How nurses and doctors can help with PTSD

There are millions of brave veterans in the US who have served diligently in military conflicts around the world, but the aftermath of a tour overseas can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can manifest in bouts of anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and sleep disorders.

While the effects of PTSD can be debilitating for the individual initially, there are a growing number of nurse practitioners (NPs) and doctors who specialize in helping people to come to terms with the mental health condition and move forward with their lives once again.

There are now more than 20 million veterans in the US population, and around 20% suffer from PTSD in some form. If you are struggling with the condition, it is important that you know that you are not alone and that many other people have gone through something similar and have been able to overcome it.

Nurses and doctors across the country are at the forefront of treatment and support for people suffering with PTSD. These advanced practitioners can help you come to terms with what happened, talk through the struggles you are going through, and set out a plan with treatment that will address the issue.

One major reason why nurses are so effective at treating PTSD is that they are trained to spot the signs that a patient is exhibiting the condition. By completing a comprehensive screening and evaluation, health practitioners can work quickly to provide treatment and advice.

During screening, nurses will also offer personal support regularly, which helps patients feel more comfortable in their surroundings, and when a strong rapport has been nurtured, enable them to take positive steps to overcoming PTSD.

NPs are also more likely to focus on the patient rather than just the condition. This holistic approach to healthcare is especially important for mental health conditions where a range of factors have an impact on feelings and emotions. Each day is different, and NPs will offer support that is needed in the long term to help the patient.

This is also true for treatment. Doctors and advanced practitioners can prescribe medication and set out treatment plans, while nurses can ease a patient’s mind during follow-up assessments. Those in healthcare work together to make everything easier for people suffering with PTSD.

For those who want to help veterans and other people with the condition, attaining the FNP BC will give you the credentials to work as a nurse. By completing online classes at a reputable university, you will be able to follow your dream and forge a career in healthcare.

Family nurse practitioners play a crucial role in educating patients and supporting them through difficult times, which is something that has been brought into sharp focus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Just by offering support and information, nurses can have a huge impact on a person’s life.

PTSD is a common problem, but it is important to take proactive action if you think that you may be struggling to cope. By visiting a nurse or doctor, you can make the changes that will get your professional and personal life back on track.