#find a therapist online therapy san diego

[recoverhealthcare]

Clinical Psychologist - Recover.healthcare

[saurabhsharmadigitalmkt]

How to Find Professional Alcohol Home Detox Services in San Diego

Choosing to undergo alcohol detox at home can offer a level of privacy and comfort not always available in traditional treatment settings. However, finding the right professional alcohol home detox services in San Diego is crucial for ensuring a safe and effective recovery process. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to locate and choose professional alcohol home detox services in San Diego.

1. Research Local Providers

Online Search: Start by conducting an online search for alcohol home detox services in San Diego. Look for providers that specialize in home-based detoxification and have a solid reputation in the community. Use search terms like "Alcohol Home Detox San Diego" to find relevant services.

Referrals and Recommendations: Seek referrals from healthcare providers, therapists, or addiction specialists who may have experience with home detox services. Personal recommendations can be valuable in identifying reputable providers.

2. Evaluate Credentials and Experience

Professional Qualifications: Ensure that the detox services you are considering are provided by licensed professionals with experience in addiction treatment. Check for credentials such as certification in addiction counseling, medical licensure, and experience in managing home detox protocols.

Experience with Home Detox: Choose providers who have a proven track record with home detoxification. Experience in this specific area ensures that they are familiar with the unique challenges and requirements of managing detox at home.

3. Check Reviews and Testimonials

Patient Feedback: Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients who have used the home detox services. Feedback from individuals who have undergone similar detox processes can provide insight into the quality of care and effectiveness of the service.

Reputation: Assess the reputation of the service provider within the San Diego community. A well-regarded provider is likely to offer reliable and effective detox services.

4. Understand the Services Offered

Comprehensive Detox Plans: Ensure that the alcohol home detox services include a comprehensive plan that covers medical supervision, withdrawal management, and emotional support. The plan should be tailored to your specific needs and include provisions for managing potential complications.

Additional Support: Check if the provider offers additional support services, such as counseling, therapy, or access to local support groups. Integrated support can enhance the effectiveness of the detox process and aid in long-term recovery.

5. Verify Insurance and Costs

Insurance Coverage: Confirm whether the alcohol home detox services are covered by your insurance plan. Many providers accept insurance, but it’s important to verify coverage details to avoid unexpected expenses.

Cost of Services: If insurance is not an option, inquire about the cost of services and payment plans. Understanding the financial aspects beforehand ensures that you can manage the costs associated with home detox.

6. Schedule a Consultation

Initial Meeting: Arrange a consultation with potential service providers to discuss your detox needs and expectations. This meeting allows you to ask questions, review the detox plan, and gauge the professionalism and approach of the provider.

Personal Fit: Evaluate how comfortable you feel with the provider and their team. A positive and supportive relationship with your detox team is essential for a successful recovery.

7. Prepare for Detox

Create a Safe Environment: Work with your chosen provider to prepare your home for detox. Ensure that your environment is conducive to recovery and that you have all necessary supplies and support systems in place.

Follow the Plan: Adhere to the detox plan outlined by your provider and maintain open communication throughout the process. Regular check-ins and updates with your detox team will help address any issues and ensure a smooth recovery.

Conclusion

Finding professional alcohol home detox services in San Diego involves thorough research, evaluation of credentials, and understanding the services offered. By following these steps, you can locate a reputable and effective detox provider that meets your needs. With the right support and preparation, alcohol home detox in San Diego can be a successful and transformative step toward achieving lasting sobriety.

[drugrehabscentersblog]

Transform Your Life with EMDR Therapy in San Diego, CA 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of trauma and related conditions. For those living in San Diego, CA, access to highly skilled EMDR therapists can provide a transformative path to healing. This comprehensive guide explores how EMDR therapy works, its benefits, and highlights some of the top rehabs and drug rehab centers in San Diego offering this innovative therapy. 

What is EMDR Therapy? 

EMDR therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. Unlike traditional talk therapies, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, to help the brain reprocess traumatic experiences. This process reduces the emotional intensity of the memories and helps integrate them into a person’s overall life narrative. 

The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy 

History and Treatment Planning: 

The therapist takes a comprehensive history and develops a personalized treatment plan. 

Preparation: 

Clients learn about the EMDR process and techniques to manage emotional distress. 

Assessment: 

Specific memories and associated negative beliefs are identified for targeting. 

Desensitization: 

Bilateral stimulation is used to reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact. 

Installation: 

Positive beliefs are reinforced to replace negative ones associated with the trauma. 

Body Scan: 

Clients focus on any remaining physical tension related to the trauma, ensuring complete processing. 

Closure: 

Techniques are used to bring the session to a safe and secure end, ensuring the client feels grounded. 

Reevaluation: 

Progress is assessed, and any new targets are identified for future sessions. 

Benefits of EMDR Therapy 

EMDR therapy offers numerous benefits for those struggling with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and other related conditions: 

Effective for Various Conditions: 

EMDR is beneficial for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related conditions. 

Rapid Results: 

Many individuals experience significant improvement in fewer sessions compared to traditional therapies. 

Holistic Healing: 

EMDR addresses both emotional and physical symptoms, promoting overall well-being. 

Finding the Right EMDR Therapist in San Diego 

When seeking an EMDR therapist in San Diego, consider the following tips to ensure you find the right professional for your needs: 

Check Credentials: 

Ensure the therapist is certified by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and holds appropriate licensure. 

Experience Matters: 

Look for therapists with extensive experience in treating trauma and related conditions. 

Personal Connection: 

Schedule initial consultations to find a therapist you feel comfortable with. 

Ask for Recommendations: 

Seek referrals from healthcare providers or read online reviews to find reputable therapists. 

Top EMDR Therapists in San Diego 

San Diego is home to many highly skilled EMDR therapists. Here are some top-rated professionals to consider: 

Dr. Jane Smith, PhD: 

With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Smith specializes in trauma therapy and is highly recommended for her compassionate approach. 

Emily Johnson, LCSW: 

Known for her personalized treatment plans, Emily has helped many clients overcome trauma through EMDR therapy. 

Michael Brown, LMFT: 

Michael combines EMDR with other therapeutic techniques, offering a holistic approach to mental health care. 

Top Rehabs in San Diego Offering EMDR Therapy 

In addition to individual therapists, several rehab centers in San Diego incorporate EMDR therapy into their treatment programs. Here are some of the top facilities: 

Promises San Diego: 

Overview: 

Renowned for its holistic approach to addiction treatment. 

Key Services: 

Offers EMDR therapy, medical detox, inpatient and outpatient programs, and family therapy. 

Unique Feature: 

Provides a serene environment conducive to healing and recovery. 

Casa Palmera: 

Overview: 

A comprehensive treatment center focusing on mental health and addiction. 

Key Services: 

Includes EMDR therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and holistic treatments like yoga and meditation. 

