What Is PTSD and How Can Mental Health Therapy Help?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can develop in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. These events can include natural disasters, accidents, physical or sexual assault, combat, and emotional abuse. Bonmente offers technology-forward psychiatric care that focuses on treating patients with PTSD and improving their quality of life. Here are some of the ways mental health therapy can help those who are struggling with PTSD:

Identifying Triggers

People who struggle with PTSD may experience triggers or events that remind them of the traumatic event they experienced. These triggers may cause intense emotional distress, leading to flashbacks and other symptoms of PTSD. A therapist uses evidence-based methods to identify and develop coping strategies for these triggers. Bonmente’s practitioners use psychotherapy techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help patients identify and manage their triggers. 

Learning Coping Mechanisms

A therapist teaches you coping skills to manage stress and anxiety associated with PTSD. These skills might include relaxation techniques, mindfulness exercises, and emotional regulation strategies. Addressing PTSD requires professional intervention, and therapists develop a toolkit to equip individuals with the skills to overcome symptoms. Based on your unique experiences and symptoms, Bonmente therapists will tailor techniques to find a method that will work best for you.

Restoring Self-esteem

Mental health therapy helps individuals reclaim their sense of self-worth and self-esteem that the traumatic event may have damaged. Therapists also work towards helping individuals recognize their strengths and achievements. Acceptance and compassion are components of rebuilding a positive self-image.  At Bonmente, we prioritize helping clients rebuild their self-esteem and empowering them to see their worth beyond their trauma.

Processing Traumatic Events

Therapy sessions provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to process their traumatic experiences. With the help of therapists, patients explore their thoughts and feelings surrounding the event and work towards understanding how it has impacted their lives. It focuses on self-reflection and helps individuals gain a new perspective on their trauma. This can lead to healing and growth, allowing individuals to move forward in a healthy way. A psychiatrist works with individuals to process their trauma in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner.

Building a Support Network

A mental health clinic connects individuals with a strong support network. Building relationships with others who have experienced similar trauma is helpful in the recovery process. These connections allow individuals to feel understood and supported, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. Accepting support from loved ones and trained professionals can help individuals feel less alone in their journey toward healing. At Bonmente, we encourage our clients to build a strong support network to aid in their recovery process. 

Embrace Mental Health Therapy

Mental health therapy can be a powerful tool for healing and addressing post-traumatic stress disorder. The benefits of seeking therapy include improved coping skills, increased self-awareness and insight, and stronger control over thoughts and emotions. Meeting with a trained mental health professional can also provide individuals with techniques and strategies to manage symptoms and improve well-being. At Bonmente, we are dedicated to providing our clients with personalized therapy sessions tailored to their specific needs and goals. Reach out to our team today to get started.

Understanding Mental Health Services for Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are mental health disorders that can affect an individual’s health and overall well-being. There are several ways to address them, such as therapy and medication management. At Bonmente, our providers diagnose, treat, and monitor these conditions to help patients improve their quality of life. Here is more information about mental health services for anxiety and depression:

Understanding Anxiety and Depression

Understanding anxiety and depression is beneficial for promoting mental health awareness, enabling individuals to seek support for these conditions. Both anxiety and depression are treatable conditions. Beginning treatment involves recognizing the symptoms, acknowledging their impact, and finding effective mental health support and resources.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural human reaction to perceived threats or stress. It’s a feeling of worry, unease, or fear about what’s to come or a situation with an uncertain outcome. While it’s normal to experience occasional anxiety in response to stressful events or challenges, such as a job interview or public speaking, anxiety becomes a concern when it is overwhelming and persistent or interferes with daily life. Common symptoms of anxiety include:

• Excessive worry and apprehension
• Hyperventilating
• Sweating and shaking
• Increased heart rate
• Feeling agitated, weak, or unsteady
• Sleep disturbances
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions

Anxiety disorders can take various forms, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. These disorders may significantly impact daily functioning and relationships. Receiving mental health services from an experienced Bonmente provider can help individuals take control of their anxiety, improving their overall well-being.

Depression

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by frequent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. It can influence how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities. Depression may also result in a loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities. Some symptoms of depression include:

• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Sleep disturbances like insomnia or oversleeping
• Changes in appetite or weight

There are several forms of depression, including seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and postpartum depression (PPD). Each condition can vary in severity and duration. They may also present differently and be triggered by varying factors, such as life events, chemical imbalances, or underlying medical conditions. Recognizing this enables our mental health providers to tailor treatment to address specific symptoms and needs.

Types of Mental Health Services Available

Anxiety and depression can coexist, causing individuals to experience symptoms of both simultaneously. Individuals experiencing these conditions may benefit from professional treatment, such as therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Here are some types of mental health services we offer to address anxiety and depression:

Psychiatric Evaluations

Our Bonmente mental health providers use psychiatric evaluations to diagnose conditions like anxiety and depression. These comprehensive assessments allow providers to evaluate and develop treatment plans for each individual. They involve gathering information about the individual’s medical history, symptoms, and psychosocial functioning to make an accurate diagnosis.

Therapy and Counseling

Therapy and counseling are key components of treatment for anxiety and depression. They allow individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment. There are several different approaches to therapy and counseling, including talk therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

CBT is an effective treatment for anxiety and depression, helping to identify and change negative thinking patterns. Therapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatment options, such as medication, lifestyle changes, and self-care strategies. Our qualified mental health professionals can conduct a thorough assessment and recommend the most appropriate therapeutic approach for each individual.

Medication Management

Medications are an effective tool prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Providers use various anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications to manage symptoms. Many medications take several weeks to go into effect, requiring consistent monitoring to assess how the patient responds. Our providers work closely with each patient to find the most suitable treatment regimen based on their needs, preferences, and treatment goals.

Telepsychiatry

Telepsychiatry services offer convenient and accessible access to mental health care from the comfort of their own homes. This service utilizes telecommunications technology, such as videoconferencing and secure messaging platforms, to connect individuals remotely with our psychiatrists and mental health professionals. At Bonmente, our telepsychiatry interface is encrypted and confidential. It allows us to provide timely, convenient, and effective support for our patients experiencing depression and anxiety.

Access Mental Health Services With Bonmente

Depression and anxiety are two distinct but often interconnected mental health conditions that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. With proper support and resources, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms. Whether through therapy, medication, telepsychiatry, or a combination of approaches, our Bonmente providers are equipped to treat anxiety and depression. Contact us today to learn more about our mental health services and their benefits.