Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder is virtually synonymous with military combat, but its reach extends far beyond the battlefield. This disorder can arise from various adverse experiences, such as accidents, natural disasters and sexual abuse.

Pine Grove recognizes the complexity of PTSD and its unique characteristics. Understanding these nuances is crucial for effective treatment and recovery.

Gender Differences in PTSD Symptoms

Trauma’s impact can be profound and long-lasting, affecting your mental and emotional health in ways that may not be immediately apparent. Research indicates that men and women often experience and respond to PTSD differently, influenced in part by societal expectations and biological factors.

Men and PTSD

Irritability and anger: Men with PTSD may be bad-tempered, which can seem like an aspect of their personality instead of a trauma response.
Risky behaviors: Men might engage in dangerous activities like substance abuse, reckless driving or extreme sports to mute distressing memories.
Emotional numbness: Indifference is a common male trauma response, often misinterpreted as stoicism or bravery.
Avoidance: Men tend to avoid situations or conversations that might trigger upsetting memories, often immersing themselves in work or hobbies instead.
Expressing fear: Men may struggle more with expressing fear or vulnerability due to cultural pressures to appear unemotional.

Women and PTSD

Hyperarousal: Women may experience more pronounced hyperarousal, such as an exaggerated startle response and difficulties relaxing, leading to issues like insomnia.
Re-experiencing: Flashbacks and nightmares are typical among women, making it difficult to separate past and present.
Mood and cognitive changes: Women with PTSD might show increased sensitivity to emotional stimuli and may also experience intense feelings of guilt or shame related to the traumatic event.

Receiving a PTSD Diagnosis

The onset of PTSD symptoms can follow soon after the disruptive event or emerge after a delay of several weeks or months. If you have PTSD, you may struggle with typical everyday activities or lose interest in things that used to bring you joy. While responses like avoidance, guilt, fear and hyperarousal can come and go, you may notice your mental and physical wellness worsening over time. A doctor or psychiatrist can diagnose you with PTSD if ongoing issues with your mental health are severe enough to interfere with your quality of life.

PTSD often manifests physically, presenting symptoms such as a racing heart, fatigue, muscle tension and gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, many people with PTSD have co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, which can complicate the clinical picture and require integrated treatment approaches.

Treatment and Recovery at Pine Grove

At Pine Grove, we offer comprehensive PTSD treatment programs that consider the gender-specific differences and the complex interplay between mental and physical health. Our approach includes evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and trauma-focused group therapy, tailored to address each client’s unique needs.

PTSD Treatment at Pine Grove

PTSD is a challenging disorder that can profoundly affect all aspects of your life. Recognizing the diverse symptoms and addressing them with tailored, compassionate care is essential. At Pine Grove, our clinicians provide the supportive solutions necessary to heal your trauma and reclaim your well-being. We are here to answer your questions and recommend resources to help you – contact us today.