In the aftermath of a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to know when to seek help. The effects of trauma can manifest in various ways and may not be immediately noticeable. However, over time, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can become more severe and impact daily life. That’s why it’s essential to know when to start treatment for PTSD. If you’re in Bowie, MD, you can find PTSD treatment at Columbia Associates. Our outpatient services support clients as they navigate the road to recovery.
If you’re looking for PTSD treatment in Maryland, call 703.682.8208 today to make an appointment.
When to Start Treatment for PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can occur following a terrifying event. This could include experiences such as a serious accident, a natural disaster, war/combat, a physical assault, or any severe emotional shock. Symptoms of PTSD might include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
Often, people may experience a range of reactions after trauma, yet most recover from initial symptoms naturally over time. However, those individuals who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD. It might take weeks, months, or even years after the traumatic event for symptoms to appear.
If you or a loved one has gone through a traumatic event and are experiencing symptoms like distressing dreams, feeling on edge, or avoiding reminders of the traumatic incident for more than a month, it might be time to seek professional help. Prompt treatment for PTSD in Bowie, provided by our experienced team at Columbia Associates, can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
How Does Treatment for PTSD Work?
The main goal of treatment for PTSD is to reduce the emotional and physical symptoms, improve daily functioning, and help the individual better manage disturbing events that triggered the PTSD. It aims to foster resilience, self-empowerment, and recovery, enabling an individual to regain control of their life.
PTSD treatment often involves a combination of psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically trauma-focused CBT, is one of the most effective therapeutic techniques. It helps individuals understand and change thought patterns leading to harmful behaviors or feelings of distress.
At Columbia Associates, we adopt a multidisciplinary approach in our treatment services for PTSD in Bowie. A few of the approaches we use include:
- Skill development – Learning effective strategies to manage emotional states, improve lifestyle habits, and regulate physical responses to distress.
- Body awareness exercises – Activities designed to process emotions more effectively and reconnect with one’s body, improving the relationship between mind and body.
- Emotional processing – Addressing the emotional consequences of traumatic events to better understand and make sense of painful and confusing experiences.
- Nutrition therapy – A therapeutic approach to rebalance the central nervous system, playing a crucial role in managing PTSD symptoms.
- Medication evaluation – If needed, we facilitate referrals for medication evaluations, an essential service available within our practice.
Whether you are struggling with symptoms of PTSD or know someone who is, seeking treatment as early as possible can make a significant difference in the recovery process.
Call Columbia Associates Today for PTSD Treatment in Bowie, MD
Our Bowie location is conveniently located off of Rt. 50 and Crain Highway, and we offer flexible hours to accommodate different schedules. Our compassionate team of mental health professionals is dedicated to providing effective treatment for PTSD in Bowie and helping you or your loved one on the path toward healing. Contact us today at 703.682.8208 or reach out online to schedule an appointment—our team is ready to support you every step of the way.