Acute Stress Disorder Care at Treat Mental Health

Understanding Acute Stress Disorder

Despite its short duration, Acute Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that should be taken seriously by the person experiencing it and people who notice its manifestations. If you went through a traumatic event, whether it led to physical harm to you and others or not, a few days after the occurrence you will notice the deterioration of your mental state – anxiety, nightmares, and agitation are going to be present in your life and get worse with every day. Thankfully, Acute Stress Disorder in adults can be treated. At Treat Mental Health, we help people overcome hardships and regain control over their lives. Contact our center today and ask about treatment under the supervision of our specialists.

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What Causes Acute Stress Disorder?

While every Acute Stress Disorder case requires personalized treatment, the causes of this condition are often the same for most people. Some of the common Acute Stress Disorder causes are as follows:

Life-changing events of various magnitudes - a messy divorce that followed months or years of domestic violence, natural disasters, assaults, and personal loss are among the circumstances that allow Acute Stress Disorder to emerge mere days after the situation in question.
A vulnerable mental state can be affected by the smallest problem - for instance, if you witnessed an accident that did not harm you in any way and the person involved in an incident had minor damage as well, you can still be stressed out by what you saw and develop various symptoms of the disorder.
Prolonged exposure to violence and abuse can also result in Acute Stress Disorder - for example, a person who recently experienced bullying and harassment in the workplace will feel the effects of this negativity immediately after.

If you are wondering “Acute Stress Disorder vs PTSD: is there a difference?”, the answer is yes. The latter condition starts a few months later, it often becomes an extension of Acute Stress Disorder whose symptoms were not addressed in time, and may develop years after the person was exposed to a traumatic event.

Recognizing the Signs of Acute Stress Disorder

The manifestations of Acute Stress Disorder will vary from person to person; however, there are certain similarities in how this mental condition exhibits itself. Remember that only a mental health professional can tell you if you meet the Acute Stress Disorder criteria – pay special attention to the following symptoms:

Anxiety

Constant stress is one of the most common Acute Stress Disorder symptoms – you may feel worried

about the traumatic event occurring again or become a more nervous person in general.

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Distressing Thoughts

An individual who went through a difficult situation will return back to it in their mind over and over

again – replaying the events to see whether the accident could have been prevented or they could save another person from injury or death is not a healthy coping mechanism.

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Cognitive Decline

Acute Stress Disorder will have a negative impact on a person’s ability to memorize, concentrate,

and focus on a particular task. It can be a tough challenge for them to carry out their professional obligations or pay attention to the road when they are driving which often leads to further dangers for themselves and for others.

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Anxiety

Constant stress is one of the most common Acute Stress Disorder symptoms – you may

feel worried about the traumatic event occurring again or become a more nervous person in general.

Show More Show Less

Distressing Thoughts

An individual who went through a difficult situation will return back to it in their mind

over and over again – replaying the events to see whether the accident could have been prevented or they could save another person from injury or death is not a healthy coping mechanism.

Show More Show Less

Cognitive Decline

Acute Stress Disorder will have a negative impact on a person’s ability to memorize,

concentrate, and focus on a particular task. It can be a tough challenge for them to carry out their professional obligations or pay attention to the road when they are driving which often leads to further dangers for themselves and for others.

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Sleep Problems

It is not unusual for a person who survived a traumatic event or witnessed something scary to

experience sleep disturbances. Whether you cannot fall asleep for a long time, wake up early in the morning unable to sleep for more than a few hours, or feel exhausted even after a full night of sleep, this problem can often be resolved only in therapy.

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Aggressive Behavior

It is not uncommon for a person with a troubled past to lash out at others through no fault of their

own, become mad when faced with a minor inconvenience, or ruin their relationships with others by being constantly irritated and upset for no particular reason. This symptom frequently becomes the reason for a person to finally get therapy – at times, prompted by their inner circle, who can see the struggle of the individual.

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Depersonalization

You can feel yourself detaching from reality as if the objects and people around you do not exist, or

you are looking at yourself as if you are outside of your body. The derealization of this kind is a scary experience so do not postpone a visit to a doctor if it happens just once – the symptom may recur and become the new normal for you which results in other complications.

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Sleep Problems

It is not unusual for a person who survived a traumatic event or witnessed something

scary to experience sleep disturbances. Whether you cannot fall asleep for a long time, wake up early in the morning unable to sleep for more than a few hours, or feel exhausted even after a full night of sleep, this problem can often be resolved only in therapy.

