system and puts you at risk for serious health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, anxiety disorders, and gastrointestinal problems.
How does Stress affect your Mental Health?
If you are struggling to cope with stress, it can start to take a toll on your mental health. Stress can cause or worsen anxiety and depression, and it can also contribute to other mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you are having difficulty managing your stress, it’s important to seek help from caring and qualified mental health professionals. Mindflow Recovery’s therapists have experience treating PTSD, acute stress disorder, chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.
At Crownview we offer several different types of therapy in order to help you learn healthy coping mechanisms to manage your stress levels and improve your overall mental health. Contact us today by dialing 833-957-2690 to schedule a free consultation!
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can be triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it.
PTSD Symptoms may include the following:
– Flashbacks
– Nightmares
– Severe anxiety
– Uncontrollable thoughts about the event
Many people who go through traumatic events have difficulty adjusting and coping for a period of time. But with time and supportive care, they usually get better. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they’re not in danger.
Who is affected by Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?
PTSD can occur in people of any age. It is often associated with soldiers who have experienced combat, but it can also affect individuals who have been through a natural disaster, witnessed a traumatic event, or experienced a life-threatening situation.
It’s estimated that approximately 12 million adults in the United States have PTSD. Women are more likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder than men, and people who have a history of mental health problems or substance abuse are also at greater risk.
How Does a Therapist Diagnose Stress or PTSD?
A therapist will usually start by asking about your symptoms and when they began. He or she will also want to know about any traumas you’ve experienced and how they have affected you. The therapist may also ask questions about your thoughts, behaviors, and feelings related to your stress.
If the therapist suspects that you have PTSD, he or she may refer you for a psychological evaluation. This is a more in-depth assessment that can help confirm the diagnosis.
What Can I Expect From PTSD Treatment?
There are several different ways that therapists can treat stress or PTSD.
Trauma-focused therapies are designed specifically to help individuals heal from traumatic events. These types of therapies can be very helpful in treating stress or posttraumatic stress disorder.
Let’s go ahead and dive into a few of the different types of therapies and how they’re used in practice!
Talk Therapy
One of the most common treatments for stress or PTSD is talk therapy. Talk therapy, also called psychotherapy, is a type of counseling that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall mental health.
Exposure Therapy
One common approach is exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing the individual to the thing that triggers their anxiety. This can help them learn to cope with their fear and eventually overcome it.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Other approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy or trauma-focused CBT, which helps individuals change the way they think about their trauma.
Stress Inoculation Training
Stress inoculation training is another type of therapy that can help people cope with stress. This approach teaches individuals how to manage their stress levels and prevent themselves from becoming overwhelmed.
Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy that uses eye movements to help process and heal from trauma.
Present Centered Therapy
Present-centered therapy is another type of therapy that can help individuals focus on the here and now, rather than dwelling on their past trauma.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is another option, which can provide support and guidance from others who have gone through similar experiences.
Each of the above-mentioned therapy practices has been shown to be an effective treatment for stress disorders. Your therapist will likely tailor your treatment to your specific needs and goals. Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to help you manage your symptoms so that you can live a full and satisfying life.
If you’re struggling with stress or PTSD, know that you’re not alone. There are many resources available to help you heal and move on from your experience. Then, take the first step toward healing by reaching out to Mindflow Recovery for mental health treatment. Give us a call at 833-957-2690 today for a free mental health assessment!
Do Crownview therapists have experience treating stress or PTSD?
Yes, our therapists are licensed and have extensive experience treating stress and PTSD. We use a variety of evidence-based treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), prolonged exposure therapy for trauma, cognitive processing therapy, and eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR). These therapies have been proven to be effective in treating stress and PTSD.
Don’t Let Mental Illness Run Your Life
If you find that you or a loved one is struggling with acute stress disorder, anxiety disorders, or PTSD, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help. We can provide you with the support and treatment you need to heal. Call us today for a free mental health assessment.