Rediscovering Life after PTSD

Times can get tough. At times tougher than we can really handle, enough to make us want to give up. Trauma is a common phenomenon across the globe. PTSD is experienced by a significant percentage of adults at least once in their lifetime. So if you ever find yourself stuck in that dark low you're unfamiliar with - wanting to move on and rediscover life but also not knowing how to - you are not alone in this and worry not, we have you covered.

PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a major cause of suicides, is a mental health disorder experienced due to traumatic or horrifying events. The causes range from natural disasters, accidents, war/combat, terrorism, child abuse, bullying, sexual violence, death or threat of death, rape, or other forms of violence. The prevalence of PTSD is higher among females than in males, as they are more vulnerable to experiencing sexual abuse starting from childhood. A family history of anxiety and depression is also an important cause.

Any shocking event that shakes one to the core without a warning is enough to trigger PTSD. With most people, the shock from trauma is temporary and with time, support and self-care, their condition improves. But if it continues to interfere with your everyday activities over a long period of time, months or even years, then it's most likely to be PTSD.

So what are the signs that show someone's battling PTSD?

Some common symptoms of the disorder include fear, anxiety, dissociation, flashbacks and nightmares, guilt, shame, hypervigilance, shivering, intrusive thoughts or memories, negative thinking, irritability, avoidance, severe emotional and physical distress, insomnia, lack of concentration/focus besides others.

The symptoms differ among individuals, as do the intensity of symptoms and time. Identifying the symptoms is key to diagnosing and treating the condition.

Timely support is essential for PTSD treatment, and the methods could vary from person to person. What works for one doesn't necessarily have to work for the other. To find out what works best for you and stick to it. Here are a few tips to come out of the lightless shell and take care of yourself:

1. Talk to friends and family: Opening up about what happened and what you are experiencing as a result is half the burden unloaded. You do not have to push yourself to open up, nor should you do it in a space you do not feel safe and comfortable in. That family member or friend that you are very close to and trustfully, try opening up as much or as little as you want. The first time is bound to be challenging but the first step matters the most. Always remember, feeling safe is the priority here. Once you have established a safe bond in the conversation, opening up in the process becomes easier. This also helps in rebuilding confidence, trust, and self-esteem after the traumatic event.

2. Consult a mental health professional: Mental health professionals have expertise in the field and can help you out with what you're dealing with better than people you know. There is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking therapy, which could be either short-term or long-term. Reaching out for help especially when you need it is perfectly normal and the right thing to do, so do not hesitate if you have been sweeping the idea under the mat for a while now. Counselors will guide you through the condition, carefully diagnosing and explaining to you at every point what's happening and what has to be done, channeling your anxiety into productive channels and areas where you can start thriving again as your original self.

3. Journaling: is a proven and highly recommended method to deal with trauma. Instead of letting negative emotions like fear, anger, frustration, grief, guilt, shame, low self-esteem build up within you, grab a few papers and start scribbling away everything that is locked up inside. Journaling is a therapeutic and cathartic exercise that allows you to trace your emotions and understand more about where you are in your journey of recovery. Not being able to process emotions and memories leads to memory repression, which can be harmful to both the mind and body at a later period. Writing it down in a personal space at a pace that you are comfortable with enables you to effectively process emotions, helping the person to shed the stress and relax periodically. Identifying triggers becomes an easy task once you start writing down all that troubles you. Make sure you do it every day.

4. Breathing and physical exercises: Slow and conscious breathing is also widely recommended by therapists. Focusing on your breathing can free your mind from intrusive thoughts, and this works for extreme conditions like PTSD as well. You can even start out by focusing for 10 seconds initially before your mind is invaded, and then gradually increase the span through practice.

Physical exercise is greatly helpful, as mobility is essential for the human body to process trauma. Muscles and nerves need a way to release the stress stored up due to the shock and its aftermath. No matter how hard you find it to leave the dark corner that feels cozy now, take one step at a time and make sure you are moving about the place. If long walks in the park are your thing, go for it.

Find spaces that you thrive in and indulge in flow activities - any activity that makes you feel at home with yourself. It could be anything from reading to taking your dog for a walk. Minor changes to your diet also help. Seek professional help if symptoms persist. All you have to do through this journey is remember that this is temporary and that there's always light at the end of the tunnel.

Share this with someone whom you think might need help.