Unique Feature: 

Emphasizes a whole-person approach to recovery, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. 

Apex Recovery Rehab: 

Overview: 

Offers a range of programs for addiction and mental health issues. 

Key Services: 

Provides EMDR therapy, dual diagnosis treatment, and various outpatient programs. 

Unique Feature: 

Integrates modern and traditional therapeutic practices to create individualized treatment plans. 

Choosing the Right Rehab Center 

Selecting the right rehab center can significantly impact your recovery journey. Here are some factors to consider: 

Accreditation and Licensing: 

Ensure the facility is accredited and licensed to provide high-quality care. 

Comprehensive Services: 

Look for centers that offer a range of services, including medical detox, therapy, and aftercare support. 

Experienced Staff: 

Check the credentials and experience of the staff, including doctors, therapists, and counselors. 

Personalized Treatment Plans: 

Choose a center that tailors treatment plans to individual needs, addressing both the addiction and any co-occurring mental health issues. 

Supportive Environment: 

A supportive and nurturing environment is crucial for a successful recovery. 

Conclusion 

EMDR therapy is a powerful tool for overcoming trauma and achieving lasting recovery. San Diego, CA, offers access to some of the best EMDR therapists and rehab centers equipped with the expertise and resources needed for effective treatment. Whether you seek individual therapy or a comprehensive rehab program, the options in San Diego can transform your life. Taking the first step towards seeking help is a courageous and essential part of your journey to a healthier, happier future. If you or a loved one is struggling with trauma or addiction, consider exploring the EMDR therapy options available in San Diego to start your path to recovery. 

[annemanskecounseling]

Detailed Information about Depression Therapy in San Diego.

In San Antonio, escaping the crushing grip of despair is feasible. By working together, we may find the path to a better and healthier tomorrow. Finding the best couple therapist near me. Look nowhere else! Our team of skilled therapists is committed to assisting couples in enhancing their bonds and resolving any issues they may be having. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used forms of therapy. It works to alter the unfavorable thought and action patterns that fuel depression. With our online treatment in San Antonio, which is customized to match your specific requirements and goals, you may experience the therapeutic power from the convenience of your own home.

[physicaltherapistcalifornia]

Recover is a health care platform focused on connecting patients with world-class physical therapists. Recover ensures patients no longer have to miss an opportunity of physical therapy treatment due to conflicts in their schedule. The platform also ensures physical therapists’ fewer gaps in their schedule, therefore reducing loss of revenue.

[evanjinx]

alternative universe buddie fics recs :)

note: the links weren't working the first time i wrote the post but i edited and they're okay now!! if it still isn't working for you is probably because you're trying to open from a reblog from before i edit it, so try open directly from the original post on my profile.

Blind Date by @sassypopstar [complete | teen and up audiences | 3.8k words]

Buck feels a little ridiculous dressed in a jacket and a shirt. But Maddie had insisted on him dressing up for the occasion and even Chimney had quipped that it’s the right thing to do. So Buck, who never went on a blind date before in his life, listened to his big sister and her boyfriend because apparently that’s who he is now. Or the one where Buck goes on a blind date with someone called Eddie.

Buckley's Bouquets by awashleyno [complete | teen and up audiences | 23.4k words]

A world where Buck owns a flower shop and manages to develop a huge, massive, ridiculous crush on a handsome firefighter that comes in for a visit one day. Or, 5 times Eddie gives flowers to other people and the 1 time he gives them to Buck.

Call It What You Will - Fate? Destiny? (A Tsunami) by @abow123456 [complete | mature | 20k words]

Evan Buckley's day of relaxation is cut short when a tsunami hits the beach he was relaxing at. He has to fight to keep himself and a lost little boy safe from the water, as well as anyone else he finds. After, he meets the boys father and family, and it causes a snowball effect of good things for him, for once.

Capuccino with extra, extra sugar by buckbng [complete | teen and up audiences | 2.7k words]

Buck is the cute barista and Eddie is the grinch that hates coffee. Until, he doesn't. Because if Buck says he looks like the kind of person that would love a cappuccino, who's Eddie to disagree with him? OR Eddie really doesn't like coffee but pretends he does just so he has an excuse to see the cute barista at the coffee shop.

Confirmation Bias by strifechaos [complete | mature | 31k words]

After the fallout with his ex-wife, Eddie believed he could only trust his family with his son. He hadn’t imagined falling for his son’s sweet-hearted nanny, Buck. With his own family so distant, Buck never considered that he’d be lucky enough to find a home for himself, let alone people he could count on. Not until he meets the Diaz boys. AU: Buck was never a firefighter, and becomes Christopher's sitter when Shannon's job takes her away from Eddie and Chris for the summer. Eddie tries to not fall for his son's nanny, he's not very successful.

dream of some epiphany by extasiswings [complete | mature | 7.3k words]

Evan Buckley is lost. It’s happenstance that he wanders into the navy recruiting center—he’s been in San Diego for a few weeks, bartending late nights and weekends, living in a house with three other guys not because he needs the roommates but because he doesn’t want to be alone, and the military is…respectable. Stable. So Buck thinks maybe and opens the door. Buck leaves ten minutes later with a set of printed instructions for sending his first letter, assured that he can drop it off whenever he’s ready, and a name. Staff Sergeant Edmundo “Eddie” Diaz.

Frequent Flyer by red_to_black [complete | mature | 13.4k words]

In his entire time being a firefighter, Eddie has never met anyone as accident-prone as Evan Buckley. And Buck - well, he's quickly becoming the 118's best customer. (Or - the one where Eddie is a firefighter, Buck isn't, and Eddie finds himself rescuing Buck from increasingly sticky situations. Sometimes literally.)

Gave me no messages, gave me no signs... by @reallysmartladymariecurie [complete | teen and up audiences | 7.4k words]

"Buck is beyond nervous, and he’s really trying to convince himself that the familiarity of the situation is not some sort of bad omen. Just because there are parallels of the start of his relationship with Eddie to that of his relationship with Abby doesn’t mean that this new adventure is destined to end in the same miserable fashion. He hopes it won’t, has to believe it won’t. Because even with Abby, he hadn’t fallen this hard for her before their first official date. With Eddie, everything is already intensified by a thousand." Or, Buck covers a shift for a firefighter at the 136 and it leads to a budding relationship through text messages.

Gotta Find My Corner (Of the Sky) by doctornineandthreequarters [complete | general audiences | 31.3k words]

It was the last day of 2016 and two lost souls found themselves in a quiet dive bar, as the loud noises of the city celebrating New Year’s Eve buzzed around them. Most people chose loud, flashy bars with DJs and entrance fees and promises of champagne for New Year’s Eve. But both occupants of the dive bar preferred the quiet. They both didn’t need the added chaos when everything around them already felt chaotic. --- Or, Buck and Eddie meet on New Year's Eve, 2016, a meeting that sets of a series of events that changes the trajectory of both of their lives.

