Trauma & PTSD Treatment Center in Nashville

Posttraumatic stress disorder can occur after being exposed to trauma such as death or threats of death, a serious injury or sexual violence. This can involve you actually experiencing a distressing event, witnessing an event or being informed of an event that happened to a family member or close friend.

Examples of events that can cause PTSD include:

• Exposure to war
• Physical assault
• Sexual violence
• Being kidnapped or taken hostage
• Terrorist attacks
• Severe car accidents
• Natural disasters
• Life-threatening injuries or illness

Posttraumatic stress disorder can also develop after repeated exposure to traumatic events such as those witnessed by police officers, first responders, military service members, firefighters and healthcare professionals.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), PTSD is more common among women, partly due to women being at an increased risk for experiencing traumatic events such as rape and other interpersonal violence.

The signs of posttraumatic stress disorder can begin as soon as a day after the trauma is experienced but may not be recognized until much later. Symptoms can last for several months or years if proper PTSD treatment is not received.

Common signs and symptoms of trauma and PTSD include:

• Intrusive and distressing memories of the event
• Recurrent nightmares
• Flashbacks of the traumatic event and other dissociative episodes or out-of-body experiences
• Inability to recall certain aspects of the trauma
• Avoidance of certain triggers related to the traumatic event
• Increased sensitivity to perceived threats
• Changes in temperament, such as becoming easily angered or irritated
• Becoming socially withdrawn

The symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder can make it difficult to heal from the traumatic event that occurred. If left unaddressed, PTSD can have damaging effects.

Without treatment, trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder can lead to both short- and long-term negative effects on your quality of life.

Some of the potential effects of trauma and PTSD include:

• Poor socialization
• Family dysfunction
• Low levels of self-worth
• Difficulty maintaining a job
• Financial hardship
• Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts

Those who are struggling with posttraumatic stress disorder are also 80% more likely to meet the criteria for at least one other mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety or substance use disorders. It is important to receive treatment for PTSD symptoms to properly address the effects of the trauma that may have caused it.

Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital offers personalized treatment for those who are struggling with posttraumatic stress disorder. Your PTSD treatment plan might include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and experiential therapies such as art therapy and recreational therapy.

Your PTSD therapy sessions can be in the form of individual therapy, involving one-on-one sessions with your counselor. You might also participate in group therapy, where you can practice managing your symptoms and share your experiences with others who can relate. We also offer family sessions for those who have been affected by posttraumatic stress disorder.

During the admissions process, our team will work with you to determine the best course of PTSD treatment for you.

At Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital, we recognize the bravery and strength it takes to seek a treatment place for mental health concerns like PTSD. We want to assure you that by choosing us, you will receive compassionate care in a supportive, judgment-free environment.

We have a diverse and highly experienced team of psychiatrists, professional therapists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, general practitioners and registered nurses. Every team member is committed to helping you find relief from your posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms.

When you choose Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital as your treatment place, you will receive not only a customized PTSD treatment plan, but an aftercare plan as well to ensure lasting wellness. Our holistic approach to treatment ensures that the underlying causes of the mental health concerns you are suffering from, not just the symptoms that are on the surface, are addressed.