Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder caused by living through a traumatic event, and it can disrupt lives and families. Beacon Health System offers healing and hope for people with PTSD, and a wide range of treatment options and support to help you find your way back to wholeness and health.

What is PTSD?

If you’ve been through or witnessed a traumatic event, such as war, physical assault or abuse, or a bad accident, you are at risk for PTSD. PTSD makes you feel stressed and afraid after the danger is over, and it can lead to other mental health conditions, such as depression, addiction or panic disorder.

Symptoms can start right away, or they may show up as time passes, even years after the event, and can include:

• Flashbacks, or feeling like the event is happening again
• Trouble sleeping or nightmares
• Feeling alone or isolated
• Angry, even violent, outbursts
• Feeling worried, guilty or sad

Treating PTSD

Getting past PTSD can take time, and treatment can involve psychotherapy, antidepressants and other medication, and support from others who have been through similar events or experiences. Beacon Health System offers compassionate care and treatment from a specialized team experienced in working with people and families affected by PTSD. We work with you, your family and your other health professionals to create a treatment and follow-up plan that works for you, and we make sure you have the support, services and information you need while you are healing.