How To Treat Ptsd Naturally
Military veterans and others experiencing PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder may turn to traditional methods of medical treatment for help. Those methods could include therapeutic practices like cognitive behavior therapy, stress reduction techniques and prescription drugs. However, many have also found relief from PTSD symptoms by incorporating holistic health and complementary and alternative medicine approaches into their treatment plans. According to Social Worker Today:
Not all people who have PTSD present with the same needs or the same symptoms, and no one prescriptive approach works for everyone, says Karen Soltes, a social worker who founded Warriors at Ease, an organization that helps yoga and meditation teachers learn how to provide services to veterans and military personnel who suffer from PTSD and other combat-related illnesses.
How to treat PTSD experienced by veterans, active military personnel and others varies by individual, but natural methods like yoga and meditation, massage and acupuncture have proven helpful.
What is PTSD?
- Irritability
- Suicidal Thoughts
Its normal to experience some unpleasant thoughts and emotions after a traumatic event, but if the symptoms last for more than a few months, you may have PTSD.
Holistic treatments can help
Other complementary and alternative medicine techniques used to help PTSD-sufferers include:
- Acupuncture
What Is Complex Post
The main symptoms of PTSD and complex PTSD are the same. But if you have complex PTSD you will have extra symptoms such as:
- constant issues with keeping a relationship,
- finding it difficult to feel connected to other people,
- constant belief that you are worthless with deep feelings of shame and guilt. This will be related to the trauma, and
- constant and severe emotional dysregulation. This means it is difficult to control your emotions
You are more likely to have complex PTSD if your trauma is linked to an event or series of events. The trauma will be very threatening or frightening. Most commonly from a trauma which you were not able to escape from such as:
- torture
- a long period of domestic abuse, or
- a long period of sexual or physical abuse
What is the treatment for complex PTSD?
You may respond to trauma focussed therapies if you have complex PTSD. Please see the section below on therapies and additional needs for PTSD.
There is some overlap of symptoms for complex PTSD and borderline personality disorder . If you have complex PTSD you may benefit from certain treatments that help people with BPD.
You can find more information about ‘Borderline Personality Disorder’ by clicking here.
Dropout Side Effect And Adverse Effects
One common concern with trauma-focused treatment is dropout and rates of dropout appear to be similar across PE, CPT and trauma-focused CBT . A substantial minority of individuals drop out of PTSD treatment . Imel et al. conducted a meta-analysis of treatment dropout in PTSD treatment. The aggregate proportion of dropout across all active treatments was 18.28%, however, there was a large amount of variability across studies. The dropout rate varied between active interventions for PTSD across studies, but the differences were primarily driven by differences between studies. In addition, an increase in trauma focus did not predict an increase in the dropout rate. Imel et al. did find evidence across three relatively large trials that dropout is lower in present centered therapy compared to trauma specific treatments .
Unfortunately, few studies explicitly report on side effects and adverse effects of PTSD psychotherapy . The American Psychological Association guidelines recommends that research be conducted on side effects. When examining the results of large controlled trials there is no evidence that trauma-focused treatments are associated with a relative increase in adverse side effects . Clearly more research should examine and report on side effects and adverse effects of PTSD treatment.
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Tips For General Practitioners
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Consider asking questions about re-experiencing traumatic events or hyperarousal to detect post-traumatic stress disorder
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Reactions to traumatic events usually resolve without treatment but can become problematic
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If symptoms are not resolving one to three months after the traumatic event consider trauma focused cognitive behaviour therapy
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Trauma focused psychological treatment is the treatment of choice for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder
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Drug treatment should be considered as second line treatment
Symptoms Of Ptsd Fall Into Four Categories:
Post-traumatic stress disorder can present with a range of symptoms or behaviors that generally fall into four categories.
Intrusion: Intrusion occurs when something reminds you of the trauma and you feel that initial fear again. Examples include: flashbacks, nightmares, vivid, unpleasant memories of the event, and intense mental or physical distress when you think about the event.
Avoidance: Those who experience avoidance try to circumvent situations or people that trigger memories of what is causing the distress. For example, if the traumatic event was a car accident, that person might stop driving. Additionally, those who experience avoidance try to avoid thoughts or feelings related to the cause. They might make themselves overly busy to avoid thinking about what happened and their feelings. One can also experience avoidance by feeling emotionally numb or cut off from their feelings in general daily life.
Arousal and reactivity: These symptoms can include feeling on edge, being easily startled, irritability, angry outbursts, and reckless, self-destructive behavior.
Although it is natural to have some of these symptoms for a few weeks after a traumatic event, its when the symptoms above last longer, and seriously affect a persons ability to function, that are indicative of PTSD and may be a sign to consult a mental health professional about.
