5 Ways to Deal With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a condition that develops after exposure to any event that results in psychological trauma. Symptoms of this disorder can include flashbacks or nightmares about the traumatic event to recurring feelings related to the event. These symptoms may last for a month or more and cause significant problems functioning normally.

Many people who experience trauma do not develop PTSD and may not need treatment. Some factors that influence the likelihood of developing PTSD include The nature, duration, and severity of the traumatic event; previous exposure to other stressful events; and a person’s personality or history of mental health. If you or someone you know is dealing with PTSD, you should see a psychiatrist with experience in treating PTSD in Irvine. Below are some tips on how to deal with PTSD.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is an excellent way to calm and relax people with PTSD. Essential oils can be beneficial for relaxation and calming anxiety. These may include chamomile, lavender, sandalwood, and ylang-ylang.

It would help if you did aromatherapy in short exposures (minutes) at first. The person experiencing PTSD should breathe in the aroma while concentrating on any pleasant thoughts. Exposure increases while still focusing on positive thoughts as the person gets used to this form of treatment.

Engage in Physical Activity to Regain Focus

Exercising or even moderate physical activity can help reduce symptoms of PTSD by increasing endorphin release and releasing pent-up energy. Yoga is a good option for this treatment, given its low impact and relaxed nature. The person experiencing PTSD may also find opportunities to participate in running, jogging, and other aerobic exercises, which allow them to focus more on their physical activity than mental worries.

Cry and Release Emotions

Many people with PTSD tend to keep their feelings bottled up for fear of increasing their symptoms. Crying is a meaningful way to release pent-up emotion associated with the past trauma or stressor. It helps reduce the tension that can lead to depression, anxiety, and other problems. Many people find it easier to cry in front of someone they trust, not judging them or making fun of them.

Meditation for Deep Relaxation

Many people with PTSD are hypervigilant, which means they are always on the lookout for threats or signs that something terrible might happen. This can lead to constant stress and anxiety symptoms. Meditation can help reduce these symptoms by allowing the person to feel relaxed and entirely at the moment. Deep breathing exercises are helpful for this purpose, but guided meditation is often useful for people with PTSD.

It’s best to avoid ‘cure-alls’ like alcohol or drugs because they may depend on more harmful substances.

Self Monitoring to Identify Triggers

Many people with PTSD have triggers or sources of stress that can exacerbate their symptoms. The person may develop a list of these by monitoring how they feel after specific activities, interactions, and other events. Knowing what causes a reaction helps the person develop a plan to avoid ‘triggers’ when possible or prepare for them if unavoidable.

In summary, dealing with PTSD presents several challenges, so you should see a psychiatrist for assistance. You can also deal with the condition through aromatherapy, self-monitoring, meditation, and releasing emotions.