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PTSD: Turning Struggle into Strength



 Table of Contents


 What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs when an individual witnesses or takes part in a horrific or stressful event. It is a mental health condition in which symptoms include nightmares, anxiety, and frequent flashbacks. 


PTSD symptoms are divided into four groups; avoidance, intrusive thoughts, pessimistic moods, and emotional responses. It is important to note that individuals can get PTSD at any age. It is normal to feel unsettled after having experienced a frightening event in your life. However, it becomes a concern when nervous symptoms caused by that event continue for a long period of time. In that case, PTSD is a possible diagnosis. 


Knowing and understanding your symptoms is crucial. This will lead to an accurate diagnosis and a successful treatment. If you think you have PTSD, consider reaching out to a medical professional and working together with them to tackle your symptoms. 


References: Mayo Clinic, NIH











Inspirational Stories

Living with PTSD might seem like life hits a pause. However, when knowing how to approach the mental condition the right way, PTSD will become manageable. The following links lead to inspiring stories of individuals personal experiences living with the condition:







Management Tips

Understanding how to manage PTSD is key to a successful recovery. There are various severities of the condition, and their necessary treatment differs. Overall, it is common to not know where to start. Consider using the following effective methods to understand PTSD management:


Keep a journal. Writing down details on what occurs when you have a flashback will help you notice your repeating symptoms. This will make you aware of your condition as early as possible. 


Stay active. When your mind is racing, it is a great idea to help it calm down by exercising your body. Several individuals suffering from PTSD have mentioned that engaging in physical activity regularly has helped them manage their symptoms and cope with stress. 


Consider trying meditation. Meditation helps calm the mind. It is encouraged that those struggling with symptoms of PTSD try mediation to accept their experiences and find a sense of calmness. 


Remind yourself that you are safe. It is easy to get lost in your own world. Telling yourself that you are safe and reminding yourself to stay present helps with coping through stressful memories. 


Take as much time as you need. The most crucial part of recovery is knowing that you have as much time as you want. Everyone finds what works for them at different times, and that is perfectly fine!


References: Mind, MedicalNewsToday





Tips for Caregivers

Caregivers can play a salient role in the life of someone with PTSD. They have the ability to encourage them, better their lifestyles, and effectively manage their condition. Feel free to use the following suggestions as a caregiver:


Understand the condition. Sometimes, it is easier for a caregiver to recognize that someone is struggling with PTSD, which is why the first step is to understand the disease. Evaluating the symptoms of the person you are taking care of should be a priority. 


Symptoms include: 

  • Avoiding participation in social activities

  • Having flashbacks and nightmares

  • Feeling emotionally detached 

  • Struggling with trust issues

  • Being jumpy

  • Becoming easily angered, even by small things


Be aware of triggers. Some people with PTSD have certain cases that remind them of their trauma. As a caregiver, it is important to be aware of those triggers and try as much as possible to avoid them. Triggers can be as specific as dates, smells, locations, and sounds. 


Be a good listener. Having an open discussion about certain events is a huge part of recovery. Individuals with PTSD are encouraged to talk about how they feel. 


Have a plan of action. PTSD sufferers may sometimes lash out. If that is the case, the caregiver should know what brings comfort to the individual and take the time to ask what helps them directly. 


Create good company. Being in the moment and creating a safe environment for the person with PTSD does not go unnoticed. Not only will this lead to the patient being more likely to open up to you, it also leads to a better and more deep connection. 















Social Support Groups

There are several online resources to help those struggling with PTSD. These websites bring warmth, communication, and a sense of community. Social support groups are backed up by research and often include medical advice. Reaching out is an effective part of recovery, so do not shy away from it! Make sure to take advantage of these resources and engage with them: 


This website helps connect individuals with PTSD to community information and support. This includes several threads on different topics such as relationships and sleep. As a visitor of this site, you have access to reading the threads and engaging with them. You are also able to connect with other members in a new group. 


This social support group requires registration through a quick form found directly on the website. To specify, this is a peer led support group. Feel free to discuss any subjects related to trauma with other survivors and members.   


This website is a completely anonymous set-up. Anyone who is struggling from PTSD symptoms is welcome to join for free. A diagnosis of PTSD is not mandatory if thinking about joining this social group. Anyone who is struggling with abuse is also encouraged to join.


Resources

Websites:

This website has several sections personalized to an individual's use. Coping strategies, articles, links, books, videos, and the option of getting involved are just some of the features this website offers. Feel free to check out the variety of options a user has when visiting this site!


Books:

This book really goes into detail about PTSD. It is 54 pages, and talks about anything from describing a traumatic event to evaluating the symptoms. If you want an in-depth understanding of the mental condition, this book has the answers you are looking for. 


Similarly to the last resource, this book goes into every detail one has to know about the condition. This resource is specifically broken down into easily comprehensible sections and tables. It also has a super organized layout. Lastly, it is easy to identify each section and find where you left off on this site.


References

(n.d.). My PTSD / CPTSD Forum. Retrieved August 28, 2024, from https://www.myptsd.com/

(n.d.). Out of the Storm. Retrieved August 28, 2024, from https://www.outofthestorm.website/

(n.d.). PTSD Association of Canada. Retrieved August 28, 2024, from http://www.ptsdassociation.com/

Cohut, M., Walker, M., & Washington, N. (2017, October 20). PTSD: Five effective coping strategies. MedicalNewsToday. Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319824#1.-Mindfulness-meditation

Croft, H. (2023, September 13). 5 Steps to Caregiving a Person with PTSD – Helping a Person with PTSD. HealthyPlace. Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/understandingcombatptsd/2023/9/5-steps-to-caregiving-a-person-with-ptsd-helping-a-person-with-ptsd

LIVING WITH PTSD. (2014, November 30). YouTube. Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amoS1sZTEfU

My Story of Survival: Battling PTSD. (2009, November 19). Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/personal-stories/my-story-survival-battling-ptsd

Peer Support Chat Group | CPTSDfoundation.org. (n.d.). CPTSD Foundation. Retrieved August 28, 2024, from https://cptsdfoundation.org/peer-support-chat-group/

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. (n.d.). CRUfAD. Retrieved August 28, 2024, from https://crufad.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/crufad_PTSDmanual.pdf

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - Symptoms and causes. (2024, August 16). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967

PTSD and CPTSD self-help guide - 1. Introduction. (n.d.). Livewell Southwest. Retrieved August 28, 2024, from https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/moodjuice-PTSD-Booklet.pdf

Sarah Hartshorne on living with PTSD. (2015, April 9). YouTube. Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_chUODl-Auk

Storm, H., & Collum, J. (2020, July 24). My mental health journey: How PTSD gave me the strength to share my story. Poynter. Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.poynter.org/business-work/2020/my-mental-health-journey-how-ptsd-gave-me-the-strength-to-share-my-story/

Understanding and Coping with PTSD - 6 Tips for Caregivers. (2017, March 3). mmLearn.org. Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://training.mmlearn.org/blog/understanding-and-coping-with-ptsd-6-tips-for-caregivers

 
 
 

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