The media often talks about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in returning combat veterans, which they portray as a group made up mostly of men. However, women can also develop PTSD, even if they haven’t served in the military. Trauma does not discriminate based on gender, and it often affects women from nearly every walk of life. For women seeking PTSD treatment, there are a number of options available.
At The Willows at Red Oak Recovery, located just outside Asheville, North Carolina, we have established an effective gender-based trauma treatment program for women. Run by master’s level clinicians, each wellness treatment program we have available provides individualized attention to our clients. Trauma left unresolved can lie in wait for years, if not decades, before it resurfaces and negatively impacts one’s life and relationships. In order to forge ahead confidently through life, one must first deal with the emotional and psychological anguish of the past. Our effective dual diagnosis treatment, disordered eating treatment, and family therapy program provide real solutions to these lingering problems. To learn about the treatment options available, please contact The Willows at Red Oak today at 855.773.0614.
Medical Complications from PTSD
The reported rates of PTSD in women are nearly twice that of men, according to epidemiological studies. In both men and women, PTSD can lead to medical symptoms, comorbid medical conditions, and lower self-rating of health. However, rates of PTSD are elevated in low-income urban women than in suburban women and may be related to recognized health disparities.
Unfortunately, very few studies have been done on low-income urban women. Those that have been done on women show that there are elevated rates of panic and anxiety disorders, substance abuse, neurological conditions, and mood disorders. If these studies tell us one thing, it is that women experiencing PTSD require expert treatment as soon as possible.
Causes of PTSD
As with men, there is a range of causes of PTSD, including sexual or physical assault, witnessing violence or a severe accident, and abuse. If you’ve experienced one or more of these occurrences, you may be at a heightened risk of developing PTSD. However, this is not a universal list, and what causes this condition in one person may not cause it in another. The best way to determine whether you’re battling PTSD is to speak to a mental health expert. However, you can also monitor your health for the following symptoms:
- Avoiding situations that may remind you of the cause of your PTSD
- Feeling jittery, tense, or nervous
- Flashbacks or nightmares about the event that caused the PTSD
- Experiencing negative feelings and thoughts that interrupt your life
- Depression and anxiety
- Trouble dealing with emotions which may cause feelings of numbness
- Being easily startled
- Avoiding any reminders of the traumatic event
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, please reach out to The Willows at Red Oak today at 855.773.0614.
The Link Between PTSD and Substance Abuse
Self-medicating is one of the coping mechanisms of those who have PTSD. Alcohol is the most popular choice, but some people use other substances such as cocaine to deal with the trauma. Self-medicating has been known to help with problems such as:
- Falling asleep
- Avoiding memories of trauma
- Slowing down thoughts
- Escapism
- Numbing the pain
- Mood regulation
Substance abuse only exacerbates these problems in the long term, and dual diagnosis treatment is the best solution.
Reach Out to The Willows at Red Oak Recovery Today
Our 38-acre campus nestled among the trees includes green expanses, peacefully secluded walking trails, and ponds teeming with wildlife. The pastoral setting allows our clients to focus on their recovery. The program is designed to care for no more than twenty women at any one time, providing each client with ample time for peace and quiet. Our core values include compassion, humility, excellence, integrity, and service. We are committed to helping you on your way to recovery. Contact us online or at 855.773.0614 for you to take the first step on your journey to wellness and recovery.
