Dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

As TIs, we go through some very intense things. Sometimes these things are so intense the experience leaves lasting,  painful,  impressions that have symptoms. This is called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  The specific causes and symptoms vary per individual,  but there are treatments. Here are some articles explaining what causes PTSD and how to treat it;

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posttraumatic_stress_disorder

http://m.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

To share some of the things I get PTSD over are mostly psychological totrure. 

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_torture

The wosrt I had recieved was receiving v2k audio and visuals of my closest family members beibg fed to dogs. I was locked alone in a cell when it happened. Theres were several accounts of my parents being shot, or dismembered. There were several accounts of myself being executed violently. Mock sexual assault of loved ones, and actual sexual assault to myself for months all took their tole.

We all experience different things. The ongoing realization that we are being monitored at a neural level can be enough to push one over the edge. Here is an excerpt from an above article

Recovery from PTSD is a gradual, ongoing process. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, nor do the memories of the trauma ever disappear completely. This can make life seem difficult at times. But there are many things you can do to cope with residual symptoms and reduce your anxiety and fear.

Tip 1: Reach out to others for support

PTSD can make you feel disconnected from others. You may be tempted to withdraw from social activities and your loved ones. But it’s important to stay connected to life and the people who care about you. Support from other people is vital to your recovery from PTSD, so ask your close friends and family members for their help during this tough time.

Support groups for PTSD can also help you feel less isolated and alone. They also provide invaluable information on how to cope with symptoms and work towards recovery. If you can’t find a support group in your area, look for an online group.

Tip 2: Avoid alcohol and drugs

When you’re struggling with difficult emotions and traumatic memories, you may be tempted to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. But while alcohol or drugs may temporarily make you feel better, they make PTSD worse in the long run. Substance use worsens many symptoms of PTSD, including emotional numbing, social isolation, anger, and depression. It also interferes with treatment and can add to problems at home and in your relationships.

Tip 3: Challenge your sense of helplessness

Trauma leaves you feeling powerless and vulnerable. Overcoming your sense of helplessness is key to overcoming PTSD. It’s important to remind yourself that you have strengths and coping skills that can get you through tough times.

One of the best ways to reclaim your sense of power is by helping others: volunteer your time, give blood, reach out to a friend in need, or donate to your favorite charity. Taking positive action directly challenges the sense of helplessness that is a common symptom of PTSD.

Tip 4: Spend time in nature

The Sierra Club in the United States offers wilderness expeditions for veterans who have served in recent wars such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Anecdotal evidence suggests that pursuing outdoor activities like hiking, camping, mountain biking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and skiing may help veterans cope with PTSD symptoms and transition back into civilian life.

It's not just veterans who can benefit from spending time outdoors. Anyone with post-traumatic stress disorder can benefit from the relaxation, seclusion, and peace that come with being in the natural world. Focusing on strenuous outdoor activities can also help challenge your sense of helplessness and help your nervous system become "unstuck" and move on from the traumatic event. Seek out local organizations that offer outdoor recreation or teambuilding opportunities

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