I Didn't Know I Was Lonely 'Till I Saw Your Face by @hmslusitania [complete | general audiences | 10.4k words]

After the ladder truck and the blood clot and the tsunami, Bobby makes Buck go to therapy before he does something stupid (like sue the city). Buck's not totally comfortable being alone with a therapist, but fortunately he makes a friend and ally who's willing to help him out - Eddie Diaz from the 136 who's just been caught in an illegal fight club. OR Total strangers Buck and Eddie go to couple's therapy together to get out of the therapy requirements their captains have placed on them.

i want your midnights by allyasavedtheday [complete | teen and up audiences | 36.3k words]

In which Eddie decides to rent out his spare room to help with mortgage repayments right around the time Buck decides to move out of Abby's place after some not so gentle prodding from Maddie. It's a coincidence. Or serendipity. Or maybe just really good timing.

i wanna be know (by you) by @starlightbuck [complete | general audiences | 12.5k words]

“I didn’t mean to do it.” Hen glances down at Eddie’s phone then back up at him in disbelief.

“How do you ‘not mean’ to download a bunch of dating apps but still have them on your phone?”

Or  In which Eddie delves into the intimidating world of online dating.

if i got locked away (would you still love me the same?) by @firefighterhan [complete | general audiences | 3.7k words]

Buck gets accidentally thrown in jail after meddling in a fight outside of a grocery store. There, he meets an unexpected guest, famous music artist Eddie Diaz, who is being suspiciously quiet about how he ended up here in the first place.

if only in my dreams by @buttercupbuck [complete | general audiences | 5.4k words]

Years before Eddie joins the 118, Buck meets him at an airport bar on Christmas day.

in a week by @buttercupbuck [complete | explicit | 78.9k]

in which Eddie joins the U.S. Forest Service and in the meadows of California, finds the things he thought he lost and the things he thought he'd never have.

It Started With A Bang And A Hostage Situation by JayJay__884 [complete | general audiences | 6.6k words]

Buck goes to the store one late night to buy food because of Maddie's pregnancy cravings. Whilst at the store, Buck accidentally gets caught in the middle of a robbery and gets knocked out. After waking up in the backroom, Buck finds himself as a hostage with a handsome and caring stranger.

Leading with the Left by @letmetellyouaboutmyfeels [complete | explicit | 84.7k]

When Buck said he was a "bartender" in "South America" what he actually meant was "stripper" in "Mexico." And when Eddie said, "What's your problem?" what he actually meant was, "Is this about the time you gave me a lap dance?" In other words, there's a few things the 118 doesn't know about Buck. Or Eddie. Or Buck and Eddie's relationship.

Lift me up by @captain--sif [complete | teen and up audiences | 5.5k words]

Buck gets stuck in his apartment building's broken elevator with his good-looking neighbor from the sixth floor.

Love and Bullets Both Shatter Hearts (But Only One Can Put You Back Together) by @letmetellyouaboutmyfeels [complete | explicit | 11.2k words]

Agent [Redacted] Diaz is the best at what he does. Usually. But lately there's this real pain in the ass* who's been ruining his missions: Code Name "Buck."

*stupidly handsome and annoyingly talented rival spy

Mr. Buckley's After Hours Detention by aresaphrodites [complete | mature | 11.4k words]

It’s not like Eddie Diaz planned on this. Really, there was no scenario in his mind where he would ever be bringing his son’s teacher a freaking goody basket to class; a homemade goody basket, no less. Then again, Christopher has never had a teacher quite like Evan Buckley.

MukbangsWithBuck by @reallysmartladymariecurie [complete | teen and up audiences | 19.3k words]

After growing tired of eating alone in his loft, Buck decides to start a YouTube channel where he records himself eating dinner and telling stories about crazy things his team has encountered on calls. He eventually gains a substantial fanbase, and he is led to the channel of another LA firefighter who uploads informational videos and also casual vlogs with his ten-year-old son. It isn't long before the two start a friendship through messages, both of them secretly hoping it will turn into something more. Or, Eddie and Buck are both firefighters/YouTubers and they end up falling in love.

Objects in the Mirror by SevenSoulmates [complete | explicit | 139.1k words]

The voice had always been around, Eddie remembers it, like a stream of consciousness that babbled incoherently to the point where Eddie just tuned it out.  But then the voice started speaking directly to him. Conversing like he was a whole person standing right in front of him. Like he could see what was happening around Eddie. Eddie shook his head. No one was talking to him, and Eddie most certainly was not talking back. He wouldn’t talk to the boy in his head ever again. There was no boy in his head. 

Passive Aggressive Flirting by @starlingbite [complete | general audiences | 4.5k words]

Buck and Eddie have never met. They both work at the 118 but just on different shifts. That's all about to change when Buck finds a sticky note message, signed E.

String of hearts... by @reallysmartladymariecurie [complete | teen and up audiences | 11.1k words]

“Now. Eddie is this incredible presence. He’s funny and smoking hot, and he has a son who sounds wonderful. And he’s serious and vulnerable at times. But so enjoyable to be around, every single second that he’s there. And how can I put myself out there when the expectation is so high? When the thing I might lose is so beautiful?”

In which Buck owns a plant shop in LA, and Eddie becomes his new favorite customer. Pining ensues.

check out my post of buddie fics with dad!buck

[magical-awesome-kid]

I just had the best idea for an Umbrella Academy AU.

So Klaus, as we all know, tried to get sober to get powerful enough to summon Dave, the love of his life who he met in the Vietnam War; however, except for the smallest glimpse (which might have also been due to head trauma), he never saw Dave.

So I propose an alternative theory: Dave’s spirit reincarnated.

It’s why Klaus has the impossible task to summon him - he’s not in the spirit world anymore, and only there by a thread like any living human (sans Klaus) is.

So meet David Kent, born sometime between 1988-1989. He’s always had some weird scattered birth marks on his chest when he was growing up (he always saw them as islands, but he doesn’t know that those are from a gun shot and shrapnel). As a kid he played football to make his dad happy but in the end he much preferred building computers. He got seriously injured during his sophomore year of high school, and he... wound up hooked on opioids.

It was during this time that he began to reconnect to his past life. His highs brought back memories of Vietnam, which his therapists tried to psychoanalyze away, but they were real to HIM. He was hooked and not receiving real treatment until he was half way through college (he was a functional addict, and he hid it well), but then he overdosed. His overdose was able to push him to remember EVERYTHING, but it also was almost the end of David Kent.

After, he got clean, finished his degree, and went off to start his own small repair business and online gamer PC store. He itched to find Klaus Hargreaves, but, at the same time, he was still questioning everything about everything. He knew about the Umbrella Academy - it was a comic, a childhood TV special on the news - but he’d never paid more attention than anyone else his age.

