Dealing With PTSD

Dealing With PTSD. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder that affects many different people in different stages of their lives. It is an issue that arises after a stressful situation or a life-or-death situation, and it can haunt a victim for a long time afterward. If you or someone you know suffers from this illness, here are some of the ways to deal with it quickly and prevent an episode.

Mindful breathing

One of the things that can calm you down if you are feeling trapped or frightened is mindful breathing. Instead of thinking about the world around you and a scary situation, close your eyes and pay attention to your breathing. When you shift your focus to breathing instead of feeling stressed it can be a huge help and will often calm you down right away.

Carry an object with you at all times

When you have an episode and you feel scared and boxed in, you can feel as if you are back in a traumatic situation all over again. However, if you can carry an item that reminds you of the present, this can help your mind wind down and allow you to escape the fear. Think about carrying a small dice or a ball which you bought in a happy place. Looking at the object and holding it in your hand will remind you where you are and that you are okay.

Understand that you are safe

A lot of the time PTSD will affect military men and women more than most. Being in a warzone day after day can take a huge toll on the body and mind because you never feel completely safe. However even by getting help for your other issues such as addiction treatment and military insurance you can feel much safer. You are no longer in a dangerous place and the world isn’t out to get you. You are safe at home with people who care, love, and respect you.

Cuddle

A lot of the time a trigger for PTSD is the fact that you feel alone and isolated from the rest of the world. To avoid feeling like this you can cuddle up on the sofa with your loved one or your pet. Just the act of cuddling makes you feel connected to the world and you will calm down.

Write it down

Sometimes writing down the moments that lead up to a flashback can be incredibly helpful for you and everyone that you love. By recounting the day and then your flashback you may begin to see small patterns in behavior and this could help you to identify exactly why the flashbacks are occurring. You can try to avoid this and work on it in the future for a happier life.

Remember that people will always be there to help you through and support you in your life. Don’t face these things alone, let other people guide you through and let you become who you were once more.

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