How to Deal With Ptsd

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that prolongs the anxiety and stress of a painful or traumatic experience, negatively impacting normal life. People with PTSD may experience many symptoms, among them recurring memories of the event, frightening thoughts that disrupt their daily routine and emotional withdrawal. Understanding the causes and treatments for this condition can help you or someone you love move forward from PTSD and into a healthy, anxiety-free life.

Things You'll Need

• Yellow Pages
• Pencil and Paper

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Instructions

• 1

  Seek out a support group. Finding other people who are struggling with some of the same symptoms and difficulties can be an empowering experience. Talking through your traumatic experience may help you find freedom from PTSD.

• 2

  Practice relaxing habits. Exercise, meditation or other activities may help with anxiety and ease your symptoms.

• 3

  Should your symptoms last for more than a month, if their severity is making it difficult to live your normal life, make an appointment with a licensed physician, mental health specialist or counselor for a diagnosis and consultation. If you don't have a current medical professional, look for a physician or specialist in the Yellow Pages.

• 4

  Make a list of your symptoms. Write out the troubling thoughts or emotions and any experiences or actions that trigger them, as well as noting the events that may have originally triggered your anxiety. Bring your list of symptoms with you when you see a medical professional to help give your doctor a better understanding of your PTSD. Write down any questions you might want answered during your consultation.

• 5

  Discuss your treatment options with your physician or counselor. Some cases of PTSD require treatment with medication and therapy.

• 6

  Follow your treatment schedule. Medication and therapy require time to take effect and help you work through the symptoms of PTSD. Give yourself time to heal.