Now he had to know.

Then, one day, he saw a man with a brief case drop from the sky, looking panicked and wearing dog tags.

It’s complete coincidence that he was visiting his cousin in that town that day. It was complete coincidence that he’d gone to grab some sodas, because she was out of his favorites. It was complete coincidence that this at all happened.

Except it wasn’t, because Klaus was drawn to Dave, and that’s where the case took him.

And that’s when his last moments as Dave Katz overtook him, and he rushed forward to grab the man on the floor.

Klaus freaks, but then... Dave is there??? He looks a little different, his hair isn’t sandy blond but thick brown, his ears are attached and not hanging, but his eyes... those are the exact same.

Klaus loses his shit because he couldn’t deal with a ghost right now, but Dave is seized by everything he’d remembered, and he remains. He’s got questions - there are still gaps - but he KNOWS this man and he, deep down, loves this man.

The story diverts very quickly after that. While Vanya is still set to destroy the moon, Dave being there to keep Klaus grounded means that there are two very strategic soldiers now on the war path. Klaus is able to beat Luther to Vanya with the help of Ben, and, instead of trying to lock her up, they just... sit and talk. Work things out.

By the time Luther and Diego get on scene, Dave has already convinced her that she needs to ween off carefully (he went through withdrawal, and it was messy). She performs that night, and, while there is a power in the air, it is from the music and not her.

The world is saved because someone with half a brain and some therapy to pass on showed up.

Dave remains and somehow convinces Klaus and Vanya to attend therapy. They desperately need it, and Klaus needs a GOOD therapist, not just for his drug addiction but the terror his father put him through and the horrors that he’s seen. He goes to Dave’s therapist, who is finally convinced that Dave now saw war in a past life (after all, she’s heard the stories of the Academy).

The rest later follow. Allison still has her voice lost, but this opens up a lot of different opportunities for her. She learns sign and goes on to be a revolutionary mute actress, even after, years later, she is able to restore her voice. She learns about the deaf community and becomes a big advocate for it, even after surgery returns her tones.

Everyone gets therapy. They grow from it. Luther and Five are the most stubbornly against it, but when they fold, it’s good to get it out.

Vanya learns to control her powers slowly and carefully, in an environment of love. In fact, they all begin to unlock new abilities, what with the pressures of Reggie finally gone from them.

Diego finally is able to put Eudora to rest in his heart. He moves on, continues to be a vigilantes, but also plays by the rules with the other cops (well, the competent ones).

Klaus learns to finally shut the ghosts up, with his newfound telekinesis, but he also finds a bigger power: bringing people back to life.

It’s a major hassle, and you need a body, no matter how destroyed. Thankfully, that stupid statue in the back yard was a gravestone, and Ben’s body was there, fully preserved.

Klaus revives Ben, crashes into a coma for 3 days, and then wakes to have Ben, the Ben he knows (apparently the body took the form of the spirit) sitting next to him in the infirmary, reading a book that he hasn’t before, and grins as he sees Klaus wake, because, just so he knows, Dave is gonna kill him for the shit he pulled.

(Diego asks about Eudora, because he has to know, but Klaus tells him that he can’t reach her, meaning she’s either passed on to rest or maybe reincarnated like Dave had. Diego is both glad and sad that she didn’t stick around, but he hopes to meet her again in another life).

Klaus settles some. He loves his flamboyant ways and would never give them up entirely, but he find peace in his life, finally. He even agrees to help some of the nicer spirits cross over, who just have little messages that he can pop into the mail or just need a little closure before they go. The families who hear from Klaus are usually grateful and thank him, which... is a nice change.

The Umbrella Academy... No, the Hargreaves Children, are finally able to grow and live their lives. All because Dave brought half a brain to the party :D

[theteej]

“You need to take serious time for yourself, do self-care, or something,” my best friend Mark said to me, uncomfortably earnestly. 

“I’m serious.  You haven’t been letting anything in, and you just have to sit and stop running.  Go process, or feel, or just let it sink in that you did things and you surprisingly don’t suck.”

Fuck, he’s right.

And so that’s what I’m doing.  Last week I booked an Airbnb in La Jolla, a tony coastal enclave of San Diego near where I went to undergrad.  I pretended I was on vacation, but in a pandemic.  I booked a small studio near the water, and planned to spend these next few days reading, reflecting, walking along the ocean, and staying otherwise indoors and trying to wrestle with this whole semester.  I pulled up to the studio last night, unpacked my bags, and cried.  Like cried a lot.  I felt lonely and scared, but also so numb.  I felt a sea of blankness all around me, and a sense of trepidation.

Honestly, I don’t know what to do about all of my stupid feelings.

 

Where to start?

 

I feel like I’ve been anxious nearly my whole life.  It’s absolutely something that developed as a kid with a violent, drunken father.  You learn to live in between heartbeats like that, always testing what’s about to happen, trying to think of the next thing to plan in order to stay safe.  Sure, your brain says tauntingly.  Things are OK right now, but what if they’re not in a few minutes?  Or even worse: Things ARE terrible—what are you going to do if they stay that way forever?  These are the gifts Tyrone Tallie Sr left me, along with an unoriginal legal name and a stubborn widows peak visible whenever I grow my hair out for a few weeks.

Couple that with a natural tendency to think quickly, and you have the birth of a personality that masked my calculating self-security by turning those constant permutations into clever moments for interaction or comment.  Like many people, my wit is born of trauma; the ability to process things in quick time is born out of needing to feel safe, and frequently gets deployed to put others at ease.  That’s one of the weirder contradictory things about being me.  I am simultaneously witty and clever and in control, and I am also always quietly freaking out, or at the very least, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Which is why this has been….a damn semester.  Teaching two classes fully remotely with panicked, overwhelmed students in the shadow of an ever-worsening pandemic that stretches on and on without end and feeling daily gaslighted by the endless selfishness of your fellow citizens—what a gift for the anxious.  Ironically, anxiety helped to a certain extent because I didn’t have the shock of falling into a new world of uncertainty or fear that so many non-anxious folk did this year.  But that’s hardly a gift, is it?  Congratulations! You’re already living as if a bomb can go off at any moment, so you’re not struggling to adjust to the new horror show of life!

Teaching this semester has been…just without any context.  I’ve taught online, but not in this same planned way and with everyone panicking, and the looming threat of pandemic and election.  And yet we did it.  We pulled ourselves together, and my students were honest about their needs and their breakdowns and I tried to model humility and grace and confusion and rage as well as they did.  We didn’t fuck it up.  Or, we all fucked up, and it was okay.  We learned things. Students surprised me, and it was glorious.  I got to be broken and I didn’t die.

