It can be hard to lead a normal life when you have post-traumatic stress disorder.It is possible that you will want to avoid others and be isolated from your friends and family.You may have an anxiety attack when going out.There are ways to manage the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and lead a happy and healthy life.
Step 1: Get a proper diagnosis.
To fight your mental illness, you need to verify that you have it.The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder can be similar to other conditions.You can get adequate treatment for what's bothering you if you see a mental health provider for a thorough differential diagnosis.If you have a history of exposure to a traumatic event, you can be diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.For example, you must exhibit symptoms from each of four symptom clusters for a specific period of time: 1) intrusion- nightmares, flashbacks, and recurrent memories; 2) avoidance- avoiding thoughts, people, places and things that remind you of what happened; and 3) negative alterations in cognitions and moodThere are alterations in arousal and reactivity.People who have experienced a traumatic event can end up with post traumatic stress disorder.Children who suffer from abuse, people who have been sexually assault, combat veterans, and car accident or natural disaster survivors are all at risk of developing this disorder.Acute Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder that can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.Within a month after a traumatic event, there is an occurrence of ASD.It can last up to 4 weeks.Acute stress symptoms that last longer than a month are a sign that the disorder has progressed to post traumatic stress disorder.
Step 2: Talk to a therapist that has worked with trauma victims.
Talking to your parents or close friends can help you process your feelings after a traumatic event, but a therapist is specially trained to help individuals like you.Tell your therapist everything.It can be difficult to resolve a problem if you avoid details that seem small.If you have to cry, cry.Cognitive-based treatments can help you identify and change your thoughts about the horrible event.People blame themselves for what happened.It is possible to come to terms with how little control you had over what happened by talking through the event with a professional.Some treatment approaches involve gradual exposure to places that relate to the trauma.avoidance causes people to refrain from talking about or thinking about the event.Talking to your therapist about the event can help you heal from it.Your therapist should be willing to change your treatment plan for you.It's important to choose the treatment option that best fits your situation, as different people heal in different ways.
Step 3: There is a Psychiatry for medication management.
If certain symptoms of your post-traumatic stress disorder affect your ability to function, such as not being able to sleep or having so much anxiety that you fear going to work or school, your therapist might refer you to a psychiatrist for treatment.SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed medication, but other antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and other medications may be helpful.You should discuss the side effects of your medication with your doctor.Sertraline increases your brain's serotonin production.Serotonin is available to the brain.Sertraline and paroxetine have been approved by the FDA for treating post-traumatic stress disorder.The FDA does not approve the use of other medications for treating post-traumatic stress disorder.Fluoxetine and Venlafaxine can be used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.venlafaxine is an SNRI, meaning it increases both serotonin and norepinephrine.It is possible that Mirtazapine may be helpful for treating post-traumatic stress disorder.Prazosin is sometimes used as an "adjunctive" treatment, meaning it is prescribed in addition to other treatments.Suicidal thoughts may be a side effect of using the drugs.Understand the risks and how to handle them with your doctor.
Step 4: Support groups are where you can participate.
It is possible to join a support group if you are struggling with fear and anxiety.While these groups are not directly aimed at treating the disorder, they do help those dealing with symptoms feel less alone and provide encouragement from others who are going through the same thing.It can be difficult to come to terms with a new diagnosis.You can see that there are millions of people with this disorder by taking part in a group.If you join a group, you may be able to connect socially.If your spouse or loved ones are having trouble coming to terms with your diagnosis, they may be able to gain useful tips and support by participating in a recovery group for partners or family members of those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.You can find a support group near you with the help of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.Contact your local VA if you are a veteran.
Step 5: Take care of your body and mind.
