Whenever you suffer from a trauma, once the trauma (the event or series of events) is over symptoms and issues can persist for some length of time. These symptoms can be classified as you having PTSD.
PTSD is short for post traumatic stress disorder.
PTSD develops when you remain fearful of the trauma happening again, you fear for your safety, you keep reliving what has happened (flashbacks), the painful memories won’t go away, you are punishing yourself because you believe you are to blame for the initial trauma, and the ‘after’ symptoms of the initial trauma will not go away.
PTSD also includes the following:
Feelings of extreme stress, mistrust, uselessness, powerlessness, vulnerability, and being emotionally battered.
Nightmares, insomnia, hypervigilance, self destruction, depression, jumpy, disconnection with others and shame.
Please note PTSD doesn’t only affect the victim, it can also affect the first responder, the family of the victim or a witness.
We have listed below a few tips to help you cope with PTSD.
1) Tell yourself that you are a survivor and you want to do something to improve your PTSD
Yes you are a survivor of what has happened to you. You have survived. You are still here. We applaud you. And now if you make the decision to help yourself improve your PTSD then you can move forward and start to enjoy life again.
2) Make a decision you are going to learn about PTSD
Start reading about PTSD. What it is, how it affects you, what does it do to you, and what you can do about it? Read up about the treatments available, how therapy can help and what self care you can do.
Please remember knowledge is power.
3) Be proud of yourself that you are taking steps now to help yourself
It is important to give yourself some praise and make yourself feel good about these positive steps you are taking. It’s not easy, it’s brave to meet what you are doing head on.
4) Visit your GP and ask for help
Make an appointment with your GP and tell them what has happened to you. Inform them you have PTSD and why. Explain to them the type of therapies and professional help that is available such as EMDR, and could your GP help you access them. Your GP may put you on medication. Also ask your GP about any local PTSD support groups.
5) Join a PTSD support group
This will help you so much. This support group will totally understand how you feel, you will meet others who have suffered from PTSD and overcome it, and you will receive guidance on what is available to help you.
Ask your GP for details of a local support group or browse your local councils website.
You can also look at www.ptsduk.org
6) Reclaim your power by helping others
Giving your time, knowledge, experience, and energy to help others will give you a sense of achievement and make you feel positive. This will also ease your feeling of helplessness.
7) Discover what relaxes you and do that
When you have PTSD you can be in a state of stress, anxiety or in ‘fight or flight’ mode for a lot of the time. It is important to know how to relax and what it is that will calm your mind and body down. You will never know what works for you until you are open at trying things
Try meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, or laughing therapy. See if you like one of them. If you find one of them (or even more) is effective in relieving your PTSD symptoms then great.
8) Keep away from alcohol
Alcohol can hinder treatment and it can reverse any progress made with self care.
9) Exercise
Any form of exercise will release endorphins in your body which have a positive effect on your wellbeing and mood.
10) Spend time outside
Nature has been shown to help ease the symptoms of PTSD. Long walks are great, doing outdoor activities such as bike riding, hiking and camping are good, and joining local outdoor activity organisations and groups is very worthwhile.
If you know any other facts or experiences about PTSD, let us know on our forum and social media! Share some of your thoughts with others and start a conversation.
DISCLAIMER
Before you start any new diet, health programme, exercise routine, and ingest or topically use any oil, vitamin, mineral, product or compound, it is very important to consult your doctor, therapist or do a patch test to make sure you do not have any adverse reactions.
We do not offer any form of medical or psychological advice. The information in our wellbeing articles are offered for educational purposes only. Our wellbeing articles are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. Thank you.
