PTSD

Living with PTSD in Illinois and What Can Be Done

We all experience traumatic moments throughout our lives. However, everyone processes trauma in different ways. And for those having difficulty living with past trauma, you could have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although, you’re not alone! In fact, in 2020, near 8 million people in the US were diagnosed with PTSD. To learn how to manage PTSD symptoms better and live more comfortably with the disorder, allow Captive Set Free to lend you a hand.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that develops from an experience that an individual perceives as traumatic. Such experiences can often include violence, life-threatening scenarios, sexual assault, and more. And while it’s common to feel anxious, angry or depressed after such scenarios, PTSD primarily manifests when those feelings don’t go away.

What Are Some of PTSD’s Symptoms?

If suffering from PTSD, it can be a significant hindrance to the way you function daily. If you feel you are suffering from some of the below symptoms due to undiagnosed PTSD, be sure to talk with a mental health professional at Captive Set Free:

• Nightmares
• Flashbacks to a traumatic event
• Avoiding places that remind you of trauma
• Having difficulty sleeping
• Not being able to concentrate
• Experiencing feelings of blame and guilt
• Outbursts of anger

The Causes of PTSD

While there are varying causes that make people more likely to develop PTSD (inherited mental health risks, personality, etc.), the stimuli for the disorder are identifiable by the type of trauma you may have experienced. Some of the most common traumatic events that can develop into PTSD include:

• Sexual Assault
• Physical Assault
• Combat Exposure
• Abuse as a Child
• Threatening Scenarios (Shooting, Mugging, Etc.)
• Accidental Scenarios (Car Accident, Falling Off Roof, Etc.)

How to Manage PTSD

Getting ahead of your PTSD starts by sitting down and talking with a mental health professional. Sherri Bowald is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with experience helping patients manage PTSD, depression, anxiety and more. At Captive Set Free, Sherri teaches clients with PTSD helpful ways to cope with symptoms and manage their disorder. And if necessary, medication can be recommended in severe cases of PTSD. Additionally, Sherri teaches her clients through spiritual support, building a stronger connection between her clients and God. Currently, Sherri offers telehealth services for clients dealing with major depression, OCD, PTSD and more throughout Illinois.

If you’d like to learn more about Captive Set Free and how we can assist in your management of PTSD, you can contact us today at 309-843-8430. Or, we are available via email at sherri@captivesetfree.life.