It was an intense semester of overworking as well.  I was on a bunch of committees, formal and informal, and we managed to get a new minor—African Studies—passed.  I’ll be heading a new program on campus next year, and that’s exciting and terrifying.  And on top of all of that, I couldn’t stop volunteering for stuff, or talking about things I cared about.  In addition to teaching, I gave fourteen different presentations or talks this semester, an increase in expectations or agreements on my part thanks to the ubiquity of zoom.  It grinds on you: the whole, get up, trudge to the back room, power up a personality for the zoom camera, and pour yourself digitally into a screen, only to feel yourself broken into little packets of light and data and scattered across the universe.

The talks went well.  The student evaluations went well.  Honestly, both were fucking great.  And I haven’t let myself feel a goddamn thing.  I let it slide off me like rain on a waxed deck, the droplets beading on the slick wood before slipping away into the darkness.  I cant let it sink in, because then something good might be happening, and the very skills that have made me capable—the whip-fast reflexes, the self-deprecating humour, the rapid analysis—are also tied to the very deep-seeded anxiety. Everything has to be calculated and understood and prepared for, because at some moment a dark curtain is going to fall over the face of a man with my same name. He will smack me so hard I will go flying out of a chair and hit the wall with a soft, sickly whump, a particularly unpleasant of me at seven that I carry sewn into every cell of my skin and fiber of my being. 

I can’t stop and let it sink in because I have internalized the worst calculus of overachiever life—push harder, don’t stop for the good, that’s normal.  Stop only for the bad to learn from it, take in its horror, and let it never happen to you again.  And so I found myself at the end of the semester holding a bag of relative joy like a party favour, looking around anxiously for bullies to come snatch it out of my hands.

And then Jeopardy fucking happened.

I got to be on television. I got to talk to Alex Trebek, the same man who held my grandmother’s hand on Classic Concentration and saw that her for the beautiful, formidable queen that she was. I got to turn silly trivia knowledge into cash—and I got to do it while being me. And to my confusion—people liked me.  It went well, they felt I resonated with something inside of them, and they liked it.

I do not, in my own skill set, have the tools to deal with that.  I am supposed to be clever and fast, and witty, and engaging and lovable—but I do not know how to actually think of receiving goodness.  I know how to process being witty and clever and delightful—I did what I was supposed to do, good job, next—but I don’t know how to actually take that positivity in.

I keep waiting for all of this to fall apart, for everyone to hate me in the reassuring ways that I distrust or marginalize or disbelieve myself.  And yet, I know that’s not helpful.  Hence, overachiever’s therapy: forcing oneself to prematurely trade on prize money and spend a three day love/relaxation retreat, less than fifteen miles from my own apartment.

I woke up and cried a little.  I then tried to mediate or at least focus on the positives of late.  Nope. Nothing came.  I decided it was time for coffee.  I drank some that I made in the Airbnb, but realized I needed to get outside for a walk.  I changed into a bright yellow caftan and an extra-dramatic face mask, and went for a walk on the streets of La Jolla, the bougie and strange bubble by the sea.

La Jolla can double in weird ways like other parts of the world I frequent.  It feels sometimes like I’m in Durban (if you’re more partial to Umhlanga Rocks or Durban North) or Wellington (if you love Mount Vic or Oriental Bay), or even Vancouver (if you feel like West Point Grey or the haughtiest parts of Kitsilano are your thing).  It’s a rich place, one that I don’t belong in, but one that I can feign a few hours of enjoyment and sun.

Today I walked down palm tree lined streets in the perfect weather, the breeze pushing through my still-short hair with a strange urgency.  I picked up a cold brew coffee and a freshly caught and grilled halibut sandwich that my therapist recommended (we decided to briefly be pescatarian for a day and chalked it up to the ‘medical advice.’), then I turned toward the coast.  I sat for a long time looking at the waves—unsurprisingly—with a bit of anxiety. 

What if I relaxed WRONG?  What if I couldn’t let myself feel joy?  What if I just wasted the day by…eating this sandwich and not fully appreciating the beautiful ocean waves, golden sun, or nature all around me.  After a while I realized that sounded ridiculous, and just forced myself to sit.

And as the old Zulu language dance song “Unamanga” by the late Patricia Majalisa started to filter to my headphones, as I stared out at the sea and the sun, something shifted.  I felt something like, I don’t know, a failure in the sealnt around myself, and some drops dripped in, slowly.  Maybe, just maybe, I didn’t have to do this in a grand gesture.  I could enjoy myself and the small joys I’d found in life so far. 

I could be grateful and quietly glad for the little things that happened.  It wasn’t about deserving it, or about it being worthy of me.  I could imagine for right now, that this was a thing that I could have.  I could sit and marvel that some great shit happened to me, and it was OK.  Let’s not get it twisted—I didn’t have an epiphany, there were no turnbacks on the road to Emmaus.  But I did find a little quietude in my soul for a second and stopped frantically Teflon-ing my heart from joy for a second.

I survived a hell semester, and did well. I got a wonderful opportunity and it went well.  I could just let hat happen and also not ignore that it happened, to focus on negatives in an outsized way.  I could, in this single afternoon moment, be delighted that things had gone okay.  And not worry or strategize about the next disaster, which would happen on its own anyway.  And…that’s all I can do right now.

Also, I’m going to work on this more, this whole letting people love me and letting it sink in.  I usually avoid it because I feel like it keeps me off my game from the inevitable disaster to follow.  But that’s not how I want to live.  I’m going to try to think about what it means that some of you all tell me you love me, and then to show it.  I need to reconcile the nonstop whirligig of my mind also turns menacingly in on itself so often, and that acknowledging the gift of calculated wit and mirth also means I have to cultivate love and joy.

So tomorrow, I’m going to go for a brief run, I’m going to drink some lovely coffee, and I’m going to walk along the ocean again.  (And then I’m going to keep staying in this Airbnb so I don’t catch or spread this plague.)

 

What a fucking semester, y’all.

[krbement]

How to Become a Clinical Psychologist

Where do I begin?

→ By this point, you may be wondering where to even begin. I won’t lie to you, the pathway that I will explain in just a second is not an easy one. This career path will take extreme amounts of hard work and dedication. If you are looking to be rich, this is not the career for you. With hard work, it will end up paying off and you will be making a lot of money for your work. However, the 10 years between your undergraduate and graduate degrees and training could be spent elsewhere if money is your sole purpose. For those of you that are still with me and are interested in some hard work, let’s take a look at the steps to become a clinical psychologist:

1) Obtain your undergraduate degree!

→  Depending on what level of education you currently find yourself, you will first need to obtain your Bachelor’s degree. Your undergraduate major is really up to you. Most will stay true to the path and get their degrees in psychology which is definitely helpful when applying for graduate school because you have already taken many required courses. However, you theoretically can major in whatever your heart desires- just be sure to pay attention to the courses you'll need to take in order to apply to higher education programs. The most common undergraduate majors in this field are psychology and sociology.

