What is PTSD?
PTSD is a complex psychiatric condition triggered by exposure to emotionally disturbing events, especially traumatic experiences that involve actual or threatened death or serious injury. While up to 90% of people face trauma at some point, most do not develop PTSD, indicating risk depends on both what happens to a person and their vulnerability.
Adverse events alone do not explain all the variance in PTSD risk. Trauma severity as well as available social support structures at the time of the event also critically influence whether someone develops lasting post-traumatic symptoms. The cognitive and emotional frameworks people bring to the situation matter as well. Those who blame themselves, dissociate from emotions, lack coping skills, or fear recurring harm face elevated risk.
Reference
Va.gov: Veterans Affairs. What is PTSD? (2018, September 14).
Coping Tools for PTSD
Grounding techniques - Tools like mindful breathing, naming surrounding objects, or the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory method can relieve distress from flashbacks or dissociation by reorienting to the present moment.
Trauma-focused psychotherapy - Working with a therapist skilled in PTSD treatments like cognitive processing therapy, EMDR, or prolonged exposure can help process traumatic memories while identifying unhelpful thought patterns.
Medications - Antidepressants like SSRIs or SNRIs can help manage PTSD symptoms like hyperarousal, emotional numbness, and co-occurring conditions like depression. Prazosin helps specifically with trauma nightmares.
Journaling - Writing about traumatic events or associated emotions and distortions through journaling can help develop insight, shift perspectives, and release inhibitions about discussing the trauma.
Support groups - Connecting with fellow trauma survivors provides validation while building a community who understands the PTSD journey. Groups reduce isolation and teach effective coping techniques.
Lifestyle changes - Getting quality sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising, practicing mindfulness, and limiting alcohol intake can stabilize mood and set the stage for PTSD healing.
The most effective PTSD coping depends on each person's needs and recovery style. A combination of lifestyle changes, skills-based therapies, medication, and communal support generally works best.
Reference
Va.gov: Veterans Affairs. What is PTSD? (2018, September 14).https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/index.asp