Reducing PTSD symptoms

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault.

While it's normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after this type of experience, if these symptoms last more than a few weeks, it may be PTSD.

PTSD can lead to problems in many areas of your life, including your work, relationships, and mental and physical health.

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for PTSD, but a variety of therapies can help. These include:

• Talk therapy: This type of therapy, also called psychotherapy, can help you understand your thoughts and feelings about the traumatic event and develop coping skills.

• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): This therapy uses eye movements, taps, or tones to help you process the traumatic event and reduce the symptoms of PTSD.

• Medication: Medications, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, can help reduce some of the symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety and depression.

If you think you may have PTSD, it's important to seek professional help. With treatment, you can learn to manage your symptoms and live a full and productive life.

Here are some additional information about PTSD:

• Symptoms: The symptoms of PTSD can vary from person to person, but they often include:

  • Reliving the traumatic event in flashbacks or nightmares

  • Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event

  • Feeling numb or detached from others

  • Having trouble sleeping or concentrating

  • Feeling angry or irritable

  • Having trouble controlling your emotions

  • Having physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension

• Causes: PTSD is caused by a combination of factors, including the severity of the traumatic event, your individual coping skills, and your support system.

• Treatment: There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for PTSD, but a variety of therapies can help. These include talk therapy, EMDR, and medication.

  If you’re experiencing any symptoms, you can get help here.