After a traumatic event, it’s normal to feel anxious, sad or unsettled. For many people, these feelings improve over time. But when symptoms last for weeks or months and begin to interfere with daily life, it may be post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
At Banner Health, our behavioral health specialists provide compassionate, confidential care for patients coping with trauma. We help individuals and families heal in a safe, supportive environment and regain a sense of control and well-being.
If you or a loved one is struggling after trauma, you don’t have to face it alone. Help is available.
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic or life-threatening event such as assault, an accident, combat, a natural disaster or the death of a loved one.
People with PTSD may continue to experience strong, distressing thoughts and emotions long after the danger has passed. They might feel unsafe, detached or on edge and may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares.
Without treatment, PTSD can last for years and affect relationships, work and overall quality of life. With the right care, recovery is possible.
Trauma is part of life for many people. According to the National Center for PTSD, about 60% of men and 50% of women experience at least one trauma in their lifetime, and around 7% to 8% of adults will develop PTSD.
Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. Factors such as personal history, support systems, and biological makeup influence how someone responds to trauma.
PTSD can develop after a single traumatic event or repeated exposure to trauma. Examples include:
Anyone can develop PTSD, but certain factors may increase risk:
Protective factors like strong social support, coping skills and early access to mental health care can reduce risk.
PTSD symptoms can appear soon after a traumatic event or months later. They may come and go or become more intense during stress.
Re-experiencing symptoms
Flashbacks, nightmares or intrusive thoughts that make you feel as though the event is happening again.
Avoidance symptoms
Avoiding reminders, people, places or conversations related to the trauma, or staying excessively busy to avoid thinking about it.
Hyperarousal symptoms
Feeling constantly alert or on edge, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, being easily startled or experiencing irritability and anger.
Cognition and mood symptoms
Persistent negative thoughts, guilt, shame, emotional numbness, hopelessness or loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
PTSD symptoms can strain relationships and make everyday life challenging. If symptoms last longer than a month or affect your ability to function, it’s time to reach out for help.
A mental health professional will evaluate your symptoms through a detailed discussion, screening tools and sometimes a physical exam to rule out medical causes.
Only a licensed clinician can diagnose PTSD. The process is private and focused on helping you feel supported and understood, not judged.
To get started with a confidential screening, call Banner Behavioral Health at 602-254-4357.
PTSD treatment can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Your Banner Health care team will develop a plan tailored to your needs, which may include:
Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can help regulate mood and reduce symptoms like depression, irritability or insomnia.
Support groups, mindfulness, exercise and relaxation strategies can complement professional treatment.
Your doctor will review your symptoms and preferences to create a plan that supports your recovery. PTSD treatment works - with time, support and consistent care, most people experience significant improvement.
While trauma can’t always be prevented, seeking help early makes a difference. Talking about what you’ve experienced, getting support from loved ones and accessing therapy soon after an event may reduce the likelihood of developing PTSD.
Banner Behavioral Health Hospital provides expert, compassionate care for children, teens and adults with PTSD and other mental health conditions. Our multidisciplinary team creates a healing environment where patients learn coping skills, strengthen support systems and build resilience.
We’re here to help you or your loved one find hope, stability and a path forward.
Learn more about behavioral health services.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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