SOS Help For Post Trauma Stress Disorder
There is very little that you can do on your own when you suffer from PTSD. It is always advisable to consult a doctor and start treatment as early as you can. In the meantime, here are a few steps that could decrease your pain somewhat:
1. Join a support group - it is very hard to allow yourself to dwell on the trauma you experienced. This is why most people who suffer from PTSD seem to shrink within into a world of their own. However, it is important that you relate to others and understand that you are not the only one who suffers from this immense emotional pain. Do not speak, if you do not feel inclined to do so. Just join the group and listen to the pain and experience of others. This would open a transition portal for you to cross over to feel and live normally again.
2. Say no to drugs and alcohol - it is easy to give in to the idea that drugs and/ or alcohol would numb the pain and suffering that tortures your mind. This is not true. Stay clear from these substances. Seek medical help when you feel you cannot handle it on your own any longer. PTSD is curable and all the symptoms can be reversed with the right treatment.
3. Stop wallowing in self-pity - your worst enemy is self-pity. This would make you feel helpless, vulnerable, like a victim. Fight and challenge such feelings. You tell yourself you can do it. Help to reaffirm your sense of being in control by doing things for others. Help those who are in need. This would give you the feeling that you have the power to make a difference in somebody’s life; and gradually reaffirm that you can take charge of your own life once again.
This condition needs intensive therapy and medication. The first step towards healing is facilitating dialogue about the experience. Counseling, therapy, NLP, hypnosis and medication are known to help PTSD patients to put the trauma behind them and lead a productive and carefree life. As with other anxiety disorders, this too if left untreated would gravitate towards depression and suicide. In this particular case, it is very important that side by side with the person who suffers from PTSD, the family members too should participate in the therapy so they could understand what to expect and how best to react to it.
