Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Understanding Symptoms and Finding Local Support
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as combat, assault, abuse, natural disasters, serious accidents, or other life-threatening situations.
While it’s normal to feel distress after trauma, PTSD occurs when symptoms persist for more than a month and interfere with daily life.
Common Symptoms
PTSD symptoms fall into four categories and may vary in severity:
- Intrusion – Recurrent, unwanted memories, nightmares, or flashbacks of the traumatic event
- Avoidance – Avoiding places, people, or activities that are reminders of the trauma
- Negative changes in mood and thinking – Persistent negative thoughts, distorted blame, feelings of detachment, or loss of interest in activities
- Changes in arousal and reactivity -Irritability, angry outbursts, difficulty sleeping, being easily startled, or hypervigilance
Causes and Risk Factors
Anyone can develop PTSD, but factors that may increase risk include:
- Direct exposure to trauma
- Severe or prolonged traumatic experiences
- History of childhood abuse or neglect
- Co-occurring mental health conditions
- Lack of social support after trauma
Protective factors—such as strong social networks, healthy coping skills, and timely access to professional care—can reduce risk.
How PTSD is Diagnosed
A licensed mental health professional diagnoses PTSD based on:
- Symptom history
- Clinical interviews
- Criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
Anxiety and dissociative symptoms are common with PTSD. Depression may also co-occur with PTSD.
Treatment and Management Options
Mental Wellness Center does not provide direct PTSD treatment. Local mental health providers may recommend:
- Trauma-focused psychotherapies – Such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Medication – Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other medications for symptom relief
- Combination approaches – Therapy plus medication for improved outcomes
- Support groups – Peer and family support for shared coping strategies
Living with PTSD
With treatment, many people experience significant improvement and can lead fulfilling lives. Early intervention and ongoing support can aid recovery.
PTSD Resources in Santa Barbara
We connect individuals and families to:
- Local trauma-informed therapists and psychiatrists
- PTSD support groups and peer programs
- Educational resources and workshops
Explore our mental health services directory to find local mental health specialists.
How Mental Wellness Center Can Help
- Offer referrals to trusted local providers and national hotlines
- Facilitate community programs to reduce stigma and increase awareness
Learn more about Mental Wellness Center’s mission to promote mental health for all.
We’re here for you.
Contact us to learn more or make an appointment. We may refer you to an educational group, a support group or one of our external partners.
To learn more about a specific mental health disorder,
go to: www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness.
“You are not defined by your challenges, you’re defined by your courage to face them.”
Ramona Winner
MWC Family Advocate of 12 years