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Ptsd In Military Veterans
For all too many veterans, returning from military service means coping with symptoms of PTSD. You may have a hard time readjusting to life out of the military. Or you may constantly feel on edge, emotionally numb and disconnected, or close to panicking or exploding. But its important to know that youre not alone and there are plenty of ways you can deal with nightmares and flashbacks, cope with feelings of depression, anxiety or guilt, and regain your sense of control.
Children And Young People
Trauma-focused CBT is usually recommended for children and young people with PTSD.
This normally involves a course of 6 to 12 sessions that have been adapted to suit the child’s age, circumstances and level of development.
Where appropriate, treatment includes consulting with and involving the child’s family.
Children who do not respond to trauma-focused CBT may be offered EMDR.
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The Symptoms Of Ptsd :
If you have recently survived a distressful event, and are developing unsettling signs that are not just disturbing for you but also to those around you, it is about time that you see a competent authority in the matter. PTSD sets within a few weeks or months of a devastating episode. People who have lived with these disconcerting symptoms for years together without clinical intervention, and are blissfully unaware of the extensive physiological and psychological damages, are victims of complex PTSD.You can be sure of being a victim of posttraumatic stress disorder if you exhibit any one or cluster of the following symptoms
When To Get Help For Ptsd
If youre experiencing symptoms of PTSD, understand that youre not alone. According to the National Center for PTSD, 8 million adults have PTSD in any given year.
If you have frequent upsetting thoughts, are unable to control your actions, or fear that you might hurt yourself or others, seek help right away.
See your healthcare provider or a mental health professional immediately.
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How Ptsd Is Treated
PTSD can be successfully treated, even when it develops many years after a traumatic event.
Any treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and how soon they occur after the traumatic event. Any of the following treatment options may be recommended:
- Watchful waiting monitoring your symptoms to see whether they improve or get worse without treatment.
- Psychotherapy such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy or eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing .
- Antidepressants such as paroxetine or mirtazapine.
Read more about treating PTSD.
How Canada Is Helping
Canada is committed to addressing PTSD. We passed the Federal Framework on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act in June 2018. The Act recognizes that all Canadians can be at risk for PTSD and that a great number face higher risks because of the nature of their work.
The Act led to a National Conference on PTSD in April 2019. Experts from across the country, including people with lived experience, shared their knowledge and views. With their involvement, we have developed Canadas first Federal Framework on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
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Finding Out If This Treatment Is Right For You
We understand that MeRT is a relatively new, cutting edge treatment and you may not be certain if this is right for you. But this is not a decision that needs to be made right away or all alone. Your first step would be a simple phone consultation with our New Patient Coordinator. Here you can discuss your symptoms and history, ask all the questions you want, and have her explain the protocols, fees, and details of Treatment.
If you are interested in taking the next step in seeing if MeRT treatment is right for you, we can set up an appointment for an EEG and a second appointment for a consultation with the doctor to talk about your symptoms and the results of your EEG. Each of these appointments are about 45 minutes to an hour in length.
At the first appointment, our neuro-technician will perform an EEG and an EKG. Both are simple, painless, and non-invasive tests to see exactly what is happening in your brain.
At the second appointment, a few days later when your test results are in and have been analyzed, you will have a one on one consultation with the doctor. This appointment can be done virtually from the comfort of your own home. Here you will discuss your test results, answer any additional questions that you may have, and together determine if you are a candidate for treatment.
What Can I Do About It
Many people feel a lot of guilt or shame around PTSD because were often told that we should just get over difficult experiences. Others may feel embarrassed talking with others. Some people even feel like its somehow their own fault. Trauma is hurtful. If you experience problems in your life related to trauma, its important to take your feelings seriously and talk to a health care professional.
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How Can I Help A Loved One
When someone is diagnosed with PTSD, loved ones can also experience a lot of difficulties. You may feel guilty or angry about the trauma itselfthen, on top of those feelings, experience difficulties around PTSD. You may feel like your loved one is a different person, worry that things will never be normal, or wonder what will happen in the future. Here are some tips to help you cope:
With support, people can recover from PTSD and the effects of trauma. Recovery is good for the entire family, especially for young people who are still learning how to interact with the world. A loved ones recovery is a chance for everyone to learn the skills that support wellness.
Tip : Support Ptsd Treatment With A Healthy Lifestyle
The symptoms of PTSD can be hard on your body so its important to take care of yourself and develop some healthy lifestyle habits.
Take time to relax. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, massage, or yoga can activate the bodys relaxation response and ease symptoms of PTSD.
Avoid alcohol and drugs. When youre struggling with difficult emotions and traumatic memories, you may be tempted to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. But substance use worsens many symptoms of PTSD, interferes with treatment, and can add to problems in your relationships.
Eata healthy diet. Start your day right with breakfast, and keep your energy up and your mind clear with balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day. Omega-3s play a vital role in emotional health so incorporate foods such as fatty fish, flaxseed, and walnuts into your diet. Limit processed food, fried food, refined starches, and sugars, which can exacerbate mood swings and cause fluctuations in your energy.
Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can trigger anger, irritability, and moodiness. Aim for somewhere between 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Develop a relaxing bedtime ritual and make your bedroom as quiet, dark, and soothing as possible.
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Religious And Other Cultural Contexts
Dreams figure prominently in major world religions. The dream experience for early humans, according to one interpretation, gave rise to the notion of a human “,” a central element in much religious thought. wrote:
But there can be no reasonable doubt that the idea of a soul must have first arisen in the mind of primitive man as a result of observation of his dreams. Ignorant as he was, he could have come to no other conclusion but that, in dreams, he left his sleeping body in one universe and went wandering off into another. It is considered that, but for that savage, the idea of such a thing as a ‘soul’ would never have even occurred to mankind….
What Are The Symptoms Of Ptsd
PTSD symptoms vary from person to person. Still, everyone with PTSD experiences one or more of the following:
- Avoiding things: You may avoid people or situations that remind you of the event. Examples include friends you met in the military service, the part of town where you experienced the trauma, or crowds in general. Some people with PTSD try to stay so busy that they dont think about the event.
- Being on edge: The disorder can make it hard for you to relax or enjoy the things you used to. You may feel jittery or anxious. Maybe youre easily startled or always expect something bad to happen. You also may have trouble sleeping or concentrating.
- Having negative thoughts and feelings: PTSD can make you feel negative, angry, sad, distrustful, guilty, or numb.
- Reliving or re-experiencing the traumatic event: This can take the form of flashbacks or dreams. Perhaps a noise like a car backfiring or seeing something similar will trigger sudden, unwelcome memories.
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When To Seek Medical Advice
It’s normal to experience upsetting and confusing thoughts after a traumatic event, but most people improve naturally over a few weeks.
You should visit your GP if you or your child are still having problems about four weeks after the traumatic experience, or if the symptoms are particularly troublesome.
If necessary, your GP can refer you to mental health specialists for further assessment and treatment.
Supporting Someone With Ptsd
Research has shown that support from family and friends is important in helping someone overcome the debilitating effects of PTSD. Couples or family therapy can help to fix damaged relationships. In some cases, family members may need to seek support of their own.
For detailed information on the most effective treatments for PTSD, see The Australian Guidelines for the Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
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The Risk Groups Of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder :
Posttraumatic stress syndrome can poorly affect children, women, old and infirm people, and those with a history of abuse.You stand a risk of developing PTSD if the following factors stand true for you
- Family history of PTSD
- If you have a history of substance abuse
- There is a lack of family/social support for you
- If you have poor coping skills in life, with a low threshold for pain and cognitive distortions toward interpreting the unpleasant
How To Treat Ptsd
If you are curious to know if PTSD is curable and how to treat PTSD, then this section is for you. Initially, you will need expert counseling, guidance, support, and mild medication as a comprehensive treatment plan to help yourself back on track. Gradually you can incorporate positive thinking and coping techniques in life to help you deal with and heal better from PTSD.
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Where To Find Ptsd Treatment For A Friend Or Family Member
You can contact hospitals in your area or your doctor for advice. Check with local mental health facilities or support groups that can also supply you with information. University medical centers are good resources.
Were here 24/7 to help you. Please, dont hesitate to contact us at . Right now, its not too late to stop your loved ones illness from progressing call now.
How To Treat Post
There is no clear cure for post-traumatic stress disorder , but there are many types of treatments that can relieve symptoms. There are multiple treatment techniques, and there is evidence that medications may be useful for people with symptoms of PTSD.
These treatments are used to help reduce or even eliminate the distressing symptoms that PTSD patients often experience.
Illustration by JR Bee, VigorTip
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Cannabidiol The Best Cure For Ptsd
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can beat you down, make you feel like all hope is lost, but nature has your back.
Cannabis has become the scientists favorite plant. After its gained so much popularity and attention which revolves around its amazing healing properties, researchers and scientists are even more eager to find out about all the powers of cannabis.
Research has shown promising results in using one very special Cannabinoid called Cannabidiol or CDB component from the hemp plant for treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, as well as for other mental disorders.
Before you find out how this amazing cannabinoid might help in the battle against PTSD, find out what it actually is.
What is Cannabidiol ?
If youre familiar with the medicinal use of cannabis/marijuana, youve probably heard of CBD or Cannabidiol.
Here are few important things you need to know about CBD:
- CBD or Cannabidiol is the non-psychoactive component in cannabis, while THC is the psychoactive one.
- It is one of over 85 cannabinoid found in cannabis.
- CBD accounts for up to 40% of the plants extract.
- Research shows that CBD has a much wider scope of potential medical powers than THC, although THC has its own powers as well.
- Research shows that CBD controls and reduces the psychoactive effect of THC.
- People who are uncomfortable with the high of THC prefer the CBD based products, such as CBD-rich oils, sprays, edible products, etc.
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