It has been found that getting adequate exercise, eating a diet of healthy foods, and getting enough rest can have a significant impact on post-traumatic stress disorder.All of these strategies have been proven to be effective against stress and anxiety.Changing elements of your lifestyle can help you to manage your symptoms better.If you are getting regular physical activity and eating a diet of whole foods, you may be able to come down from an anxiety attack more quickly.Don't drink and use drugs.Going for a walk outdoors, reading an interesting novel, or calling a friend to talk things over are some ways to cope with stress.You don't have to be weak because you have post-traumatic stress disorder.Anyone can be affected by post-traumatic stress disorder.Strong people may wind up in situations that cause it because they stood up for what they believed in, tried to help others, or have survived personal obstacles.After military service, you were brave to join and you are still brave now.Courage to face and seek treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder is in itself.
Step 6: Don't forget to keep a journal.
If you notice that a situation or object makes you sad, write it down.Write down your symptoms and how you are feeling.It can be helpful to your therapist to know how your symptoms change over time.
Step 7: Lean on your family and friends.
Don't fall into the avoidance trap.Staying away from other people is making your symptoms worse.Social support can help relieve anxiety and depression related to post-traumatic stress disorder.Try to plan to spend time with loved ones who will make you smile and comfort you if your symptoms are particularly intense.Peer support groups can be used to connect with others who are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder.There is a support group here.
Step 8: Become a voice for others
It may be possible to help another person who is going through the same thing if you learn to manage a serious condition.Talking about mental health policy and access to services may help you on your journey of recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder.Raising awareness for a mental illness that you are affected by helps you and helps others in the process.It is possible to transform a terrible incident in your life into a positive message for mental health providers, policymakers, and those impacted by mental illness.
Step 9: The signs of a panic attack are there.
Experiencing persistent fear is an underlying aspect of post traumatic stress disorder.Panic attacks can be caused by excessive stress or fear.These can last from five minutes to an hour.You may start to feel very frightened without any obvious signs.You will be trying to make it happen less often if you respond in a positive way.It will be easier to cope with practice.Pain in your chest is a common sign of a panic attack.
Step 10: Deep breathing is a great way to practice it.
This technique can be used to reduce anxiety and fear.The mind, body and breath are all interrelated, so taking a few minutes to engage in breathing can offer a wide range of benefits such as lowering the blood pressure, relaxing the muscles, and increasing energy levels.Deep breathing consists of inhaling for 5 to 8 counts, briefly holding the breath, and then exhaling.This will make you calmer by flipping the switch on your "fight or flight" response.
Step 11: Try progressive muscle relaxation
The technique of gradual and systematic tightening and releasing of each muscle group has been found to be effective at reducing anxiety.This method can help with conditions like insomnia and chronic pain.Deep breathing makes use of progressive muscle relaxation.Slowly move up through the body from the tips of your feet.Contract the muscles of the feet while inhaling for 5 to 10 counts.When you exhale, take notice of how the muscles feel after the tension has been released.
Step 12: Allow yourself to be meditated.
If you're in the middle of a panic attack, it might be difficult to engage in this relaxation technique.It is possible to prevent these attacks from happening in the first place with the help of meditation.If you are a beginner, start small with 5 minutes per day and sit for longer periods.The environment should be quiet and comfortable.You can sit on the floor or a cushion with your legs crossed.Take slow, deep breaths through your nose and mouth as you close your eyes.When your mind wanders, bring your attention back to the action of breathing.Continue for as long as you want.A study of 16 participants in a stress reduction program engaged in an average of 27 minutes of meditation each day.Changes in the participant's brain structures were revealed by the end of the study, showing an increase in compassion, self-awareness, and a decrease in anxiety and stress.
Step 13: Try not to worry.
Constant worry about when a panic attack will happen may cause it.If you keep yourself busy and distracted, you won't have to worry so much.When you worry over and over again, develop a few positive self-talk strategies.These can be saying "I will be ok" or "This, too, shall pass."It is possible to make anxiety attacks less frightening by reminding yourself that you have been here before.Try to focus on the present when you worry about the future."I am strong" is a positive attribute that you can write down on a piece of paper.This can help you understand anxiety and remind you that your life isn't all bad.