Mental Health Awareness
PTSD is Wicked Scary
Overview of Treatments for PTSD
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur after going through or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD can significantly impact a person’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. However, there are many effective treatments available for PTSD that actually help. I know it’s scary, and you probably have been through a few therapies and treatments that didn’t help or made things worse. Please don’t give up. Recovery is a real possibility.
After my diagnosis, I didn’t know what to do. I knew I didn’t want to be stigmatized or labeled. So, I tried to hide it. Of course, that didn’t help, but I used the following methods to assist in moving forward with the condition.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a widely used and effective treatment for PTSD. It involves speaking with a mental health professional about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to the traumatic event. There are several types of psychotherapy that are effective for treating PTSD, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that are associated with PTSD. CBT focuses on helping the individual become more aware of the thoughts and feelings that contribute to their PTSD symptoms and teaches them how to challenge and change those thoughts and behaviors.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another type of psychotherapy that uses eye movements to help individuals process traumatic memories and reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms. During EMDR therapy, the individual is asked to recall the traumatic event and then follow a therapist’s hand movements with their eyes. This process is believed to help the individual process and reframe the traumatic memory in a less distressing way.
Medications
Medications can also be helpful in treating PTSD symptoms. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to individuals with PTSD. They can help reduce symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants for PTSD.
Other medications, such as anti-anxiety medications and sleep aids, may also be prescribed to individuals with PTSD. These medications can help individuals manage symptoms such as anxiety, nightmares, and sleep disturbances.
It is important to note that while medications can be helpful in managing PTSD symptoms, they should always be used in conjunction with psychotherapy.
Complementary Therapies
Complementary therapies, such as yoga, meditation, and acupuncture, can be valuable tools for managing and reducing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSD). While psychotherapy and medication are considered the most effective treatments, these alternative therapies can provide additional benefits to individuals struggling with PTSD.
For instance, yoga has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, which are common symptoms of PTSD. It can also improve sleep quality and increase feelings of relaxation and well-being. Meditation, on the other hand, can help individuals develop mindfulness, which can be helpful in managing intrusive thoughts and memories associated with traumatic experiences. Similarly, acupuncture has been found to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as improve sleep quality.
While these complementary therapies may not be as effective as psychotherapy or medication, they can be used with other treatments to help individuals better manage their symptoms. It is important to note that these therapies should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional and should not be used as a substitute for evidence-based treatments.
Conclusion
PTSD can be debilitating, but many effective treatments are available. Seeking help from a mental health professional is the first step toward recovery. Psychotherapy, medications, and complementary therapies are all effective treatments that can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, do not hesitate to seek help. Remember, recovery is possible.
