REGAIN A SENSE OF CONTROL, CONNECTION, AND SECURITY WHILE LIVING WITH PTSD

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop from experiencing any kind of traumatic experience and has the power to make you feel vulnerable, helpless, and alone.

The very real and scary physical and emotional responses that are unleashed because of PTSD can feel like an unbeatable challenge. It can feel frustrating that activities that were once part of your normal routine now are really difficult.

PTSD can be treated with therapy and medication, and they both can lead to huge positive changes in your life in the long-term. But what can you do that helps you feel better right now? How do you get a handle on your life in the here and now? As difficult as PTSD can be to live with, there is a world where you can find relief from your symptoms. Here are some ways that can help you regain a sense of control, connection, and security.

Get into the outdoors

Try engaging in outdoor activities to reconnect with nature. Getting some fresh air is such a good way to reset your mind when PTSD is making you feel like everything is too much around you. Bonus: It releases endorphins and makes you feel happier too.

Do something for someone else

Helping someone else can actually help you more than you think. Taking positive action to help others can increase your sense of competence and confidence when you’re struggling with PTSD.

Surround yourself with positive people

PTSD has a way of really isolating you and making you feel like you’re alone. When you surround yourself with positive people, you can start to regain a sense of belonging and reassurance. If you’re not sure where to start, try joining an online group about something you’re passionate about or start volunteering somewhere. It’s amazing how positivity can come from situations like that.

Start meditating

Meditating and using relaxation strategies are a couple of the best ways to decrease the anxiety that you feel from PTSD. Take a look at our Meditation 101 for some helpful tips and maybe download a meditation app like Calm to kickstart your meditation and relaxation.

Remind yourself of your strength

You are so much stronger than you may realize. When you’re struggling, you have to remind yourself of all of your strengths and coping skills. Give yourself credit for how strong you are.

Talk to someone

Lastly, and maybe most importantly, talk to someone. We’ve got you covered if you need some help figuring out how to open up to someone. Talk to someone that you feel like you can confide in. As you tell your story, you release the trauma that has been locked away inside. That’s when the healing can start to happen.

5 Ways To Find Some Quick Relief From PTSD