PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a traumatic experience and may lead to ongoing anxiety, intrusive memories, and emotional distress. Valerie Roberts, PMHNP-BC, at Infinity Compassionate Care in Oakland, Maryland, offers supportive care for individuals coping with PTSD. She takes time to understand each patient’s experiences and creates treatment plans that promote emotional healing and resilience. Through compassionate guidance and holistic mental health care, patients begin to regain a sense of safety and stability. Reach out to Infinity Compassionate Care by phone or request a consultation online today.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a challenging mental health condition that can develop after you experience or witness a traumatic event. Events that can trigger PTSD include:

• Serious accidents
• Violence
• Natural disasters
• Military combat
• Other deeply distressing experiences 

While many people feel shaken after trauma, PTSD may develop if the stress response continues long after the event has passed.

If you live with PTSD, your mind and body typically stay on high alert even when you’re safe. Memories of the event may return unexpectedly, and certain places, sounds, or situations can trigger strong emotional or physical reactions.

PTSD can influence many areas of your life. You might find it harder to relax, trust others, or feel safe in everyday situations. Work responsibilities, social events, or family interactions may feel overwhelming when symptoms intensify.

While PTSD can significantly impact daily life, treatment and support help you regain stability and confidence.

What symptoms can PTSD cause?

PTSD symptoms fall into several groups. Many people experience intrusive memories, so you might have nightmares and flashbacks, where you suddenly feel as if the event is happening again. These experiences can cause intense fear, anxiety, and distress.

Avoidance is another common symptom. You may try to stay away from people, places, conversations, or situations that remind you of the traumatic event. While avoidance can feel protective at first, it also limits your daily activities and relationships.

PTSD can also affect your mood and thinking. You may feel detached from others, lose interest in activities you once enjoyed, and develop irrational guilt and anger. Some people feel constantly on edge, become easily startled, or have difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

How do providers diagnose PTSD?

A diagnosis begins with a detailed mental health evaluation. Valerie takes time to understand your experiences, symptoms, and personal history, and asks about the traumatic event, your emotional reactions, and the ways symptoms affect your daily life.

This comprehensive approach helps her determine whether PTSD explains what you’re experiencing.

What treatments help with PTSD?

PTSD treatment includes therapy, medication management, and supportive lifestyle strategies that promote emotional healing. Valerie develops personalized care plans designed to help you process trauma, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep and focus.

Infinity Compassionate Care helps patients with PTSD build coping skills and regain a sense of safety and balance. Call the office or book an appointment online today to benefit from expert care.