In our last post, we gave a brief overview on PTSD. In this post, we will go over a few tips on how to work through PTSD and how therapy can help.
I think I have PTSD. What should I do?
If you think you are suffering from PTSD, you don’t need to face it alone. The first step is talking to a doctor or therapist. The National Center for PTSD has a checklist that would be very beneficial for you to fill out and give to your therapist. Your answers to the checklist will help your health care provider get to know you and your situation better. The information you give to your therapist will be relatively basic, and you’ll dig deeper once therapy begins.
What are my treatment options?
Two types of treatment have been effective in treating PTSD: counseling and medication. Counseling can help you process your thoughts and find different ways to cope with your feelings. Medications (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are used to help with anxiety and depression.
In a matter of months, treatment can generate helpful, positive changes in symptoms and quality of life.
How should I prepare for therapy?
Go into each session open-minded. Besides the checklist mentioned above, here are a few questions you and your therapist should talk over and eventually work through:
- How do I know for certain that I have PTSD? What if I don’t have PTSD, but still have some of the symptoms?
- Can I be cured?
- Will I need to be medicated?
- What should I do if I feel I might hurt myself?
- Are there things that can make my PTSD symptoms worse?
Make sure you find a therapist that you can talk with freely. Asking questions and being open are two key components to helpful therapy sessions.
What can I do on my own?
Create a safe place for yourself—somewhere you can go to relax, be alone, and feel safe. Maybe it’s a closet at work, your backyard at home, or your vehicle. If you begin to feel unsafe when you aren’t at home, create a safe place in your mind.
You can also work on relaxation techniques: meditation, deep breathing, and muscle relaxation.
In our next blog post, we will talk about how PTSD affects relationships and those around the person suffering. If you have any questions about today’s blog post, don’t hesitate to contact Reka by phone at 402-881-8125, by email at reka@omaha-counseling.com, or via Twitter or Facebook.
