How to Treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Witnessing a traumatic event can result in a mental health condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can make you feel on edge, have unwanted flashbacks of a memory or have trouble sleeping. Common events that lead to PTSD are often from military combat, sexual or physical violence, natural disasters or severe accidents. Below are a few tips on how to treat PTSD.
- Know what triggers your PTSD so you can begin to know how to best treat your symptoms. Triggers around you could be smells, sounds, words or certain locations.
- Attend therapy to talk through your feelings and memories. While you may want to repress it, it’ll be better for your recovery if you talk to a therapist. Whether in an individual or group setting, you can choose what type of therapy feels right to you. When in a session, the therapist can give you exercises to help you cope. If you choose to meet in a group setting, it can be beneficial for you to meet others also experiencing PTSD as it can help you feel like you aren’t alone.
- Call or text a helpline to talk through your feelings, especially if you’re in a crisis. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association offers a Disaster Distress Helpline, where those in emotional distress can receive real-time guidance and help from a professional.
- Confide in someone close to you about your symptoms to help you feel heard, comforted and understood. Having someone there for you is important so you can have a dependable support system as you navigate your PTSD.
If you’re looking for a counselor to help treat your PTSD, contact Mercy EAP at (319) 398-6694.
Photo: ©iStock.com/woocat
