Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is a mental health disorder that may be experienced by those people who have experienced or witnessed a frightening and/or traumatic event. It’s a common disorder that can result in flashbacks, memory loss, nightmares, and more. Everyone has different ways to combat PTSD, and there are over 100 references from books to websites to personal experiences that help one person with their particular problems.
1. Seek Help.
Turning to a medical professional is crucial to treatment and recovery in those experiencing PTSD. Various therapies, medications, and lifestyle changes may help but the right one for you can be recommended by your doctor. Ignoring the problem and hoping it will go away on its own is never a wise idea. Schedule an appointment with your doctor and be honest about your circumstances and symptoms.
2. Validation and Acceptance.
It would help if you validated your PTSD. Your friends, family, spouse, and even your doctor can and should be sources you can turn to in order to validate your feelings and symptoms. With strangers, that can be difficult when people don’t know how to react to someone affected by such a tragedy, so you must seek out those who can and will support you. It’s also essential to remember that you can’t change it. You will never forget that tragic event, and you will probably always be affected by it in some way, but you must accept that it happened and that there is still much to look forward to in life.
3. Learn Something New.
Learning a new skill is always a great idea as it keeps your brain occupied so that you may have an easier time letting go of persistent negative thoughts and memories. Taking up a new hobby can engage your brain creatively, in a different way than the trauma might. You might also meet new people who also enjoy that hobby and expand your support group even further.
4. Stay Healthy.
Being well-nourished can help you cope with PTSD, especially when you have trouble sleeping or are in the midst of an attack or flashback. Ensuring that your body has the nutrients it needs to continue fighting, both physically and mentally, is crucial. Plenty of water, fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins in your diet will help you feel your best. Various supplements can help fill in the gaps in your diet as well. Le-Vel Thrive is one such product.
Exercising your body increases your endorphins which can help with your emotions and energy levels. Exercising can also contribute to higher quality sleep. If your PTSD includes feelings of helplessness, becoming stronger physically can be a good therapeutic experience as well.
Remember that you are not alone and that PTSD is treatable. You will eventually get better as you follow good practices. You can come out on top if you support yourself and care for yourself. Stay healthy and practice mindfulness- meditation, breathing techniques, and more to help deal with PTSD.