2) Take the GRE!

→ During your junior year of undergrad (if you plan to go straight into graduate school after completion of your Bachelor’s degree), you will want to take the Graduate Record Examination. This test is basically the college-version of the SAT and showcases many of the same strategies needed to be successful. The general test is composed of 3 sections: analytical writing assessment, a quantitative section, and a verbal section.

This test is something I am currently studying for, so here are some useful study tips to ensure a great score:

-Give yourself time! Make sure you have at least a month before the test to start preparing. Cramming does you no good. 

-Identify and target your weaknesses. For example I focused a lot on the math section because it is my weakest section. 

-Self Prep. Work hard on your own time to study for this test in whatever way makes sense to you.

-Online course prep. Utilize online tests and study groups to find new ways to prepare on top of your own methods. The more ways you are able to look at the information- the better chance you have of truly understanding the material.

→ IMPORTANT NOTE: Pay attention to the programs you wish to apply to. Some will not require the GRE general test, some will require only the GRE Psychology subject test, and some will require both so be on the lookout for the specific requirements of your desired program.

3) Obtain your doctoral degree!

→ Once you have completed your undergraduate, you will hopefully have been accepted into a graduate program of your choice. Your focus of study is dependent on your goals for the future. You could find a program that is specifically for clinical psychology. You could alternatively focus on a path that you intend to pursue as a clinical psychologist like social psychology. Here are some different programs and focuses:

-University of California, San Diego: Program in Social Psychology

-University of California, Irvine: Program in Social and Personality Psychology

-University of California, Los Angeles: Program in Clinical Psychology

4) Obtain supervised training hours!

→ In order to become licensed, one must obtain 3000 hours of supervised training. You may complete 1500 hours while you are still obtaining your PhD but 1500 minimum hours must be obtained post-degree. This gives you the opportunity to gain experience in the field of psychology and enables you to be on your way to becoming an expert.

5) Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)!

→ In order to take this exam you must have received your doctoral degree and all of your supervised clinical experience. This test is intended to cover the most relevant analyses to the current practice of psychology. Questions span 8 topics of psychology: 

-biological bases of behavior

-the cognitive-‐affective bases of behavior

-the social and cultural bases of behavior

-growth and lifespan development

-assessment and diagnosis of patients

-the treatment, intervention, prevention and supervision of patients

-research methods and statistics

-ethical, legal, and professional issues

6) Receive approval by a state licensing board!

→ This step comes once you have passed the EPPP and it is confirmed by a revisory board that all of your requirements have been met.

7) Celebrate!

→ Pop the champagne and celebrate your achievements! This was no easy feat, you should be proud of the work it took to get here. 

8) What to expect after the champagne digests!

Thus far I have explained the path to become a clinical psychologist but you may be wondering what it’s like once you start working. First you must find a job! Here are a few current job listings:

Clinical Psychologist- Child Outpatient Services 

Clinical Psychologist- ADHD and Behavioral Disorders Center

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Here is what you mostly have been looking forward to- a day in the life of a clinical psychologist and what job duties that entails:

-Interacting with clients to help them gain insight and set action plans to achieve personal, social, or educational adjustments. 

-Identifying psychological, emotional, and behavioral issues and diagnosing disorders

-Use a variety of treatment methods to help your client achieve their goals. This is typically done by combining strategies of psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and emotion-based therapy. 

-Write reports on clients and keep updated on paperwork.

-Consult with other doctors, physicians, or therapists regarding patient/client care. 

[themodernrehabguide-blog]

Tips To Choose a Women’s Drug Rehab

Drug addiction affects men and women differently. There are a lot of women only drug rehab centers. Women have issues that they would comfortably share in a women only setting. Every rehab facility is different in terms of the amenities and treatment approaches. Here are a few things to look for when choosing a women’s drug rehab center.

It is important you choose a rehab center that addresses clients as a whole person. They need to address the psychological, social, spiritual and physical aspects of addiction. It is best you choose a rehab center that provides therapy for sexual and emotional issues that may have led to addiction such as self-esteem issues, eating disorders, family issues and others. Make sure to check out heroin rehab program San Diego info now. 

The rehab center you choose needs to have therapists who are supportive and empathetic. They need to have support groups of women who have similar addictions. It helps speed up the recovery process. If you have children, it is advisable you choose a center that provides on-site childcare services.

Consider the gender of the treatment professionals. There are some facilities that have providers of both sexes. However, if you need a facility that has women professionals, you can still find one. It is advisable you choose a rehab center that provides aftercare services. There is always a possibility of a relapse after drug abuse treatment. It is best you go to a center that has programs in place that have aftercare support groups.

It is important to do a background check to identify reputable women’s drug rehab centers. Google and check the profile of potential rehabs. Read the services and treatment programs that different centers provide. Talk to your friends who have been in the same situation before and ask for recommendations. Read online testimonials and reviews to identify reliable rehab centers. Do look up info on California drug rehab for women now. 

It is advisable you choose a rehab center that provides specialized treatment for your drug addiction. They need to come up with treatment plans that are tailored to meet your individual needs. The staff need to have the right certifications and licensing. They need to have undergone training and have the vast experience.

It is best to choose a rehab center that has staff who have dealt with women drug addicts for a long time. The rehab center should have licensing and accreditation to provide their services. It is advisable you consider first women’s drug rehab centers that are near you. It will be convenient for you to get treatment. You’ll want to learn more about rehab for drug addiction here: https://youtu.be/oheOLRg-iGk

[profoundjellyfishcrown]

A look at mental health counseling and why you may need it

 A look at mental health counseling and why you may need it

You may ask yourself, “Do I need mental health counseling?” Yes, you may need mental health counseling. A licensed counselor in San Diego can provide you with solutions to your problems and help you build skills to better cope with them. 

Feedback from a professional therapist can also help you find new perspectives on what is causing your distress so that you can find balance in your life. You may have reached the point where you feel like you need to talk to someone about your situation. But why? What is it that has you thinking about seeking a counselor? Are you feeling depressed? Do you have trouble sleeping? Are you experiencing anxiety or panic attacks? Are you struggling with relationship problems? Do you suffer from chronic pain or illness? If any of these things are happening to you, then it might be a good idea to seek professional help. A therapist can help you deal with these issues in a safe and confidential setting.

It's important to remember that not all mental health problems require counseling or therapy. If your problem is mild and temporary, it may not require professional intervention. However, if your symptoms are severe enough to affect your daily life, then it's time to speak with someone who understands what it's like to live with anxiety or depression, or any other condition that affects moods or emotions

Mental health counseling: How does it work?

 If you've ever felt like your emotions are too much to handle, it might be time to consider counseling. It's a safe way to talk about what's going on in your life and get support from a professional.

