What happened was real. So is recovery.
Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Most people have a hard time for a while and gradually recover. When symptoms last for months or years and interfere with daily life, it may be PTSD, and treatment helps.
What it can look like
- Intrusive memories: unwanted recollections, flashbacks, nightmares, intense reactions to reminders.
- Avoidance: steering clear of places, people, or conversations connected to the event.
- Changes in thinking and mood: hopelessness, memory gaps, feeling detached or numb, difficulty with close relationships.
- Being on edge: hypervigilance, startling easily, trouble sleeping or concentrating, irritability.
PTSD often travels with depression, anxiety, or substance use, and we treat those together rather than one at a time.
How we treat it
Trauma-focused therapy is central, and we will help you find a therapist with specialized trauma experience if you do not already have one. Medication can help with sleep, mood, and anxiety symptoms alongside therapy. Early support after a traumatic event can also prevent acute stress from becoming chronic, so please don't wait to reach out.
Common questions
How soon after a traumatic event should I get help?
Reach out whenever you're struggling; there's no waiting period. Many people have a rough few weeks and gradually recover on their own. If symptoms are intense, or they're still interfering with sleep, work, or relationships a month or more later, an evaluation can help prevent acute stress from becoming chronic.
Do I have to talk about what happened?
Not in detail at the first visit, and never before you're ready. We need to understand enough to make a diagnosis and plan, and you set the pace. Trauma-focused therapies do eventually involve working through the memory in a structured, safe way, which is a large part of why they work.
Does medication help PTSD?
It can. Certain antidepressants reduce intrusive memories, anxiety, and low mood, and other medications can help with nightmares and sleep. Medication works best alongside trauma-focused therapy such as cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, or EMDR, and we'll help you find a therapist with that training if you don't have one.
Can children develop PTSD?
Yes. In children it may show up as nightmares, new fears, clinginess, regression, trouble at school, or play that repeats the event rather than flashbacks they can describe. Dr. Shaikh's child and adolescent fellowship training includes trauma, and we work closely with parents and schools.
I'm a veteran or first responder. Do you see people like me?
Yes. PTSD from military service, law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medicine is common and treatable, and it often comes with sleep problems, irritability, or alcohol use that we address together. Call or text (936) 270-8011 to schedule.