Five Ways to Cope With PTSD

It’s natural to feel sad, anxious, and afraid as a result of a traumatic experience. People have various reactions to stressful situations, yet many recover from initial symptoms over time. However, those who continue to experience problems may be dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is a disorder that develops in some people following any event that makes them fear their safety. And even when they’re no longer in danger, people with PTSD may still feel frightened or stressed.

In the United States, nearly 70% of adults experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime; and among them, 20% will develop PTSD. It’s an alarming condition that may interfere with your day-to-day functioning. To help you move on with your life, here are five ways to cope with PTSD.

1. Get a specifically trained PTSD service dog

Treatment plans may include getting a service dog for individuals with PTSD. These dogs undergo training to assist someone with PTSD in their daily living. Walking with their handlers in public places, ensuring that no strangers approach them, and reminding them to take their medications are few tasks these dogs perform. They help individuals gain confidence, calm down, and feel a sense of security. Moreover, service dogs can help their PTSD handler to maintain positive relationships with their family and friends.

2. Engage in physical activity

People with PTSD tend to recall past experiences from time to time, resulting in anxiety, heart palpitation, depression, and lack of motivation. For this reason, they should engage in physical exercise to release endorphins and eliminate toxins (including stress) outside the body.

Avoid staying in bed the whole day. Rise and move your body by doing exercises like yoga, cycling, or mountain trekking. Go on a short trip like camping and do something that will help you relax and forget stressful events in your life.

3. Have a healthy lifestyle

Reliving traumatic events over and over again in your mind is not healthy. All the stressful flashbacks can result in a lack of sleep and loss of appetite. That said, having a healthy lifestyle is essential in coping with PTSD. Make sure to get 7-9 hours of sleep each day to calm your thoughts and eat nutritious foods to give your body more energy. A proper diet and adequate sleep can help ease your mind and reduce stress.

4. Join organizational activities

PTSD individuals feel that they are helpless with their condition. Their traumatic experiences cause them to be vulnerable. To boost their confidence and help them realize that they too can be of help to others, encourage them to join organizational activities. Many people organize such events to help those with PTSD. Give your free time to join charitable events, visit an orphanage, and do community work to keep yourself busy.

5. Have a support system

Someone with PTSD tends to shy away from people. They avoid any social gathering and prefer staying at home. However, knowing that someone is there to support you can significantly boost your morale. Try reaching out to trusted friends and family members and let them know what you’re going through. Having a support system is vital for your recovery.

Conclusion

Experiencing a traumatic event may cause severe emotional and mental stress, making you unable to stop thinking about what’s happened. It can also cause a wide range of emotions from fear and anger to anxiety and depression to guilt — all of which are normal reactions to trauma.

However, if you don’t know how to cope the right way, these common stress reactions can worsen and lead to PTSD.

Seeking timely professional help, getting a PTSD service dog, reaching out to friends and family for support, and living a healthier and more active lifestyle will help you manage your stress, reduce painful memories, and thrive in life.

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