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Aggressive Behavior

It is not uncommon for a person with a troubled past to lash out at others through

no fault of their own, become mad when faced with a minor inconvenience, or ruin their relationships with others by being constantly irritated and upset for no particular reason. This symptom frequently becomes the reason for a person to finally get therapy – at times, prompted by their inner circle, who can see the struggle of the individual.

Show More Show Less

Depersonalization

You can feel yourself detaching from reality as if the objects and people around you do

not exist, or you are looking at yourself as if you are outside of your body. The derealization of this kind is a scary experience so do not postpone a visit to a doctor if it happens just once – the symptom may recur and become the new normal for you which results in other complications.

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Treatment Approaches for Acute Stress Disorder at Treat Mental Health

Although the assessment of the patient is a necessary step to take in order to pick what therapeutic approach is the most suitable in your case, you can learn more about the treatment programs we offer to individuals with Acute Stress Disorder – here is a brief overview of what you can expect while relying on our counselors in your recovery:

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Individual Therapy

Discussing your fears and worries with the therapist in a private setting can be the first step towards healing or the main therapeutic approach that helps you, depending on the severity of your condition. Choose a specialist you are comfortable with, find out if you meet the Acute Stress Disorder DSM-5 criteria to check what symptoms should be targeted, and work together on a timeline to set the objectives of your treatment.

Trauma-Informed Care

This type of therapy puts emphasis on a traumatic event the person survived or witnessed – the counselor working with you will know to search for triggering circumstances in the day you were in a car accident or in the period of time when you were a victim of domestic abuse.

Family Counseling

With the permission of the client, we can invite their family members to join them in a therapy setting. Whether your parents, siblings, or partner were the ones who advised you to undergo treatment or you want them to understand better what you went through and how to accommodate you from now on, family therapy can be the key factor in your recovery.

Relaxation Practices

In certain instances, improving overall mental health is the best way to deal with the aftermath of an accident or abuse. We can show you how to take care of yourself by dedicating a few minutes or hours every day to activities that make you emotionally stronger – you can incorporate yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, aromatherapy, and art therapy in your routine and feel how your symptoms get less aggressive.

Why Choose Treat Mental Health?

Dedicated Team of Therapists

Our specialists know how to make the patient feel heard and understood – for many years they have been helping people to overcome and manage their mental conditions with great success. The significance of the rapport between the patient and the therapist cannot be overstated, and we will make sure you get the most out of your Acute Stress Disorder treatment.

Holistic Care

When an Acute Stress Disorder diagnosis is confirmed, it is necessary to target the causes of it instead of focusing all attention on a single manifestation of the problem. Our counselors will look for ways to enhance the connection between your mind, body, and spirit to ensure you complete the treatment as a strong, resilient individual whose mental wellness will allow them to handle any challenge.

Patient-Centered Treatment

We are convinced we can get the best therapeutic outcome if we find an individual approach for every patient – there is no use in implementing the same treatment program for each client since every individual requires to be properly examined and evaluated before we choose the type of therapy that will work for them. Besides, we can also offer you to undergo virtual outpatient treatment so that you can access therapy from home at any time.

Comforting Environment

Many people do not want to seek professional treatment because they do not want to be judged or they worry their privacy will not be respected. This will not be the case at our facility – we are committed to helping our patients with consideration and confidentiality so you can trust us with your authentic feelings.

Struggling With Acute Stress Disorder? Treat Mental Health Offers Compassionate, Expert Care to Support You Every Step of the Way

Acute Stress Disorder duration ranges between a few days and a month. If you neglect your mental state in the days that follow a traumatic event that left its mark on your psyche, the consequences may be complicated. Some people even develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which is a more severe condition that is harder to cope with and recover from completely. To avoid further damage to your mental health, reach out to our facility – Treat Mental Health is ready to help any patient whose Acute Stress Disorder does not let them move on with their life. Make your mental well-being a priority and schedule an appointment with one of our specialists to discuss how you can manage your symptoms without delay.

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Stacia Ponce-Rodriguez, LMFT

With 28 years in mental health and addiction care, Stacia specializes in supporting adults through complex challenges. She also teaches at the University of San Francisco, mentoring future therapists. A strong advocate for Telehealth, she blends clinical expertise with a passion for accessible, innovative care.