PTSD is a mental condition that most people have, yet they may not know it. As per the American Family Physician resource site, approximately eight to nine percent of the US population have the condition. Thirty percent of the sufferers have experienced some shock in their lives.
Another resource site, the National Institute of Mental Health, reports that many people have gone to war and other traumas like car accidents and sexual assaults have PTSD. The good news is you can manage the condition with cannabis. It may help in several ways:
- Its cannabinoids could assist in eliminating disturbing memories
- It may lower activity in your amygdala- the area in your brain associated with fear reactions to threats
Living with PTSD every day can be challenging. Many would rather not revisit some memories in their lives, but at times they arise unannounced and force them to face them. While this is entirely normal, these memories can trigger violent flashbacks for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients. The effects of a traumatic event can interrupt your daily routine and make it hard to move on from them.
It is common for people to experience various emotions and physical symptoms after a trauma like this. These symptoms might include sadness, nervousness, high alertness, anger, difficulty sleeping, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, avoiding people, places, memories, or feelings about traumatic events.
It usually takes time for these symptoms to subside. For others, more severe symptoms persist or pose a problem that affects their daily lives and doesn’t go away on its own. PTSD can manifest as severe symptoms lasting more than a month following a trauma. To help you or a loved one with PTSD, here are seven exceptional and effective coping strategies you might not have known.
An exotic weed strain may be all you need for your PTSD.
More on PTSD
PTSD, or posttraumatic stress disorder, is a mental condition where you develop fear after experiencing some trauma. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders classifies the state among anxiety disorders with specialists.
If you fear that you might encounter another traumatic situation, it’s the acute subtype of PTSD. However, if you’re suffering from depression and distressing memories after experiencing a trauma, you have the delayed onset type of PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD to Know
If you or someone else has this condition, you must look for the signs. Here are some of them:
- Being easily startled or constantly feeling on guard
- Experiencing nightmares that remind you of your trauma
- Avoiding things that remind you about the trauma like people, activities, and places
- Feeling emotionally numb
- Overwhelming shame or guilt
- Self-destructive tendencies like driving too fast and drinking alcohol
- Trouble focusing
- Hopelessness about the future
- Having negative feelings about yourself and the world in general
- Having a hard time maintaining close relationships
Is PTSD Treatable?
Yes. Psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, clinical social workers, and other mental health professionals treat PTSD through psychotherapy or talk therapy. They also use medications to help manage the condition better.
How Soon Can One Get It After a Traumatizing Event?
According to the National Center for PTSD, signs of the condition may appear within four weeks after experiencing a traumatic event. This is not always true, though, especially if you have had previous mental health issues. Some people can get the condition or even the day after.
Healthy Ways to Handle Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Anxiety
There are countless practical ways to manage PTSD anxiety. Here are some of the main ones:
Service Animals and Emotional Support
Animals have an odd way of bringing comfort and love. Being around them can help you recover from anxiety and stress. Service dogs can recognize when PTSD indicators are surfacing. They redirect their owner gently.
Please note that there’s a difference between service animals and emotional support animals. The first group has training while the second one has no skills.
Mobility
Staying put at home or any other space can cause you to recall those unpleasant events. You don’t have to exercise- unless you want to. Movement simply means making your body active.
You can do this by strolling in the neighborhood or enjoying a bike ride on a sunny day. Consider doing this with a friend or family member so you can love the experience even more.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Most individuals tense up when they’re anxious. This therapy is designed to help people with PTSD lessen their anxiety. You can use it to soothe various areas of your body by concentrating on specific muscle groups. It helps your brain and muscles relax whenever PTSD symptoms show up or when you get stressed.
Writing Your Thoughts Down
You can write to express your emotional pain or bad memories. It’s wise to keep a journal where you can do this at any time. Try writing when you’re in bed, during free hours at work, and other times throughout the day.
It’s therapeutic and helps get your mind off things. You can also put down random things that come to your mind or create a gratitude list if you don’t feel like noting down your day’s experiences.
Socializing
It’s normal to stay away from people when you feel anxious. But it’s not healthy. Socializing and connection are essential for your well-being. They keep your heart warm and your mind sane.
Yoga and Meditation
Another highly effective way of handling your PTSD symptoms is yoga or meditating. You can consider attending classes at your nearest health center or simply practicing on your own at home. It’s good for the frame, mind, and soul.
Aromatherapy
There are essential oils that can induce good feelings in your mind and body. They’re called anxiety-fighting oils. You can apply them to your skin or even breathe in their scent when you feel anxious. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Lavender
- Sandalwood
- Orange
- Rosemary
- Bergamot
- Cedarwood
- Frankincense
Conclusion
Posttraumatic stress disorder is common in people who have experienced unexpected or traumatic events. It can cause someone to feel anxious, depressed, and fearful at all times. Fortunately, the above methods can help you handle the condition successfully. You don’t have to let it ruin your life. Remember to be persistent and optimistic as you perform the techniques. You’ll get the mental and physical peace you deserve in no time.