Dealing with Acute Stress Disorder

Dealing with acute stress disorder is not easy. There are even times when this disorder may make people feel overwhelmed. That’s why seeking anxiety treatment center is so important for overall well-being. At Alina Lodge, we have outstanding programs to help with acute stress disorder.

Until then, there are some steps you can take to deal with acute stress disorder and focus on improving your mental health.

What Is Acute Stress Disorder?

Acute stress disorder, better known by the abbreviation ASD, is related and may occur prior to post-traumatic stress disorder. ASD is a mental health condition that usually stems from a traumatic event. Without treatment, it can go on to cause post-traumatic stress disorder.

Though it is linked to PTSD, ASD is not the same thing. ASD was only added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders in the 1990s. It is defined as occurring within three to thirty days following a traumatic event and is temporary. When the symptoms go on for longer than thirty days, they may then be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder instead.

Some common symptoms of this illness include:

• Intrusive thoughts
• Dissociative symptoms, such as a lack of awareness of a person’s surroundings
• Arousal symptoms, which as insomnia or aggressive tendencies
• Negative mood, such as feelings of sadness
• Avoidance symptoms, such as trying to avoid people or places that remind the students of a negative experience

The good news is that there are ways to deal with this condition so that there is an opportunity for recovery.

Tips to Deal with a Stress Disorder

People who struggle with acute stress disorder may benefit from three ways of dealing with this illness. Some possible options include:

• Practicing mindfulness
• Taking medications
• Trying cognitive-behavioral therapy

Each of these options provides an opportunity to address the stress head-on and try to relieve the symptoms.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is one way that people can take back control when they are dealing with ASD. With this condition, it’s easy to become dissociated or to feel out of touch with reality. Being mindful helps people connect. This may include focusing on the present moment, acknowledging their feelings and sensations, and working through them as a manner of therapy.

Consider Taking Medications

The next thing to do is to consider taking medications for the condition. Some people take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which increase serotonin levels in the brain. This may help even out their moods and make them feel more in control.

Other people may try serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which are a class of medications used for depression disorder and some other conditions.

Other than these, benzodiazepines may also be used in some cases to address panic attacks and other symptoms.

Use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to Your Benefit

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of psychological treatment used to help manage the symptoms of a mental illness. Cognitive-behavioral therapy works by looking at how a cycle of thoughts and emotions could negatively impact a person’s behavior. By addressing those negatives and changing them, it may be possible to alter the person’s behaviors in a positive way. For example, recognizing a negative behavior pattern may help a student notice and change them to prevent or address problems.

Treat Acute Stress Disorder, a Dual Diagnosis, and Mental Health at Alina Lodge

At Alina Lodge, we know that living with acute stress disorder is upsetting, whether it’s you or someone you love going through it. We can help. Call our team today at 833.685.1700 to find out more about our treatment programs and how we can help you or someone you care about get the support they need to improve their mental health.