It is your time to shine with Healings of Life

" “Always remember, if you have been diagnosed with PTSD, it is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is proof of your strength, because you have survived!.” by unknown

Hello, and thank you for reading. Below is a brief description of PTSD. At the very bottom I will tell you a little bit about my own experience and what has helped me.

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that can develop in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Traumatic events that can trigger PTSD include but are not limited to serious accidents, natural disasters, acts of violence, or military combat.

When someone goes through a traumatic experience, it's normal for them to feel a range of emotions such as fear, shock, or helplessness. However, for some individuals, these reactions persist and may even intensify over time, leading to the development of PTSD.

The symptoms of PTSD are generally grouped into four categories:

1. Intrusive Thoughts: This involves recurrent, involuntary memories of the traumatic event, distressing dreams, or flashbacks where the person feels as though they are reliving the event.
2. Avoidance: Individuals with PTSD often try to avoid reminders of the traumatic event. This can include avoiding certain places, people, or activities that may trigger memories of the trauma.
3. Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: This category involves persistent negative emotions, distorted thoughts about oneself or others, feelings of detachment from loved ones, and a reduced interest in activities that were once enjoyable.
4. Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions: Individuals with PTSD may experience heightened arousal, including difficulty sleeping, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and an exaggerated startle response.

It's important to note that not everyone who experiences a traumatic event develops PTSD, and the severity of symptoms can vary. If someone is experiencing symptoms that interfere with their daily life or last for an extended period, it's crucial to seek professional help. Treatment options for PTSD often include therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy) and, in some cases, medication.

Treatment for PTSD typically involves a combination of therapeutic approaches and, in some cases, medication. Here are common methods used in the treatment of PTSD:

1. Psychotherapy (Counseling): Different forms of psychotherapy are often effective in treating PTSD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used approach that helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with the trauma. Exposure therapy, a type of CBT, involves gradually facing and processing traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment.
2. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals process distressing memories by using guided eye movements. It aims to reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories.
3. Medication: Antidepressant medications, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are commonly prescribed to alleviate symptoms of PTSD. These medications can help manage mood, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
4. Group Therapy: Group therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals with PTSD can share their experiences, gain insights, and receive feedback from others who have faced similar challenges. Group therapy can reduce feelings of isolation and foster a sense of community.
5. Family Therapy: Involving family members in therapy can help improve communication and understanding. It can also provide a support system for the individual with PTSD.
6. Mind-Body Techniques: Practices such as yoga, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises can help individuals manage stress and anxiety associated with PTSD. These techniques focus on the connection between the mind and body.
7. Support Groups: Joining a support group, whether in person or online, allows individuals with PTSD to connect with others who have experienced similar traumas. Sharing experiences and coping strategies in a supportive environment can be beneficial.
8. Self-Help Strategies: Learning and practicing self-help strategies, such as relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and stress management, can empower individuals to cope with symptoms on their own.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of treatment can vary from person to person, and a combination of approaches may be used based on individual needs. Seeking the guidance of a mental health professional is crucial to developing a tailored treatment plan for PTSD.

My experience

In a nutshell, with multiple incidences and layers of traumas from my childhood, I am sure had contributed greatly to creating my PTSD developing at a young age and then grew with several other traumatic events when I got older. On one hand I grew up very quickly, but on the other hand, I have taught myself to not trust anyone in the world and it has made relationships in my life.. be it friendships, romantic relationships, and even my relationship with myself, extremely difficult. One of my biggest symptoms that I struggle with mostly on a daily basis is my hypervigilance. I am always feeling an underlying anxiety where I am looking for ways the people around me are going to or trying to hurt me. It is a very lonely place but at the same time, it is the only place I know after all of these years. I want so much to feel and hold onto that deep love connection, but at times I have finally felt it only to push it away as I was scared because it was unfamiliar and I worried it was not safe. Living in constant survivor mode and only letting people get so close, is my default. There is so much more I can say on this with my experience, but let's get into what helps me:

Prayer: For me, praying helps. I do believe in God and a higher power and asking to surround me in their protective white light, and imagining this beautiful light being wrapped around me really does help. 

Meditating: Meditation is huge and a wonderful way to get yourself in the moment. I love falling asleep to guided meditations. There are lots on YouTube that are for specifically PTSD and anxiety. One form of meditation that also helps is visualizing a tornado coming down from the sky and surrounding me, sucking out every inch of darkness, anxiety, anything yucky.. and going all down my body. I can see everything going into this tornado and then I visualize watching it go up into the sky when I am done.

Flower Essences: These are amazing! You can get them at your local Sprouts or online. My favorite is Dr. Bach and there are several options for different symptoms. I wrote a blog about them in more detail or you can view the tab "Flower Essences" under Healing Blogs.

Therapy: Getting a therapist and working through your trauma is extremely effective and important to get to the underlying cause. There are different forms like EMDR which is very good for trauma and PTSD. Please do not shy away from therapy because of any stigma or maybe a previous experience you did not like. Getting the right therapist is like car shopping. You have to feel different ones out and take it for a test run to see what feels right. There are truly incredible therapists out there that I am forever grateful for helping me and I am confident can help you as well.

Reiki Healing: Reiki is another form of therapy, for me anyway. It is the spiritual therapy that does not involve any talking but only energy work that they actually can remove dark and blocked energy from your body and mind. Do your research before going to anyone but when you find the right ones, they are truly worth it. You will leave feeling lighter and some parts of you shifting for the better and permanently healed in certain ways. 

Working out: When you feel your anxiety from PTSD you want to get the energy out of your body.. go for a run, walk, or go to the gym and work out as hard as you can. When you are done you will be tired but in a good, healthy way, and your body will thank you later on. If you can make this a daily routine that is even better. 

Please note that PTSD is a serious condition and the remedies above do not substitute getting professional help. PTSD can also lead to suicidal thoughts and anger. Some people will require medication, etc. But as long as the steps are being taken to work through it, be very proud of yourself! I hope the things that help me will help you, too!

And most importantly, please know that you are not alone.