What's Next?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder / Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome

What can and should you do if you think you have or a doctor or therapist has diagnosed you with

Post Traumatic Stresss Disorder?

The first step:
in managing stress is recognizing the signs of post-traumatic stress. Trauma is so shocking that it causes memories which are impossible to forget yet sometimes also impossible to recall. Trauma memories often repeatedly come back when you aren't trying to think about them in unpleasant thoughts, nightmares, or a feeling as if you can't stop reliving the event. The shock of trauma also may create "blanks" in memory because it is too much for the mind to handle, and so the mind takes a "time out."

Traumatic stress reactions are normal responses to abnormal events. Most people experience post-traumatic stress reactions for days or even weeks after trauma. Usually these reactions become less severe over time, but they may persist and become a problem.

The second step:
is recognizing the ways of coping with traumatic stress that are natural but don't work, because they actually prolong and worsen the normal post-traumatic stress reactions. Some of these are avoiding social encounters, trying to avoid "bad memories" or trying to be on the defense at all times.

Trying to avoid bad memories, to shut out feelings people, or to stay always on alert seem reasonable, but they don't work, because trauma controls your life if you run from it.

The third step:
is getting help from your physician, local hospital, 12 step programs. Trauma memories cannot be erased, but the stress they cause can become very manageable.

Lifestyle Changes

Some survivors of PTSD find a change in lifestyle very effective or even necessary to their treatment of their illness. This lifestyle change would be most effective if thought through very carefully by the patient, family and friends along with their therapist or Doctor. The more involved the support becomes for the patient the more effective the treatment will be.

Although lifestyle changes may not be needed for every PTSD patient, for the ones that it is needed for it can be invaluable. The suvivor may even rebute against any changes and due to the often negativity they receive from the rest, they may think that if they accept these changes it would be a sign of weakness on their behalf. So getting them involved may not be that easy. Here we have listed a few of the possible lifestyle changes that could help a patient.

Some Of These Changes May Include:

Finding Proper Treatment / Advocate for yourself! Talk to your doctor or therapist / Research
Joining a Qualified Support Group / Many 12 step programs are great
Join volunteer groups to help others
Talking To Other Victims of PTSD
Re-evaluate Relationships with family and Friends
Move to a new neighborhood
Stop drinking and/or drug use
Join a sports league or some scheduled activity
Get started in an excecise program

Calling about treatment and joining a PTSD support group-It may be difficult to take the first step and join a PTSD treatment group. Survivors say to themselves, "What will happen there? Nobody can help me anyway." In addition, people with PTSD find it hard to meet new people and trust them enough to open up. However, it can also be a great relief to feel that you have taken positive action. You may also be able to eventually develop a friendship with another survivor.

Increasing contact with other survivors of trauma-Other survivors of trauma are probably the best source of understanding and support. By joining a survivors organization (e.g., veterans may want to join a veteran's organization) or by otherwise increasing contact with other survivors, it is possible to reverse the process of isolation and distrust of others.

Reinvesting in personal relationships with family and friends-Most survivors of trauma have some kind of a relationship with a son or daughter, a wife or partner, or an old friend or work acquaintance. If you make the effort to reestablish or increase contact with that person, it can help you reconnect with others.

Changing neighborhoods-Survivors with PTSD usually feel that the world is a very dangerous place and that it is likely that they will be harmed again. It is not a good idea for people with PTSD to live in a high-crime area because it only makes those feelings worse and confirms their beliefs. If it is possible to move to a safer neighborhood, it is likely that fewer things will set off traumatic memories. This will allow the person to reconsider his or her personal beliefs about danger.

Refraining from alcohol and drug abuse-Many trauma survivors turn to alcohol and drugs to help them cope with PTSD. Although these substances may distract a person from his or her painful feelings and, therefore, may appear to help deal with symptoms, relying on alcohol and drugs always makes things worse in the end. These substances often hinder PTSD treatment and recovery. Rather than trying to beat an addiction by yourself, it is often easier to deal with addictions by joining a treatment program where you can be around others who are working on similar issues.

Starting an exercise program-It is important to see a doctor before starting to exercise. However, if the physician gives the OK, exercise in moderation can benefit those with PTSD. Walking, jogging, swimming, weight lifting, and other forms of exercise may reduce physical tension. They may distract the person from painful memories or worries and give him or her a break from difficult emotions. Perhaps most important, exercise can improve self-esteem and create feelings of personal control.

Starting to volunteer in the community-It is important to feel as though you are contributing to your community. When you are not working, you may not feel you have anything to offer others. One way survivors can reconnect with their communities is to volunteer. You can help with youth programs, medical services, literacy programs, community sporting activities, etc.

Resources

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