Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is all too common. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 70 to 80 percent of the U.S population experiences PTSD during their lifetime. Sixty percent of men and 50 percent of women experience a traumatic event at least once during their lives.
Most Common Traumatic Events
Sexual assault is one of the most common forms of trauma that women face. This is abuse that occurs both in female children and adults. Witnessing domestic violence between parents or experiencing domestic violence as an adult are also traumatic events that affect women more often than they affect men.
Incidents that cause PTSD in men usually involve motor vehicle accidents and violence. Yet, young boys can endure sexual abuse and physical abuse as well, resulting in PTSD as male adults.
There are many other events that can cause PTSD, such as natural disasters, fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes. No matter what the cause is, PTSD is a common condition that most Americans suffer from at some point in their lives. PTSD can also have an immense impact on families, spouses and children. It disrupts support systems, causes angst in healthy relationships and can lead to complete isolation if not treated.
Substance Abuse and Additional Mental Disorders
Many people who suffer from PTSD turn to drug or alcohol use to escape the effects of the mental disorder, increasing the risk of alcoholism and drug abuse. According to the Veteran’s Administration, 20 percent of veterans who suffer from PTSD also suffer from some sort of substance abuse.
PTSD sufferers can also develop an additional psychiatric illness or disorder, causing them to spiral down even further. Management of PTSD involves eliminating the burdens that the illness causes. Overcoming substance abuse is only part of the treatment for PTSD. There is also the care that is required to identify and treat mental disorders that can accompany PTSD.
For women who suffer from PTSD, a women’s treatment center may be the perfect setting. Treatment for PTSD is unique to the individual who is suffering. It may involve depression therapy, a drug rehab center or a dual diagnosis treatment center. Sovereign Health of Arizona’s trained experts can help you overcome trauma and live your life to the fullest again. The first step is to reach out by calling 866-598-5661 today.
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