5 Effective Ways to Manage Your PTSD

As you begin your journey toward healing from a traumatic event, undoubtedly you will require medical expertise such as counselling or pharmaceutical options. However, in between counselling sessions there are a few strategies you can pursue on your own such as meditation and exercise which will help to strengthen and enhance the overall healing process. At Psylegal, we are Melbourne’s experts in trauma counselling. Let’s take a look at 5 effective ways you can manage your symptoms in conjunction with regular trauma counselling.

1. Become Mindful

Meditation and mindful-based relaxation techniques have been around for many years and now mental health professionals are beginning to recognize that mindfulness can have many benefits for people suffering from a range of disorders including PTSD, anxiety and depression. Mindfulness is about being in touch with and aware of the present moment. It’s easy to get caught up in the anxiety and worries of daily life, mindfulness may be helpful getting you ‘out of your head’ and in touch with the present moment. Learning mindfulness is a great way to help mitigate triggers. Begin with one or two minutes per day of quiet mindfulness, the goal of this time is to experience a sense of calm and stay focused on the present without any threat of fear or judgment. Eventually this will teach you to balance yourself if you begin to feel overwhelmed or anxious.

2. Engage in Physical Activity

Finding an enjoyable physical activity that you can perform regularly has been shown to reduce stress levels and help with managing symptoms of trauma. In addition to many physical health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health and weight loss, regular exercise has also shown to have a positive impact on mental health by lowering stress levels, and reducing anxiety and depression. Whether it’s running, boxing, walking or tai-chi, a regular exercise regimen may have a number of advantages for sufferers of PTSD.

3. Find Social Support

Having a network of family and friends to turn to in times of need can be a major factor in helping people overcome the negative effects of a traumatic event. Being surrounded by people who are caring and supportive can help people to see themselves as better capable of dealing with the stresses that life brings. Social support can build people up during times of stress and can often give them the strength to carry on and even thrive during hard times.

4. Take Up Expressive Writing

Expressive writing has been found to improve physical and psychological health for people with a number of physical and mental health conditions including PTSD and anxiety. Inexpensive, and can be done anywhere at any time, journaling or expressive writing has been linked to many general health benefits including improved cognitive function, counteracting many of the negative effects of stress, reduction of bodily tension, and improved focus. Not only can expressive writing improve the symptoms of PTSD and the ability to cope with them, but it can also help to foster post-traumatic growth, or the ability to find meaning in and have positive life changes following a traumatic event.

5. Engage in Activities That Make You Feel Good

People suffering from PTSD are often full of self-loathing and feel undeserving of positive experiences so rebuilding a sense of self is an important part of the recovery process. By engaging in meditation, doing volunteer work or pursuing other activities that feel meaningful will rebuild your self-esteem and lead to greater happiness and fulfilment.

The effects of suffering a traumatic event can be far-reaching and debilitating. PTSD can have a negative impact on your mental health, physical health, work, and relationships. Learning healthy strategies for coping with PTSD is possible and can offer a sense of renewal, hope and control over your life. For trauma counselling Melbourne knows and trusts, turn to the experts at Psylegal. Our highly trained and experienced team can tailor an individualised treatment program specific to your needs and goals. Contact us today to book an appointment.