Most of us have heard of PTSD. Many soldiers returning from war have some level of PTSD, but it is not just soldiers. Victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and others also suffer from PTSD.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can lead to substance abuse and addiction. Those who have begun their recovery journey must learn healthy ways to cope with PTSD to reduce their chances of relapse.
Symptoms of PTSD
If your loved one develops these symptoms, speak to your loved one and their doctor about PTSD.
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, recurring nightmares of the traumatic event
- Avoiding talking or thinking, staying away from places, activities, or people associated with the traumatic event
- Negative thoughts or mood about the future, lack of interest in activities usually enjoyed, and difficulty maintaining a relationship
- Changes in physical and emotional responses easily startled or frightened, over vigilant, unable to sleep or concentrate, irritability, aggressiveness, guilt or shame, drinking too much, or abusing drugs
Hyper or over vigilance is a status of highly increased state of alertness, constantly ready for fight or flight, looking for a target that will cause harm or violence.
Below are healthy ways to deal with PTSD.
Healthy ways to deal with PTSD
Here are several healthy ways to deal with PTSD to avoid a relapse in Orange County and across the USA.
- Mindful meditation combined with deep breathing can reduce both stress and anxiety that can trigger PTSD
- Physical exercise reduces anxiety, stress, blood pressure, and negativity
- Acknowledge the trauma and acknowledge it was not your fault
- Understand PTSD, know the symptoms, causes, and treatments; educate yourself on PTSD
- Know your triggers such as loud noises, certain places, smells, sounds, or people that can cause your PTSD to take over
- Join a PTSD support group since other people living with PTSD know and understand what you are going through; this support group is an excellent place to talk about your PTSD and feelings of anxiety, stress, depression, and more
- Keep a journal to express your feelings and thoughts is a great way to deal with your emotions such as anxiety, stress, depression and chart your growth through your journey
- A service animal can also be a great source of comfort and provides you something to care about
Developing a plan with healthy ways to deal with triggers can help you reduce the risk of relapse and keep you falling further down the rabbit hole of PTSD,
Treatment of PTSD in Orange County
Getting treatment for PTSD in Orange County does not have to be complicated. 449 Recovery treats dual diagnoses like PTSD and substance abuse, using therapies like cognitive, behavioral, individual, and group therapy, art therapy, animal therapy, family therapy, and more.
If you need help with PTSD and addiction or relapse for PTSD and addiction, call us today at 855 435 7449 to discuss the therapies we use, pricing, insurance, and payments we accept. We provide a clean, safe environment for you to heal and recover.