Healing After Trauma: Understanding Acute Stress Disorder in Atlanta

When life throws a traumatic event your way, the emotional aftermath can be overwhelming. If you're struggling to cope in the weeks following a crisis, you may be experiencing acute stress disorder—and help is available right here in Gwinnett County.

What Is Acute Stress Disorder?

Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a mental health condition that can develop in the first month after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Whether it's a car accident on I-85, the sudden loss of a loved one, an act of violence, or any other deeply distressing experience, your mind and body may struggle to process what happened.

At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, Dr. Aneel Ursani and Fathima Chowdhury PA-C provide compassionate, trauma-informed care for individuals throughout the Atlanta metro area who are navigating the difficult path of recovery after trauma.

How ASD Differs From PTSD

You may have heard of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Acute stress disorder is essentially an earlier version of PTSD that occurs within the first month after a traumatic event. If symptoms persist beyond one month, the diagnosis typically shifts to PTSD.

Think of ASD as your mind's initial shock response to trauma. Some people naturally recover as time passes and they process the event. Others need professional support to prevent symptoms from becoming chronic.

Recognizing the Signs in Yourself or Loved Ones

After a traumatic event, it's normal to feel shaken, sad, or anxious for a while. But acute stress disorder involves more intense and disruptive symptoms. You might be experiencing ASD if you notice:

• Intrusive memories: Unwanted, distressing memories of the event that pop into your mind repeatedly
• Flashbacks: Feeling like you're reliving the traumatic event, sometimes so vividly it's as if it's happening again
• Avoidance: Going out of your way to avoid people, places, conversations, or activities that remind you of the trauma
• Emotional numbness: Difficulty experiencing positive emotions like joy, contentment, or love
• Hypervigilance: Being constantly on edge, scanning for danger even in safe situations like your home in Lawrenceville or while shopping in Snellville
• Sleep disturbances: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing nightmares
• Irritability: Feeling unusually angry or easily frustrated
• Difficulty concentrating: Trouble focusing at work or in daily tasks
• Exaggerated startle response: Jumping at sudden noises or movements

These symptoms must cause significant distress or interfere with your daily life to qualify as acute stress disorder.

What Kinds of Events Trigger ASD?

Traumatic events that can lead to acute stress disorder include:

• Serious car accidents or other transportation incidents
• Physical assault or violence
• Sexual assault or abuse
• Sudden death of a loved one
• Life-threatening illness or medical emergency
• Natural disasters
• Witnessing violence or death
• Military combat or active duty trauma
• Any event where you feared for your life or safety

We serve many residents of Gwinnett County who've experienced traumatic events ranging from accidents on Highway 316 to personal assaults, family tragedies, and medical emergencies at local hospitals.

Who's at Higher Risk?

While anyone can develop acute stress disorder after a traumatic event, certain factors increase vulnerability:

• Previous trauma exposure or childhood adversity
• Pre-existing mental health conditions like depression or anxiety
• History of dissociation (feeling disconnected from reality) during stressful events
• Lack of strong social support
• Substance use issues
• Family history of mental health disorders

Understanding these risk factors helps us at Next Step Psychiatry develop targeted treatment plans that address your unique needs and vulnerabilities.

Professional Treatment Options in Lilburn

Many people do naturally recover from acute stress disorder with time and support from family and friends. However, professional treatment significantly improves outcomes and prevents the development of chronic PTSD.

Trauma-Focused Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tailored for trauma is one of the most effective treatments for acute stress disorder. At our Lawrenceville Highway practice, we use evidence-based approaches that help you:

• Process traumatic memories in a safe, supportive environment
• Challenge unhelpful thoughts about the trauma, yourself, or the world
• Reduce avoidance behaviors that keep you stuck
• Develop healthy coping mechanisms
• Gradually face trauma-related triggers in a controlled way

Prolonged Exposure Therapy: This specialized technique involves carefully and gradually confronting trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations you've been avoiding. While it may sound frightening, it's done gradually under professional guidance and is highly effective at reducing trauma symptoms.

Medication Management

While therapy is the cornerstone of acute stress disorder treatment, medication can provide crucial support, especially when symptoms are severe. Dr. Ursani and Fathima Chowdhury PA-C may recommend:

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): Medications like sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can help reduce anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts associated with trauma. These medications are also commonly prescribed for PTSD prevention.

Sleep aids: If nightmares and insomnia are significant problems, targeted medications can help restore healthy sleep patterns, which is essential for trauma recovery.

We carefully evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and treatment preferences before recommending any medication, and we provide ongoing monitoring to ensure effectiveness and minimal side effects.

Combining Approaches for Best Results

Research shows that combining therapy with medication when appropriate offers the best outcomes for many people with acute stress disorder. At Next Step Psychiatry, we take a holistic approach that may include:

• Individual therapy sessions
• Medication management
• Family education and support
• Referrals to support groups in the Atlanta area
• Lifestyle recommendations including sleep hygiene, exercise, and stress management

Self-Care Strategies to Support Your Recovery

While professional treatment is essential, there are also things you can do to support your healing journey:

Build Your Support Network

Don't isolate yourself. Connect with trusted family members and friends who can provide emotional support. Whether it's a close friend in Stone Mountain or family members in Norcross, having people you can talk to makes a significant difference.

Consider joining a support group for trauma survivors in the Atlanta area. Sharing experiences with others who truly understand what you're going through can be incredibly healing.

Practice Mindfulness and Grounding

Mindfulness techniques can help calm your nervous system and bring you back to the present moment when intrusive memories arise. Try:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Gentle yoga or tai chi
• Walking meditation at local parks like Lilburn City Park
• Mindfulness apps or guided meditations

Allow Yourself to Feel

It's tempting to push away painful emotions, but allowing yourself to acknowledge and experience your feelings is an important part of healing. Grief, anger, fear, and sadness are all normal responses to trauma. You don't have to rush through them or "get over it" on anyone else's timeline.

Maintain Routines

When your world feels chaotic after trauma, establishing simple daily routines can provide comfort and stability. Even small things like regular meal times, consistent sleep schedules, and gentle exercise can support your nervous system's recovery.

When to Seek Help in Gwinnett County

If you've experienced a traumatic event within the past month and you're struggling with symptoms that interfere with your daily life, don't wait. Early intervention can:

• Reduce the severity of symptoms
• Prevent the development of chronic PTSD
• Help you return to normal functioning more quickly
• Improve your overall quality of life
• Strengthen your resilience for future challenges

At Next Step Psychiatry, we understand that reaching out for help after trauma takes courage. Dr. Aneel Ursani and Fathima Chowdhury PA-C provide compassionate, non-judgmental care in a safe environment where you can begin to heal.

Your Path Forward in Lilburn

Trauma can leave you feeling broken, but healing is possible. Every day, people throughout Gwinnett County take the brave step of seeking treatment for acute stress disorder and go on to live full, meaningful lives.

You don't have to carry this burden alone. Whether you're in Lilburn, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Stone Mountain, or anywhere in the Atlanta metro area, expert, compassionate care is available.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you've experienced trauma, please consult with qualified mental health professionals.