I’m not a doctor, but I can talk you through some of the basics of PTSD treatment from my own experience.
I want to give you an idea of the sorts of things that might be available to you.
I also want to reassure you that they really can work. You might be dealing with really complex trauma and wonder how on earth something like talking or flashing lights might help you – but the treatments are based on scientific research and empirical evidence. It’s not made up and it really can help you.
The Starting Point
The most important thing you can do if you suspect you might have PTSD is to talk to a medical practitioner and start your journey from there.
I’m not offering any magic potions or online subscriptions. The right treatment will come from a trained professional, not me (I’m just a person on the internet).
If you are diagnosed, here are some of the treatments that might work for you. And if you are sceptical of their efficacy, as I was, bear in mind that millions of people have had their symptoms reduced by these techniques.
Talking Therapies
This is when you delve deep into the traumatic experience(s) causing you suffering by verbalising your thoughts and memories. You talk through things with a trained professional who can help spot your pain points and encourage you to work through them.
You might question how talking through things could actually help. It’s not medicine. You’re not undoing the past. But please take it from me that it can be far more effective than you imagined. I didn’t believe it could work but I gave it a go and was amazed by the results.
Prolonged Exposure
This is when you gradually – and safely – go back and face the memories, feelings or things that you have been avoiding because of your traumatic memories.
It aims to help reduce your fight or flight response, and gradually build up your sense of safety in the world around you by teaching your brain that these things are no longer a current risk to you.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
This is when you discuss situations or memories or feelings that are causing you upset or pain or concern, while a trained professional helps you make rhythmic eye movements that helps reprocess the memories.
I haven’t actually undergone this treatment but have spoken to people who have and say it was extremely helpful for them. It might seem like an odd treatment but somehow, it seems to be very effective.
Medications
As well as talking therapies, you might also react well to medications that help manage symptoms of your PTSD. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed and sleeping aids might also be recommended.
Holistic Treatments
These are often recommended in addition to the treatments above. They are useful for treating the symptoms of PTSD such as a feeling of being ‘triggered’ for example.
The can include grounding techniques like focussing on visual, audio or sensory things to keep you in the here and now. It can also include breathing exercises or other things that help us regulate our own nervous system.
Exercise
An active lifestyle can be really helpful for counteracting the effects of PTSD. It can help release endorphins as well as tackling some of the physiological side effects of PTSD such as tension stored in the body.
Social Support
We are emotional creatures and connections to others can be part of the healing process as well. A community of support can be really beneficial on the journey to recovery.
Please also feel free to comment on this site if you have anything you want to share. Treat this like part of your community.
And trust me – the treatments can really work!
PTSDelivery 