Many people wonder, Is PTSD a disability? Mental disabilities can be difficult to see and diagnose because they’re highly internal in the way they affect the individual. Plus, they can’t be seen from the outside in the same way as a physical disability. Yet, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disability caused by trauma. Veterans and emergency responders experience high numbers of PTSD across their fields. Due to the stressful and dangerous nature of their jobs, they’re at high risk of experiencing trauma and facing PTSD. At Aliya Health Group, we offer comprehensive PTSD treatment that helps clients heal holistically. Our trauma-focused treatment prioritizes the underlying issues behind symptoms to heal the root of the pain.
What Is PTSD?
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disability that stems from a significant traumatic experience. This trauma leads to symptoms that linger long after the incident. PTSD can begin anytime in childhood or adulthood and may be more likely as an adult if you faced trauma as a child. Other factors that can contribute to the development and severity of symptoms include:
- Biological factors
- History of substance addiction
- History of mental illness
- Witnessing others get hurt
- Experiencing violence or assault
- Feeling helpless and afraid
- Navigating the experience without help from others
Roughly six percent of people will experience PTSD during their lifetime, although certain people have a higher chance. For example, emergency workers like military service members, veterans, and first responders are at a greater risk. Also, women are more likely than men to have PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD last one month or longer and may include:
- Flashbacks
- Panic attacks
- Avoiding places that remind of the event
- Avoiding memories of the event
- Intrusive thoughts
- Reckless behavior
- Angry outbursts
- Feelings of guilt or shame
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling on guard or on edge
- Depression or hopelessness
Is PTSD a Disability?
If you’re wondering, “Is PTSD a disability?” the answer is yes. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder that can severely impact a person’s quality of life through their ability to function. Notably, PTSD is what is sometimes referred to as an “invisible disability,” like other mental disorders. Following routines and normalcy can be almost impossible for an individual battling PTSD symptoms. Often, the quality of the disorder is that the symptoms appear out of nowhere, changing a good moment into a challenging one. As such, regular responsibilities and enjoyments, like work and spending time with family, can be regularly interrupted.
Some of the negative impacts of PTSD interrupting a person’s life include:
- Difficulty keeping a job or progressing professionally
- Strained relationships with family, friends, and loved ones
- Financial difficulty
- Loss of enjoyment of hobbies and passions
- Fear and anxiety that symptoms will occur
- Isolation and a sense of otherness
- A sense of grief
- Poor health
- Substance abuse issues
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs has a rating system for the severity of an individual’s PTSD symptoms. The PTSD VA rating is based on how much it impacts their life and determines the type of disability compensation for PTSD they can receive. In short, veterans with symptoms of PTSD due to service that were diagnosed by a doctor are eligible for compensation. Monthly disability income can make a big difference when you’re struggling, so consider applying if you meet the requirements.
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Speak With Our Admissions TeamHow Is PTSD Treated?
Posttraumatic stress disorder is a complex issue that looks different for every person struggling. Sometimes, it lingers years after the event or is triggered later in life but has roots in an earlier trauma. Commonly, symptoms will appear within three months of the event. Regardless of what your PTSD looks like, there is treatment and hope for recovery. PTSD has long been studied so we can understand the best approaches. Veterans and first responders can experience healing from their pain through a mix of trauma-focused therapies.
Through our rehabilitation centers, we provide trauma treatment specifically tailored to veterans and emergency workers. To elaborate, our military veteran treatment programming targets holistic healing for mental illness and extending issues of PTSD, like addiction. We utilize a combination of traditional therapy, such as behavioral therapy, and experiential therapy, such as equine-assisted therapy. Markedly, our treatment is flexible according to the individual. Sometimes, this looks like treating comorbid issues, like substance abuse and PTSD, or PTSD and symptoms of other mental illnesses. Regardless, every client follows an individual service plan based on them and their needs.
Can a Treatment Center Cure PTSD?
Trauma recovery is possible through treatment in a rehabilitation center. On the one hand, we know the path to healing is different for every person. Yet, using the same essential therapies and tactics, individuals with mental disorders and substance use disorders (SUD) can find healing. It’s important to understand that in the case of PTSD, recovery from symptoms is possible. Some people are able to fully heal from their symptoms through rehab. For others, they learn symptom management techniques, including unpacking the roots of their pain and optional medication management. The goal of their recovery may be an ability to cope with occasional triggers to maintain a fulfilling life.
Our team is knowledgeable about trauma care and PTSD. We would love to learn more about your situation and share how you can get help through treatment.
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Check Your CoverageFinding Professional PTSD Treatment
We are passionate about helping veterans recover from traumatic events during their service. We provide a Valor Program for veterans and first responders that makes PTSD recovery a reality. In this program, you can expect to attend both individual and group therapy sessions. You’ll be able to unpack your pain and emotions in a safe and understanding environment. Recovery takes time, and our team will walk with you for as long as you need.
Further, your service plan will include evidential psychotherapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), or exposure therapy. It will also combine experiential therapy, like nature therapy, sound therapy, or equine therapy.
Therefore, is PTSD a disability? It is and can have a life-altering effect. Fortunately, recovery is possible. Please reach out today if you’re ready to experience peace and healing.
