PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is caused by a number of factors and situations. Whatever the cause, however, living with PTSD can be challenging. Although PTSD emotional trauma treatment centers and therapy are usually a necessity, there are many other lifestyle factors that can make a difference. Here are some of the most helpful tips for living with PTSD.
Spend Time With Others
When you’re struggling with PTSD, it is normal to want to withdraw and be isolated. Some people do this because they don’t have the energy or enthusiasm to be social with others. In other cases, people don’t want to be a burden to their loved ones.
The reality is that human connection can be one of the most valuable PTSD treatment tips. People who struggle with PTSD need to relate to others and understand that they do not struggle alone. While it is normal to want to reduce intimacy because of past trauma, doing so only makes it harder to live a happy and fulfilling life. Reaching out to friends and family members, or even joining group therapy, is one of the top tips for living with PTSD.
Stay Active
It is no secret that staying active is recommended for everyone. Whether or not you have been diagnosed with PTSD, exercise can be a natural mood booster and improve your overall health. Exercise also happens to be one of the most highly recommended PTSD treatment tips.
When you exercise, your brain adapts. Even after just 20 or 30 minutes of exercise, it becomes easier to manage stress. This is a huge change that can make a world of difference to someone with PTSD. Anyone with PTSD should seek out ways to stay active that are enjoyable to them such as jogging outdoors, lifting weights, swimming, or just dancing in your living room.
Practice Mindfulness
Anxiety and stress are common symptoms of PTSD. With so much going on in your head, it might be hard to be in the present. This is especially true for those who experience flashbacks. Practicing mindfulness allows you to focus on the here and now.
Mindfulness can mean meditation or even yoga, but that is not for everyone. Sometimes, it means sitting still for five minutes in the morning and carefully thinking about how your body is feeling. Sometimes, it means spending a few minutes journaling about how you feel at the moment.
Get Tips For Living With PTSD at Promises Behavioral Health
PTSD treatment centers can provide clients with more specific tips for living with PTSD. Promises Behavioral Health can help clients find the right programs and the right treatment centers for PTSD or for co-occurring disorders. Treatment can come in many forms, some of which include:
- Stress/anger management therapies
- Fitness and recreation therapy
- Equine assisted psychotherapy
- Psychodrama therapy
- Art and music therapy
Living with PTSD can be challenging, but Promises Behavioral Health can help you find the right treatment and support. Call 844.875.5609 to learn more about all your options and to uncover the top tips for living with PTSD.