Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a term used to describe a whole host of symptoms that can follow a traumatic event. Common symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and panic attacks. Although there are no cures at this time, there are many forms of therapy available that help victims cope with their PTSD. Among the most popular forms of therapy for PTSD are behavioral modification techniques, such as the Linden method and cognitive behavioral therapy.
The Linden Method aims to desensitize the client by inducing feelings of detachment and regret following a trauma. This technique teaches the victim to identify painful memories or thoughts and to then mentally ‘push’ these away or ignore them. This method has been very effective in treating PTSD and is currently being practiced at both the professional and recreational levels. Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to treat the underlying cause of PTSD rather than masking the symptoms. This type of therapy attempts to understand the thoughts and feelings that lead to the occurrence of PTSD. These ideas and beliefs are then confronted, analyzed, and revised in an attempt to reduce the probability of a PTSD recurrence.
The goal of all forms of PTSD therapy is to help the client reduce their level of stress and their negative emotional reaction to common life events and experiences. It is also important to help these victims feel less alone and more connected to others. Proper treatment can also bolster the victim’s mental health and allow them to cope with everyday stresses and anxieties much better than if they had not received the proper mental health care.
The primary goal of PTSD therapy is to identify and treat the underlying cause of the symptoms. In the case of PTSD, the symptoms may be caused by an underlying mental health problem. Common symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and panic attacks. While it is often possible to treat these symptoms with traditional forms of therapy, it can be much more difficult to treat PTSD that stems from a deeper psychological problem. Not only are you treating the symptoms of PTSD, but you are also helping to unravel the very real cause of the disorder.
As part of the treatment for PTSD, your PTSD therapist will likely teach you to identify and express your emotions in order to manage your PTSD. Through this type of behavioral modification, you will learn to identify the real source of your anxiety and the things that lead up to a reaction. In addition, your therapist will teach you how to manage your stress and provide you with tools to reduce your exposure to potential triggering situations. This type of mental health counseling can also provide you with resources that you need in order to cope with the emotional after effects of your traumatic experiences.
As you can see, developing PTSD is not easy. However, with the right mental health care, along with the assistance from your therapist, you can overcome your symptoms and reclaim your life. Don’t let your trauma control your life! By working with a trained psychologist or psychiatrist, you can help yourself get through your Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and get back to being the person you once knew and love.