North Port’s Leading PTSD & Trauma Treatment Center

PTSD symptoms may emerge soon after a traumatic event, or they may not appear until months or even years later. For a person who has PTSD, triggers such as reminders of past trauma, new traumatic experiences, or even everyday stressors can cause their symptoms to intensify or resurface. According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, text revision (DSM-5-TR), PTSD triggers are unique to each person and can vary widely, which illustrates the deeply personal and complex nature of the disorder. Recognizing a person’s unique triggers and patterns is essential for understanding and effectively addressing their PTSD symptoms. 

Common symptoms of PTSD include: 

• Intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks of the traumatic event 
• Heightened sensitivity to reminders of the trauma 
• Feeling anxious, jumpy, or easily startled 
• Suppressing traumatic thoughts or memories 
• Avoiding places, people, or activities tied to the trauma 
• Experiencing intense emotions like anger, guilt, or shame 
• Difficulty functioning in daily life 
• Poor concentration 
• Feeling disconnected from others 
• Trouble sleeping, or frequent sleep disturbances 
• Engaging in risk-taking or unsafe behaviors 

If you’re experiencing PTSD symptoms that are disrupting your daily life, seeking professional support is a vital step toward healing. At North Port, our specialized treatment options can help you learn how to manage your PTSD symptoms in a safe, welcoming environment. 

A person may develop symptoms of PTSD after they experience trauma, such as exposure to combat, physical or sexual assault, the sudden loss of a loved one, a serious accident, or a natural disaster. Events that feel life-threatening are especially likely to lead to PTSD symptoms, including intrusive memories, emotional numbness, hypervigilance, and the need to avoid trauma-related triggers.  

Certain factors may increase a person’s risk for developing symptoms of PTSD, including a history of trauma, childhood adversity, high levels of ongoing stress, and limited social support after a traumatic experience. Other factors can also influence how a person processes trauma, including genetic factors and the strength of the person’s coping skills. 

If you or someone you love is dealing with the effects of trauma, it’s important to know that healing is possible. At our treatment center for PTSD and the effects of trauma in North Port, Florida, we offer evidence-based therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), to help people manage their PTSD symptoms and move forward. You don’t have to face the symptoms of PTSD alone. We are here to listen and to help you get started on the journey to healing. 

PTSD can have a profound impact on many aspects of a person’s life. PTSD symptoms can cause a person to struggle with their daily routine, responsibilities, and relationships. They can also make it difficult for the person to focus, connect with loved ones, and stay on track to meet their personal and professional goals, which can lead to feelings of frustration. 

PTSD can also affect a person’s physical health and social well-being. Risk-taking behaviors, like reckless driving and substance use, can put people at greater risk for harm, while social withdrawal and difficulty maintaining relationships may lead to isolation. Additionally, PTSD has been linked to chronic health conditions such as heart disease, weakened immunity, and chronic pain, and it may increase a person’s risk for self-harm or suicidal thoughts. 

If you are struggling with PTSD, seeking treatment is a brave first step toward healing. Evidence-based therapies, support groups, and medication (when appropriate) can help people who have PTSD manage their symptoms, regain control of their lives, and rebuild connections with others.  

PTSD is a rising global concern that affects a significant portion of the U.S. population each year. According to the National Center for PTSD, approximately 6% of U.S. adults will struggle with PTSD at some point in their lives. In 2020, this percentage amounted to about 13 million people in the United States. 

National statistics indicate that women are about twice as likely as men to develop PTSD. This figure could be a result of the types of trauma women are more likely to face, including intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Veterans are also disproportionately affected by PTSD, especially those who have been in war zones. Additionally, people who are exposed to recurring trauma as part of their jobs, such as first responders and healthcare workers, may also have a heightened risk for PTSD.  

PTSD treatment offers numerous possible benefits, including:  

• Improved physical health: Addressing PTSD symptoms can help lower a person’s risk for related health concerns, such as chronic pain, heart disease, and a weakened immune system. 
• Increased productivity: When a person’s PTSD symptoms are reduced, they may feel more motivated and may perform better at work or school, which can lead to feelings of accomplishment. 
• Better coping mechanisms: Therapy can help people develop healthier strategies to handle PTSD triggers and stressors, which can lead to a reduction in harmful behaviors like substance use and self-isolation. 
• Improved emotion regulation: PTSD treatment can equip people with the tools they need to manage intense emotions, such as anger, guilt, and shame. 
• Reduced symptoms: Therapy and medications (when needed) can help people address PTSD symptoms, such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and emotional distress. 
• Improved relationships: Addressing PTSD symptoms like avoidance and emotional numbness can help a person improve their communication skills, which can lead to stronger bonds with their family and friends. 
• Greater sense of control: PTSD treatment can help people regain control of their thoughts and feelings, empowering them to plan for their future. 
• Prevention of long-term complications: Early treatment may reduce a person’s risk for developing additional symptoms and lower their likelihood of experiencing thoughts of self-harm. 
• Greater overall well-being: PTSD treatment can help a person develop a brighter outlook on life, which can ultimately lead to better overall well-being. 

Trauma and PTSD can have a lasting impact on a person’s mental and emotional health, but therapy can be a powerful tool for healing. At North Port Behavioral Health, we offer a variety of PTSD therapies to help people process their experiences, manage their symptoms, and rebuild their lives. These therapies are tailored to each person’s needs and include aftercare options, which can help support a person’s long-term healing. Some of the therapies offered at North Port are:  

• Cognitive behavioral therapy: CBT is one of the most widely used and effective therapies for PTSD. It focuses on helping a person identify and change their negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT can help people reframe their traumatic memories, challenge their unhelpful thoughts, and develop healthier ways of coping with stress.  
• Dialectical behavior therapy: DBT is often effective for people who have PTSD, especially those who are struggling with emotion regulation, self-destructive behaviors, or intense feelings of shame or guilt. DBT teaches skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT can help people who have experienced trauma manage their overwhelming emotions and improve their ability to navigate relationships and daily challenges. 
• Motivational interviewing (MI): MI is a patient-centered, collaborative treatment option that can enhance a person’s motivation to change. MI empowers people to commit to their long-term healing by focusing on their personal goals, their values, and the reasons they sought care. 

At North Port, we offer a safe and supportive environment where people who are dealing with PTSD can begin their healing process. For people who are also struggling with a co-occurring substance use disorder, our specialized programs can provide comprehensive care that can address both concerns. Whatever treatment option you choose to pursue at North Port, our overall goal is to help you achieve meaningful change in a supportive and compassionate environment. 

At North Port Behavioral Health, our treatment plans for PTSD and the effects of trauma are unique to each person. Our team of experts is dedicated to offering support that meets your specific needs, using proven therapies like CBT, DBT, and MI. These types of therapies are designed to help you work through trauma in a way that’s both effective and tailored to your situation. 

At North Port, we understand how challenging the symptoms of PTSD can be, and we’re here to walk beside you every step of the way on your healing journey. Our compassionate staff encourages trust and open communication, and our comfortable environment provides an ideal space for patients to relax, rejuvenate, and heal. We offer holistic care that is designed to help you feel better, regain control of your life, and work toward long-term healing.