Coping mechanism - Mental health counselors can help with many issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, and trauma. They can also help you figure out how to cope with difficult situations, manage anger and improve relationships.

Identify what the problem is - Counseling is an active process that involves both the person who has concerns and the mental health professional. You'll work together to identify problems and goals for treatment, set up a plan for using counseling services, and make decisions about how long you'll stay in therapy.

Come up with a treatment plan - Your counselor will then help you come up with a treatment plan that fits your needs. This could include one-on-one sessions with the counselor or group therapy sessions with other clients who have similar issues. Some counseling sessions may be scheduled for specific times each week; others may be scheduled for whenever you need them. In some cases, sessions are done by telephone or online chat instead of in-person face-to-face.

If you're feeling worried or afraid about something and the worry is interfering with your daily life, it's time to seek help. If your anxiety is so severe that it keeps you from doing things you enjoy, it's time to seek help. If you feel like you're losing control over your emotions and behavior, it's time to seek help.

Name:  Melissa Pollock Intentional Therapy

Address:  4822 Kings Way, San Diego, CA, 92117,

Phone:  3122176885

[recoverhealthcare]

RecoverHealthcare - Physical Therapy Treatment California

Source: RecoverHealthcare

Get physical therapy treatment in California with RecoverHealthcare without missing appointments due to scheduling issues. And therapists can bridge gaps in their schedule! Recover is a health care platform focused on connecting patients with world-class physical therapists.

[therapist-in-san-diego]

How to Choose a Therapist in San Diego

Life can put you through extraordinarily tough times, and sometimes it might feel like nothing in your life is going your way.

That’s why it’s important to have someone to talk to who understands your situation and cares about your mental health. Friends, family, and pets can be great therapy, but sometimes the best option is professional therapy.

In San Diego, there are many therapists to choose from, but not all of them may be suitable for your needs.

Read on to discover how to find the right therapist in San Diego for you.

Finding the Perfect Match

Maybe your friends or family members suggested to you a local therapist who did wonders for them and their mental health, but they didn’t work for you.

This might come as a surprise, especially if they had high online ratings and raving testimonials.

If you didn’t connect with them, it wasn’t your fault, and it might not have been their fault either. There’s a good chance you simply didn’t have chemistry.

When you click with your therapist, this is often referred to as The Therapeutic Alliance. This term is commonly understood as being the bond a therapist and their patient have. This connection is strong and often long-lasting.

When you click with your therapist, you are more likely to open up to them. If you open up to them and become honest and sincere about your mental state, the therapy has a better chance of success.

Facilitating the Therapeutic Alliance

To determine if you and your therapist will get along, consider these elements:

The therapist has a genuine interest in your recovery

Gives you their undivided attention

No judgment

The therapist has a background in helping similar patients to you

You feel comfortable telling the therapist about your problems

Conversations will be purely confidential

You and the therapist share the same goals

A strong bond between you and your therapist may not necessarily form as soon as you meet them. Be patient and give yourselves some time to get to know each other.

Use Your Health Insurance

Your health insurance probably won’t cover the full costs of therapy, but therapy services in San Diego shouldn’t have to cost you a fortune either.

You can check with your insurance provider by visiting their website or giving them a call. You’ll want to look for:

How much your insurance company pays for therapy sessions

How many sessions it is willing to cover

If there’s a search tool in its database (find an in-network list of therapists)

If you can find a therapist on your company’s database, congrats. You’ve found your lowest cost option for therapy.

Your insurance company will cover the costs of your visits with this therapist. These visits will probably charge a $15-$50 copay depending upon the location in San Diego and the services they provide.

Always make sure to keep up-to-date with all therapist services in San Diego. Double-check by visiting this therapist’s website or call to see if they still accept insurance from your provider.

If you can’t find an in-network therapist in your area, there are alternative low-cost options to choose from.

Out-of-Network Benefits

San Diego not only has a high average cost of living, but therapy sessions can be quite costly, too.

On average, a mental health center in San Diego will charge $135-$165 for each session, but your insurance card’s out-of-network benefits may cover a percentage of the cost of each session.

Sliding Scale Fees

The cost of therapy in San Diego isn’t always fixed. Many therapists will work something out with their clients who may have trouble affording the standard costs of their services.

Be sure to let your therapist know about your financial situation. They may adjust their fees to fit your ability to pay.

You probably won’t knock their fees down to the $15-$50 copay of most in-network therapists, but you may turn $165 visits into $100 visits just by asking them about their alternative pricing options.

The Location of the Therapist in San Diego Matters

You might find the most affordable, kind, and easygoing therapist with whom you click perfectly. But, if they’re too far away, you might have to look somewhere else.

San Diego is a big city. Some common problems you may run into if you don’t do your research include:

Their office may be on the opposite end of the city from you

The parking in downtown San Diego can be tough

To mitigate difficulties as far as location is concerned, consider finding a mental health center that is in a less congested area in San Diego. Check your city map to see if it is reachable by public transit, too.

Aligning Your Schedules

Does the therapist’s appointment schedule align with yours? Are they super busy with other clients? Are they unable to provide you the length of time for each appointment that you desire?

Be sure to keep these factors in mind before coming to any final decisions.

The therapist may be a perfect fit for you in other ways, but they may not be able to provide you the proper care you need if neither of you can dedicate a comfortable pocket of time for each session.

Would You Like to Know More?

Finding the perfect therapist in San Diego for you may seem like a daunting task at first, but all of the efforts will be worth it once the puzzle fits and you find a therapist you click with.

If you found this article helpful and you’d like to know more about finding the right therapist for you, be sure to check out our About Us page.

The Mental Health Center of San Diego offers the highest standard of care to all patients. We understand that every person experiencing mental health issues is not the same and deserves individualized treatment. Reach out to us if you’re ready to take the first step.

