Post-traumatic stress disorder
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a life-threatening or deeply distressing event. It’s not just about “feeling shaken”—PTSD can profoundly affect how a person thinks, feels, and functions day to day.
Post-traumatic stress disorder arises when the brain struggles to process and recover from trauma. While many people experience short-term distress after traumatic events, PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms persist for more than a month and interfere with daily life.
Common Causes
PTSD can result from:
Core Symptoms
PTSD symptoms can appear months or even years after a traumatic experience and are typically grouped into four main categories.
These symptoms can vary in intensity and may come and go over time. Treatment helps people regain control over their lives—even if symptoms have persisted for years.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, uncertainty, or perceived danger. It can show up as worry, nervousness, or fear—feelings we all experience from time to time. But when anxiety becomes persistent, overwhelming, or interferes with daily life, it may be part of an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry. They can affect how a person thinks, feels, and functions—impacting relationships, work, and overall well-being. Symptoms may include restlessness, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, physical tension, and a sense of impending danger or panic.
At Southwest Agape Wellness, we understand how overwhelming anxiety can feel—and we’re here to help. Whether your anxiety is tied to specific situations or feels like a constant presence, therapy can offer a safe space to explore what you’re going through and learn tools to manage it. Together, we’ll work at your pace to help you feel more grounded, calm, and in control.
Depression
Depression can feel like a heavy weight that’s hard to explain—and even harder to carry alone. It may show up as persistent sadness, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, low energy, or a sense of hopelessness that just won’t go away. It is a medical condition. If you’re feeling this way, please know that you’re not alone, and there is help. At our practice, we offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can speak openly and begin to heal. Together, we’ll explore what you’re going through and work toward rediscovering hope, connection, and a sense of purpose.
Many people may not be aware that depression does not always appear as sadness, as it can manifest itself as irritability.
Sometimes people with depression aren’t just sad – they’re overwhelmed, overstimulated, and emotionally raw. Irritability can be their way of expressing that discomfort when words fail.
Why It Matters
Depression doesn’t always look like sadness. It can look like anger, fatigue, or even numbness. Recognizing irritability as a symptom helps avoid mislabeling someone as “difficult” when they may be struggling internally.
How Irritability Shows Up in Depression
This emotional reactivity stems from difficulty regulating emotions. Depression doesn’t always mean feeling “flat” – sometimes it means feeling too much, too intensely.
Why It Happens
Interestingly, while irritability is listed as a core symptom of depression in children and teens, it’s often overlooked in adults—even though many experience it
Recognizing Irritability in Yourself
You might notice that your tolerance for noise, interruptions, or even casual conversation has dropped. This isn’t just “being moody” – it can be a sign that your emotional regulation system is under strain.
Spotting It in Others
Interestingly, while irritability is listed as a core symptom of depression in children and teens, it’s often overlooked in adults—even though many experience it
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. It can affect a person’s mood , energy, sleep, behavior, and ability to think clearly. During manic or hypomanic episodes, you might feel unusually energized, impulsive, or irritable. In depressive phases, you may experience sadness, hopelessness, or a loss of interest in things you once enjoyed. It is a mental health condition that affects how you think, feel, and function. At our practice, we offer a compassionate, non-judgmental secure space. With the right support, people living with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling, balanced lives.
ADHD
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people focus, manage impulses, and regulate activity levels. While it’s often diagnosed in childhood, many adults live with ADHD too—sometimes without realizing it.
***ADHD services are offered for ages 6 and up, however ADHD stimulants are only available for ages 17 and older.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms fall into three main categories and some people may experience one, two, or all three types:
ADHD Classifications
What Causes It?
ADHD is linked to:
Living with ADHD
ADHD can make life feel overwhelming. It can affect school, work, relationships, and self-esteem. But with the right support, people with ADHD can thrive and regain control of their life. Many successful individuals have ADHD and use their unique thinking styles to their advantage.
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Start Your Healing Journey Today
If you’re ready to take the next step, we invite you to schedule an appointment. Southwest Agape will help you find the guidance and support you have been seeking.