If you feel that you are struggling with PTSD, you don’t have to struggle alone. You can call The National Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787 to speak to a professional about PTSD symptoms and get help with mental health resources.
According to 2015 data from the National Institutes of Health, 10% of Americans have a substance use disorder at least once during their lifetimes, but 75% go without being treated. The statistics are shocking. Among patients in treatment for substance use disorder, 75% of men and women report histories of abuse and trauma. A significant 97% of homeless women with mental illness also have a background of severe sexual or physical abuse. Between 12% and 34% of individuals being treated for addiction have PTSD, and 33% of people exposed to trauma develop PTSD.
Given those statistics and the stigma associated with these disorders, it’s no wonder people don’t want to talk about it. Imagine a hotline that you could call any hour of the day or night with no charge, no insurance information required and no fear of being judged. It’s OK if you don’t know what to ask. The trained staff at The National Mental Health Hotline can help.
PTSD Hotlines and Resources
The following are national resources that can assist with PTSD struggles:
- Crisis Text Line: Text and Online Chat
This is a volunteer-based service offering 24/7 free PTSD help near me support with a textable number at 741741 and an online chat at crisistextline.org. - SAMHSA National Helpline
SAMHSA provides a free 24-hour service for substance abuse-related needs and any mental health problems, including PTSD. The service is available in multiple languages to gather a wider population. If you are looking for PTSD counseling near me or a loved one needs help, reach out through the following:
Text: 435748 Call: 1-800-662-4357 or TTY 1-800-487-4889 - NAMI Helpline
The NAMI helpline can help answer your questions and provide guidance for all mental illness topics. Reach out through the following PTSD chat and call lines: Text: 62640 | Call 800-950-6264 - Mental Health Hotline is a free, 24-hour service established to provide resources for those seeking help and connect them with appropriate and local care.
PTSD Statistics
As shown from the statistics below, you should never feel alone if you are battling PTSD symptoms. The fact is millions of other people across the country share your journey. The following are some interesting facts about PTSD:
- Overall, PTSD affects around 5-6% of the US population or approximately 13 million Americans each year
- 20% of individuals who experience or witness a traumatic event end up with PTSD
- About 36.6 % of adults with PTSD experience serious impairment. Another 33.1% experience moderate impairment and 30.2% have mild impairment.
- About 5% of adolescents in the US experience PTSD
- PTSD is more common in women than in men. While the prevalence in men is estimated at 4%, PTSD impacts 8% of adult women.
What Can Cause PTSD?
PTSD can be triggered by exposure to a terrifying event that you experienced or witnessed. The situation we find to be traumatic tends to vary from person to person. However, some of the common life-threatening events that might cause someone to develop PTSD include:
- Violent assaults
- Violent combat
- Vehicle accidents
- Natural disasters
- Sexual assault or rape
- Traumatic childbirth
- Losing a loved one
Different Types of PTSD and How They Present Themselves
There are different types of PTSD, and knowing which type of disorder you are experiencing can help you find the most effective treatment.
Uncomplicated PTSD
Although it is triggered by a significant trauma, uncomplicated PTSD doesn’t deal with multiple events. It can be linked to a specific accident, incident or natural disaster. The treatment for this type of disorder tends to be more straightforward than other types. Symptoms to watch out for include:
- Mood swings
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks
Comorbid PTSD
Comorbid PTSD deals with multiple mental conditions. People with this disorder often have substance use problems. Typical comorbid conditions associated with PTSD include:
- Depression
- Panic disorder
- Anxiety.
Complex PTSD
This type of PTSD is associated with multiple traumatic events. Many people with this type of disorder have experienced domestic violence or abuse. It can also be caused by other traumatic events such as unexpected loss, war experiences and community violence. Symptoms of this disorder include:
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Mood swings
- Irritability
PTSD Can Be Treated
You should never shy away from seeking help. It’s possible for PTSD disorder to be successfully treated, even several years after the traumatic event occurred. Primarily, PTSD symptoms are managed through talk therapy and medication.
Talk Therapies
Talk therapies are typically the first line of treatment when someone has PTSD, and there are several methods available. Most commonly, PTSD is managed with:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that helps individuals manage their symptoms by changing how they think and act. They use various psychological techniques to help them confront their traumatic event and empower themselves to reframe how they see it.
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): During EMDR therapy, the therapist encourages you to recall the traumatic event in detail while making eye movements following the therapist’s finger movement. It is a psychological treatment known to reduce symptoms of PTSD.
Medicine
In some cases, your medical provider can use a combination of therapies and medication. Common medications used to treat PTSD in adults include paroxetine and sertraline. Medication could be the most effective option if you suffer from comorbid conditions, such as severe depression.
Get the help you need
Remember, the path to full recovery starts with one courageous step: reaching out for help. We understand that navigating therapy without insurance or financial resources can be overwhelming, but don’t let that discourage you. That’s where PTSD hotlines become invaluable lifelines.
The National Mental Health Hotline is here for you, ready to provide the support and guidance you need. With compassionate professionals just a phone call away, you can take that vital first step toward healing. Call 866-903-3787 to get help.