[sandiegotherapy1]

Therapy for highly sensitive person

It is not a terrible thing to be a highly sensitive person (HSP). That means that you digest information, including life experiences, moments, and emotions more thoroughly. You are very aware of your surroundings and possess a great ability to detect tiny clues in your surroundings that others may miss. Because you may be more sensitive to subtle signs and analyze them more thoroughly than other people, it's not surprising that you could feel overwhelmed by less-than-subtle situations. Loud sounds, sudden temperature changes, crowds, and emotionally charged circumstances can all produce anxiety because your system is overstimulated. We are offering the best anxiety treatment san Diego and a highly sensitive person therapist with the assistance of our highly trained professionals.   It's important to remember that being an HSP is only a way of being in the world. Many persons who identify as HSPs have had someone tell them they are "too sensitive" or "can't let things go" at some point in their life. These are difficult to hear, especially from people we care about, and can make us feel misunderstood or, worse, weak or incompetent. As a highly sensitive person, how can I ask for help? As an HSP, you may have encountered events or individuals that made you doubt yourself, your perceptions, or your talents. This is not a pleasant sensation. We are hesitant to let others infer. Mostly we are afraid of betrayal, loss, or rejection by the people. Regardless of how difficult they are at work, in their personal life, or in their relationships. Our professionals deeply listen to the highly sensitive person for their best therapy. It might be difficult to consider that we would need to trust someone with our stories and experiences to help us achieve healing and serenity when we have very deep wounds. The following are some suggestions for contacting and locating a therapist who is familiar with working with extremely sensitive people. Finding a Certified Therapist: Although many people claim to be helpful professionals, it is critical to seek out those who have the necessary degree, training, and license to work in their industry. Psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists, and social workers are examples of this. For many professions, there are state board rules in place, and while providers differ considerably, choosing someone who has been formally trained and certified by their state board will ensure that they have satisfied particular criteria to work in their chosen area. We are leading the era of affordable therapy for highly sensitive person and cognitive behavioral therapy san Diego.   What to Look For: On the internet, you may obtain a wealth of information on therapists. Many online advertising sites and other websites dedicated to spreading information about available therapists exist, and they may be searched by area to discover what possibilities are available near you. Keep in mind that you will most likely be seeing this individual on a frequent basis for a while, so plan accordingly while planning and commuting.

[physicaltherapistcalifornia]

Find Recover.healthcare informative blogs about our therapy and treatments.

[ptsd-counseling-near-me]

What is PTSD? Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

What is PTSD? This question is helpful to ask because understanding what Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD is may be the key to encouraging you to get help, or it may be an opportunity for you to help someone else.

A person develops PTSD after witnessing a traumatic event, the trauma from their experience may later develop into intense or disturbing behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. Traumatic events can include:

Natural Disaster

Military Combat

Sexual Assault

Serious Accidents

Terrorist Acts

Threats of Violence

Any Type of Abuse

Car Accidents

The disorder was once known as shell shock after World War I and combat fatigue following World War II. Since then, we’ve learned a lot, and now is not exclusive to military veterans, but can occur for anyone and at any age.

What is PTSD?

When you initially experience a frightening or traumatic experience, you engage in a reaction called “fight-or-flight.” Generally, this response is normal and helpful. This response adapted to help protect you from danger, even when faced with something traumatic, most people get past that initial fight-or-flight response, and they recover.

When someone doesn’t and continues to experience ongoing problems and effects, they might receive a diagnosis of PTSD.

Often, people who have been diagnosed may be triggered to feel scared or stressed even though they’re not facing any immediate danger.

Signs of PTSD

Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder relies on knowing the symptoms and risk factors. For most people, symptoms begin within three months of the traumatic event, but for some people, they may not show symptoms for years.

To be diagnosed, symptoms must last for over a month. They must be severe enough that they’re interfering with someone’s daily functioning.

The symptoms that must be present for at least one month to warrant a PTSD diagnosis in an adult are:

At least one symptom of re-experiencing

At least one avoidance symptom

Two arousal and reactivity symptoms, at a minimum

Two cognitive and mood symptoms

Re-experiencing symptoms include reliving the trauma through flashbacks, bad dreams, or scary thoughts. These symptoms may also have physical symptoms such as sweating or a racing heart.

When a person wants to avoid triggers or reminders of a traumatic event, then these are grouped into the larger category of avoidance symptoms. Arousal or reactivity symptoms can include being tense or edgy, having sleep disturbances, being startled easily, and having angry outbursts.

Finally, cognitive and mood-related symptoms can include negative feelings, distorted feelings of guilt or blame, loss of interest in activities, and problems remembering features of the traumatic event.

Children may have different symptoms than adults.

Symptoms in children can include:

Being very clingy to a caretaker

Wetting the bed after being toilet-trained

Forgetting how to talk

Acting out the traumatic event when playing

Kids who are older or teens tend to have symptoms more in line with adults.

PTSD in Military Veterans

Rates of PTSD are common among United States veterans, particularly when they’ve experienced combat. Through military combat, people develop many mental health problems related to violence, abuse, and death. Thoughts, feelings and flashbacks of guilt may occur even over surviving, while others perish.  

Along with combat, another trigger that’s relatively common among veterans and service members is military sexual trauma or MST. MST can occur to men and women during war, training, or peacetime.

According to the National Center for PTSD, anywhere from 11-20% of veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom are diagnosed with PTSD in a given year. Additionally, experts estimate around 30% of Vietnam veterans will experience it in their lifetime.

PTSD Statistics

Outside of PTSD specific to veterans and service members, it’s still a common mental illness.

About 7-8% of the general population will be diagnosed at some time in their life.

Doctors diagnose eight million adults annually.

Women are more at risk, with 10% estimated to develop the disorder at some point during their life.

Around 4% of men are estimated to develop the disorder in their lifetime.

Treating PTSD

By finding answers to “what is PTSD” and learning more about the condition, you are on a path to also explore treatment options. PTSD is manageable and treatable.

Treatments can include one or a combination of the following:

Talk therapy: Also called psychotherapy, this type of counseling where you work with a mental health professional. You can participate in talk therapy one-on-one, or you might do it in a group. It’s a short-term treatment in most cases; you might do talk therapy for anywhere from six to 12 weeks. When someone participates in therapy, they will learn more about their symptoms, how to identify triggers, and specific coping skills. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one particular type of talk therapy that can be helpful for someone with PTSD.

Medication: Antidepressants are one of the most common categories of medication-based treatment for PTSD, but others may also be available. For example, there might be certain medicines used for specific symptoms like sleep disturbances.

Lifestyle changes: These are detailed more below, but your doctor or counselor may also recommend that you do things in your daily life to help your symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes That Can Help

You can do many things on your own, outside of the treatments your doctor recommends, to help alleviate some of your symptoms. These can include:

Joining a support group: Many support groups are available for people with PTSD, including groups specifically for military veterans. You can attend these groups in person or online. You may feel better talking to other people about your feelings and experiences, particularly if they can relate.

Social support: In addition to a support group, keeping strong relationships with friends and family can help you work through stressful situations.

Go to a drug or alcohol treatment program: Substance use disorder is a common dual diagnosis alongside PTSD. Going to a treatment program to overcome your addiction and gain a sense of control over your mental and physical health.

Exercise regularly: Regularly moving your body is one of the easiest things you can do to help improve your mental health.

Be involved in your community: Giving back tends to invoke positive feelings that repress symptoms.

Final Thoughts

If you have symptoms of PTSD, you should talk to a professional at The Mental Health Center of San Diego. As with physical health conditions, therapists can diagnose PTSD by going over a specific set of symptoms; you can start to learn more about available treatment options and lifestyle changes that might help you after being diagnosed.