Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

When is it time to get help?

If you’re experiencing the above symptoms, it’s a sure sign that you’re experiencing PTSD and it’s important that you seek help as soon as possible. Getting help early is important as symptoms tend to get worse over time. As well, left untreated, PTSD can become severe and lead to depression and even to thoughts of suicide. If you’ve experienced an event in which others died, you may be feeling survivor’s guilt, compounding your ability to get help (perhaps you feel you don’t deserve to feel better). If you’re struggling with the above symptoms and feeling like life itself is hard, it’s time to seek help.

If you, or someone you know is considering suicide, and is in a dangerous or life-threatening situation, please call 911 or proceed to your nearest emergency room.

For immediate help outside of our office hours, throughout Alberta, please call 211 or one of the following distress lines:

• Edmonton: The Crisis Centre call 780 482 HELP (4357)
• Greater Edmonton region: Rural Distress Line at 1-800-232-7288.
• Calgary: 403 266 HELP (4357)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment methods

There are several effective treatment methods for dealing with PTSD. Your therapist will discuss with you the best options for your individual circumstance. Some treatment methods that are typically successful in treating PTSD include:

• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an approach that works to help the brain process information, memories, sounds, and feelings in a way that makes them be seen in a new and less distressing way.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach to treatment that focuses on how people’s thoughts, emotions, and beliefs influence their behaviour and how they perceive themselves.
• Narrative therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses narratives to help people separate themselves from their problems.
• Exposure therapy is a form of treatment where your therapist will create a safe environment where they expose you to the triggers you may fear or try to avoid in an effort to decrease your anxiety towards that trigger.
• Virtual reality therapy is a computer-based system that allows a user to experience a sense of presence in a computer-generated or video presented three-dimensional environment.
• Somatic Experience Therapy is a body-focused therapeutic approach designed to help individuals heal from trauma and chronic stress. Unlike traditional talk therapies, SE works directly with the nervous system, helping clients release stored tension and emotions through gentle, body-centered awareness.