PTSD Symptoms in Men
Trusted Mental Health Treatment for Men in Texas
Stressful life events that break a man’s sense of security and result in feelings of helplessness are known as trauma. These events are beyond daily stressors, but occur when men are overwhelmed with upsetting emotions, memories, and anxiety that seems never to stop, they may begin to feel numb and disconnected from the people and places around them.
When these feelings persist long after the initial trauma has subsided, men may experience what’s known as post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD will last longer than three months, cause significant distress, or disrupt work, social, or home life.
With enough time and sufficient self-care, men typically recover from the effects of the traumatic event they experienced. Getting effective treatment once PTSD symptoms develop, however, is critical in reducing these symptoms and improving function.
MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS
Trauma and PTSD Treatment
Trauma often involves a threat to safety or life, but any overwhelming or isolating situation can cause a traumatic impact, regardless of direct physical harm. It is the subjective emotional experience a man feels that defines trauma more than what occurred objectively. The more fearful and helpless the feelings, the more likely it is that trauma is the cause.
Trauma may result from:
- Single unexpected events: an accident, injury, or violent attack, particularly during childhood
- Sustained events: natural disasters, fighting a life-threatening illness, or experiencing repeated bullying, domestic violence, or neglect
- Overlooked events: surgery (especially in the first three years of life), death of a relative, end of a significant relationship, or an incident of cruelty
Symptoms of trauma include:
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Insomnia
- Shock
- Irritability
- Anger
- Panic attacks
- Memory loss
- Extreme stress
- Nightmares
- Disordered eating
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Socialization issues
- Relationship problems
- Compulsive behaviors
Types of Treatment for PTSD
Evidence-based trauma treatment is part of every program at Origins Recovery Center. Each male patient receives an individualized treatment plan to address the disturbing and traumatic experiences he encountered as a child or adult.
Trauma therapies at Origins Recovery Center include:
- Individual and group therapy
- Meditation training
- Biofeedback
- Neurofeedback
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
PTSD Triggers and Symptoms
The effects of PTSD may persist long after a man experiences a traumatic event. Examples of these triggering events can be sexual or physical assault, natural disasters, or military combat.
Oftentimes, men will be unaware that they have PTSD, instead internalizing their symptoms and assume something is wrong with them. Identifying the symptoms of PTSD is vital for men so they can begin treatment.
Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can start less than a month of a traumatic event but can also appear years later, causing significant disruptions to work and relationships. These symptoms can easily interfere with your ability to perform your typical daily tasks.
The intensity of PTSD symptoms can change with time—for instance, you may notice your symptoms more when you’re more stressed in general or when something triggers memories of the trauma you suffered.
It’s common for men to want to see themselves as perfect and thus they are sometimes unwilling to admit they have PTSD out of fear that they are admitting to having imperfections.
Symptoms of PTSD include various emotional responses to reminders of the event as well as:
- Recurrent episodes of unwanted, intrusive thoughts
- Nightmares, distressing dreams, or flashbacks
- Withdrawal from social circles and loved ones
- Continuous hypervigilance for cues indicating an additional danger
- Unwarranted anger
- Adverse changes in feelings and beliefs
- Fluctuating moods
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dissociative mental experiences
- Inability to function with daily tasks
- Exaggerated reaction to events
- Episodes of panic
- Inability to concentrate
- Insomnia
Origins Recovery Center strongly believes that there is no shame in reaching out for help. Any one struggling with the symptoms of PTSD should give us a call at 866-875-1558.
Addiction and PTSD
Men who have PTSD seek relief through the frequent use of alcoholic beverages and drugs. This practice is so common that nearly half of all men in treatment for addiction have PTSD.
Alcohol and drugs often aggravate existing PTSD symptoms. Intoxication can impair judgment and decision-making, leading to additional trauma, such as becoming the victim of physical violence, sexual abuse, self-inflicted pain, or an accident. Substance misuse is not an effective coping mechanism and may lead to the onset or aggravation of PTSD.
During treatment, we incorporate other clinical approaches as needed to help resolve PTSD issues and symptoms. We help men who have experienced trauma manage their responses to feelings of distress. We teach new skills to regulate emotions and work on healthier choices than alcohol or drugs when the feelings of panic return.
Men process trauma differently and need a safe space to recover from PTSD and addiction. Treatment should include trauma-informed, evidence-based therapy.
Heal at Origins Recovery Center in South Padre Island, TX
Our therapies provide tools to men with PTSD that assist with anticipating triggers, reducing anxiety and fear responses, managing mood swings and anger, and processing traumatic memories.
Our multidisciplinary team has extensive experience in a trauma-informed treatment approach to addiction and expertise in addressing other co-occurring mental health concerns.
Recovery is possible. Call the caring staff at Origins Recovery Center at 866-875-1558.