PTSD

PTSD services offered in Florida and DC

About 6 in 100 people in the United States suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during their lifetime. At HC Mental Health & Wellness in Florida, and DC, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Hawley Campbell, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, offers PTSD treatments that help you overcome flashbacks, nightmares, and other distressing symptoms. Schedule a telehealth PTSD evaluation by calling the office or booking a visit online today.

PTSD Q&A

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health disorder caused by trauma. It occurs in some people who have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event, such as war or a natural disaster.

Treatment at HC Mental Health & Wellness can help reduce distressing memories and other symptoms like nightmares, anxiety, and fear. See Hawley if you’ve been diagnosed with or suspect you have PTSD.

Which symptoms can PTSD cause?

PTSD can contribute to the following symptoms and more:

Nightmares
Flashbacks
Unwanted and recurring memories of trauma
Fear
Constantly being on guard
Being startled easily
Irritability
Mood swings
Substance misuse
Distressing thoughts
Avoiding triggers of past trauma
Not wanting to talk about a traumatic experience
Guilt, shame, or anger
Restlessness
Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
Social detachment
Risky or destructive behaviors
Constant sadness
Thoughts of suicide
Loss of interest in favorite things

Some people with PTSD also experience anxiety disorders, depression, substance use disorder, insomnia, or similar mental health conditions.

What might contribute to PTSD?

The following are examples of traumatic experiences that may contribute to PTSD:

Being a first responder
Military combat
Witnessing or being a victim of violence
Natural diasters
Car accidents
Sexual, physical, or emotional abuse
Childhood neglect
Being robbed or attacked
Sudden or severe illnesses
Death of a loved one

Anything that’s traumatic for you could potentially cause PTSD symptoms. Treatment at HC Mental Health & Wellness can offer peace of mind.

How is PTSD diagnosed?

Hawley uses DSM-5 criteria to complete a psychiatric evaluation and assess your emotions, past trauma, moods, thoughts, and behaviors. She also discusses your current medications, lifestyle, and goals. HC Mental Health & Wellness uses GeneSight® genetic testing to learn which medications may be the most effective based on your genetic makeup.

How is PTSD treated?

Your personalized PTSD treatment plan might consist of undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), supportive therapy, and/or group therapy.

Hawley also offers medication management to ease bothersome symptoms and help you fully recover from PTSD. She follows up to ensure effective and long-lasting outcomes.

It’s also helpful to adopt healthy habits. Consider maintaining a regular sleep schedule, staying active, eating nutritious foods, avoiding drugs and alcohol, prioritizing social support, and trying yoga, meditation, massage, or tai chi.