How to Manage Your PTSD in a Healthy Way

As if the pain of undergoing a traumatic event in your life were not enough, your body sometimes doesn’t allow it to end there. You may begin experiencing flashbacks, extreme emotions, depression, anxiety, and more.

At Texas Mind Science, in Richardson and Flower Mound, Texas, we have treated many patients with this kind of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), so we want you to know that no matter how dark things seem right now, there is indeed hope. Whether you experienced a traumatic event on the battlefield, a terrible accident, or some other type of violence, we can help.

One of the first steps is giving you the tools to manage your PTSD in a healthy way. If you are equipped with these tools, you will be less likely to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, which can cause even more harm. Trust our professionals to give you the care and guidance you need.

Remember that you are not alone — around 8 million people in the United States are living with PTSD. Based on their collective experience, here are a few techniques for managing your PTSD in a healthy manner:

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present and aware in the moment. Many of us tend to get caught up in our own headspace, especially if we are reliving a traumatic time. Mindfulness helps you bring awareness to what you’re directly experiencing, which helps train your brain to focus the way you want it to. 

Social Support

We were not made to be alone. Finding and using support from others can be a major factor in helping you overcome PTSD. You need someone (or a group) you can trust who can help you work through the emotions and stresses that come with PTSD. 

Journaling

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be an excellent way to cope with the anxiety and fear brought on by PTSD. Journaling can improve both your psychological and your physical health. There’s something cathartic and freeing about letting the words flow. Even if no one else ever reads what you write, the process can be very helpful to you.

Pets

Adopting a pet that is trained to recognize and prevent symptoms of PTSD has been shown to help people manage their PTSD symptoms. A dog, for example, can sense chemical changes in your body, get your attention, and help you put your hands on them to help calm you down. In one study, patients’ symptoms were reduced by 82%, and in one case, a patient decreased their sleep and anxiety medications by half after just a week with a dog.

Therapy and Medications

Various types of psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, and medications have also been shown to be effective in treating PTSD. At Texas Mind Science, we also use a technique called TMS, or noninvasive transcranial magnetic stimulation. This treatment uses magnetic pulses to stimulate your brain structure and restore nerve activity, which helps relieve your PTSD. 

To find out more about any of these techniques or treatments, please contact one of our offices by phone or set up an appointment with our handy online scheduling tool. We know PTSD can take over your life, but we want to help you fight it. You’re not alone in this fight — call today!