PTSD

What You Need to Know About PTSD and Recovery

In World War II, what we now know as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was referred to as “shell shock” or combat fatigue. Soldiers were often sent back into battle despite their psychological struggles. Today, we understand that PTSD affects not only combat veterans but people of all ages, races, and cultures worldwide.

PTSD can develop after various life-threatening events, such as motor vehicle accidents, dog bites, muggings, sexual assaults, domestic violence, child abuse, natural disasters, or global pandemics. While many people experience trauma, not everyone develops PTSD. Some individuals naturally recover over time without needing treatment, but many do develop PTSD following a dangerous incident.

Experiencing trauma can cause significant changes in both the brain and body. The brain’s amygdala triggers a “fight, flight, or freeze” response during a dangerous situation. Usually, the pre-frontal cortex, the brain’s “thinking” part, re-engages after the immediate threat subsides, helping individuals process their feelings and place the experience in context. However, for about one-fifth of trauma survivors, the brain remains stuck in reactive mode, leading to persistent PTSD symptoms. 

PTSD symptoms can include:

 Intrusion**: Repeated flashbacks, upsetting dreams, and involuntary memories.

Avoidance**: Avoiding people, places, situations, or discussions that trigger painful memories.

Negative Thoughts and Feelings: A flood of negative emotions such as guilt, shame, anger, or fear, often accompanied by distorted perceptions of the event.

Arousal and Reactivity**: Increased irritability, episodes of intense anger, heightened suspicion, and problems with sleep or concentration.

Some individuals may experience these symptoms for months or even years. It is crucial for anyone who has experienced trauma to discuss their symptoms with loved ones and healthcare professionals.

Treatment and Recovery

Treatment for PTSD is vital and can significantly improve quality of life, although each patient’s journey is unique. The goal of therapy is to help the amygdala relinquish control to the pre-frontal cortex, enabling individuals to process their feelings and thoughts about the traumatic event. Addressing distorted perceptions is essential, as these can keep PTSD symptoms active. Over time, effective treatment helps transfer these processed memories to the hippocampus’s long-term storage area, reducing their emotional impact. While triggers may still evoke memories, the intensity of the symptoms can diminish, leading to a better overall sense of well-being.

Treatment needs to be individualized for each person. The way that the brain changes due to trauma can be reversed by reprogramming it to think about the trauma realistically. Adding coping strategies like 

What You Need to Know About PTSD and Recovery

In World War II, what we now know as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was referred to as “shell shock” or combat fatigue. Soldiers were often sent back into battle despite their psychological struggles. Today, we understand that PTSD affects not only combat veterans but people of all ages, races, and cultures worldwide.

PTSD can develop after various life-threatening events, such as motor vehicle accidents, dog bites, muggings, sexual assaults, domestic violence, child abuse, natural disasters, or global pandemics. While many people experience trauma, not everyone develops PTSD. Some individuals naturally recover over time without needing treatment, but many do develop PTSD following a dangerous incident.

Experiencing trauma can cause significant changes in both the brain and body. During a dangerous situation, the brain’s amygdala triggers a “fight, flight, or freeze” response. Normally, the pre-frontal cortex, the brain’s “thinking” part, re-engages after the immediate threat subsides, helping individuals process their feelings and place the experience in context. However, for about one-fifth of trauma survivors, the brain remains stuck in reactive mode, leading to persistent PTSD symptoms.

Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms can include:

• Intrusion: Repeated flashbacks, upsetting dreams, and involuntary memories.
• Avoidance: Avoiding people, places, situations, or discussions that trigger painful memories.
• Negative Thoughts and Feelings: Flooding of negative emotions such as guilt, shame, anger, or fear, often accompanied by distorted perceptions of the event.
• Arousal and Reactivity: Increased irritability, episodes of intense anger, heightened suspicion, and problems with sleep or concentration.

Some individuals may experience these symptoms for months or even years. It is crucial for anyone who has experienced trauma to discuss their symptoms with loved ones and healthcare professionals.

Treatment and Recovery

Treatment for PTSD is vital and can significantly improve quality of life, although each patient’s journey is unique. I use the “evidence-based” counseling program called Cognitive Processing Therapy. This method has been tested to be very effective for people suffering from the symptoms of PTSD. The goal of this therapy is to help the amygdala relinquish control to the pre-frontal cortex, enabling individuals to process their feelings and thoughts about the traumatic event. Addressing distorted perceptions is essential, as these can keep PTSD symptoms active. Over time, effective treatment helps transfer these processed memories to the hippocampus’s long-term storage area, reducing their emotional impact. While triggers may still evoke memories, the intensity of the symptoms can diminish, leading to a better overall sense of well-being.

Coping Strategies for PTSD

For individuals dealing with PTSD, incorporating effective coping strategies can significantly aid in managing symptoms and improving overall well-being. Here are some strategies that have been found helpful:

• Deep Breathing: Practicing deep breathing exercises can help calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This technique involves tensing and then slowly relaxing different muscle groups to release physical tension.
• Mindfulness: Engaging in mindfulness practices helps individuals stay present in the moment and reduce anxiety related to past trauma.
• Self-monitoring: Keeping track of triggers, symptoms, and progress can provide valuable insights and help in managing PTSD more effectively.
• Social Support: Building a strong support network of friends, family, or support groups provides emotional comfort and understanding.
• Self-Soothing: Finding personal ways to calm oneself, such as listening to music, taking a warm bath, or engaging in hobbies.
• Expressive Writing: Writing about thoughts and feelings related to the trauma can facilitate emotional processing and healing.
• Distraction: Engaging in activities that divert attention from distressing thoughts, such as reading, exercising, or pursuing hobbies.
• Behavioral Activation: Actively participating in positive activities can improve mood and reduce feelings of isolation and depression. 

Incorporating these coping strategies into daily routines can make a significant difference in managing PTSD symptoms and enhancing quality of life.

CONCLUSION

With the help of therapy, we can understand the impact of PTSD on the individual. Using Cognitive Processing Therapy as a modality of treatment can help to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of PTSD. Teaching strategies that will aid in recovery can be used in the present and can be reused when the symptoms of PTSD are triggered into returning. The symptoms of PTSD may never go away altogether. Reducing and eliminating them is a goal of treatment. However, sometimes circumstances can be a reminder of the feelings and experiences that come with PTSD. Using the above strategies for coping can help to soothe again and reduce and eliminate these symptoms should they reoccur. 

In conclusion, PTSD can be treated effectively so that the sufferer can go on to lead a full and everyday life.