Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological condition that can occur following exposure to a life-threatening event. Trauma exposure can sometimes be so overwhelming that people are unable to fully absorb the experience at the time it occurs. In some circumstances, this leads to constant reliving of the event, avoidance of things associated with the trauma, and feeling anxious or irritable. Recent research suggests that this kind of constant state of stress results in chemical changes in the brain perhaps making trauma survivors more vulnerable to other conditions such as depression. 

Symptoms to watch for include:

Nightmares or flashbacks

 

Efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings and activities associated with the trauma

 

Difficulty falling asleep or staying awake

 

Exaggerated startle response

 

Outbursts of anger

 

Helpful Strategies:

 

Remember to breathe correctly. When we receive a shock, we often take a sudden but shallow breath in. When we are under stress, our breathing may become more shallow resulting in increased tension in our bodies. Taking deep breaths helps our bodies to relax.

 

Practice positive self talk: "It's okay that I'm feeling overwhelmed. What happened was too big for anyone to manage all at once."

 

Schedule time for recalling the stressful event for limited periods of time.

 

Plan time daily for a small act of self-care such as listening to a favorite song or taking a walk.

 

When thoughts or feelings intrude,try to acknowledge them to yourself and tell someone else. These intrusions flood you temporarily to allow you to absorb what has happened a little at a time. The intensity and duration of these intrusive thoughts and feelings will decrease over time, especially if you do not try to avoid them altogether.

 

Talk with someone who can listen.

 

Ask for help. If the first source doesn't help, ask someone else.

 

Make lists of things to do and work on one task at a time.

 

Rest. A night of good sleep helps to restore the body and increases energy needed to work through traumatic events.

 

Give yourself permission to laugh and to cry.

 

Try to eat small meals that include protein. Avoid caffeine and sugar.

 

Avoid use of alcohol or drugs in an effort to cope.

 

Resources:

 

Internet sites:

 

PTSD: www.ncptsd.org

 

Sidran Traumatic Stress Foundation: www.sidran.or2

 

Notes on Treatment:

 

If posttrauma symptoms have been present for more than three months, and you have not already done so, seek an assessment with a mental health professional. Treatment selection depends on many factors including how long symptoms have been present, how severe the symptoms are, and whether there are complications such as concurrent depression or substance abuse problems. Treatment may include individual, group or family therapy as well as medication. A mental health professional can assist you in determining the best course of care for you. We here at Turning Point are also available to help you with treatment.