Most people find that some type of therapy is important in healing from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). There are a variety of therapeutic methods that have been found useful.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be particularly helpful in dealing with flashbacks; it teaches relaxation and ways to change thoughts that are troubling.
Some people have found that newer treatments, such
as eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and emotional freedom
therapy (EFT) help with more immediate relief of symptoms.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy has also been found to be extremely helpful, often
in conjunction with some of the other types, particularly if the symptoms are a
result of childhood trauma.
When children are traumatized, they often become frozen in time developmentally. While they mature physically, there may be some emotional and social areas in which they have difficulty.
Psychodynamic treatment can aid in healing those early wounds and help the individual make up for what was lost.
In addition to those treatments already mentioned, some people find medications helpful to alleviate the anxiety and/or depression that you ma be experiencing.
Many people also find that becoming part of a support group is also helpful. The local social service agency or blue pages in the telephone book will likely have some leads.
Additionally, some people are helped by becoming involved in things that bring meaning to their life. Taking a class, working on crafts, and/or doing some volunteer work may help someone get through the days in a meaningful way as they work to resolve the PTSD symptoms.
Hope Makes Healing Possible!
Patricia Sherman, Ph.D., LCSW
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Comments (3)
Dear Pat,
I deal with PTSD. I find that I can be going along well. But when I have to deal or interact with family members who were a part of the past traumas, I "lose it" and become mean to them at the slightest annoyance when I really don't want to. I also find that it drains my energy and for days after I feel physically and mentally "sick and tired".
What can I do? I come in contact with these family members. So it is hard to "just avoid them". What are some things I can do in these situations.
Thanks and please keep writing.
Joanne
Posted by Joanne on June 7, 2007 5:55 PM
What you're describing is not at all unusual.
It makes perfect sense that you would "lose it" when around people who were involved in the past traumas. In some ways, when you are with them, it can feel almost as if you were back in the original situations.
Lashing out now is something that you were undoubtedly not able to do back then.
I hope that you are working with someone to help you heal from the wounds of the past. While you work on that, I would suggest that you minimize your contacts with those who have hurt you.
I realize that you may not be able to avoid seeing them altogether, but the less contact you have, the better I think it will be for you.
In the meanwhile, learning some centering and relaxing techniques can be helpful.
Deep breathing before you see them can help you stay grounded in the present.
Keep reminding yourself that this is 2007 and that you are no longer a victim. Visualize yourself remaining calm while in their presence.
In some ways, lashing out at them is continuing to give them power over you.
You are now, however, a capable adult who can protect the wounded inner child that is afraid of them.
Are there any family members who feel safe to you?
If so, you might ask them to stay close at hand to provide some extra support for you.
It may also be helpful to plan some time to nurture yourself after you will be seeing your family. Even approaching them differently can be physically and emotionally draining, so it's important to honor your need for rest and renewal after being with them.
I hope this has been helpful. Please feel free to write with any other concerns.
I'd also be interested to know how things go for you in your future contacts with your family.
Pat
Posted by Patricia Sherman on June 13, 2007 12:05 PM
Dear Dr. Pat,
Thank you for what you wrote to me and others with PTSD.
It was all helpful and i found this to be really healing to know that i am not crazy. What you said was
"What you're describing is not at all unusual.
It makes perfect sense that you would "lose it" when around people who were involved in the past traumas. In some ways, when you are with them, it can feel almost as if you were back in the original situations"
It means a lot to me to know what i have been doing is not unusual for a PTSD person. It is just like I am still in the situation even though it has been years.
I will listen to your guidance and continue to read your blog. Thank you.
Joanne
Posted by Joanne on July 3, 2007 1:24 PM