Overcoming Post-traumatic Stress and Other Anxiety Disorders

N early 40 million Americans age 18 and older are battling anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder according to the Anxiety Disorders of Association of America. If you are suffering from post-traumatic stress, the National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (NCPTSD) suggests the following tips:

• Stay away from drugs and alcohol.
  
  
• Talk it out.  Talk to someone you trust and remember that although reminders of trauma can feel overwhelming, they usually lessen with time.
  
  
• Don’t constantly avoid people, places, or thoughts that are reminders of the traumatic event.  Doing this will only delay any progress on coping with stress reactions.
  
  
• Don’t become anti-social.  Interaction with others provides support and friendship and less time to worry or feel hopeless and alone.
  
  
• Stay active because activities provide opportunities to feel good and to experience a sense of achievement.  However, don’t become a "workaholic" in an effort to forget the trauma.
  
  
• Don’t beat yourself up.  When dealing with distressing memories, images, or thoughts, remind yourself that they are just memories and it’s natural to have some memories of the traumatic events.

When Anxiety Disorders Strike You Physically

People with an anxiety disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those who don’t suffer from anxiety disorders according to NCPTSD.  When attacked by sudden feelings of anxiety or panic, the NCPTSD implores you to remember the following:

• Heavy breathing, sensations of your heart pounding, lightheadedness, or disorientation are common symptoms of traumatic stress reactions and are not dangerous.  Nonetheless, it is wise to call someone you trust to comfort you until the feelings pass.
  
  
• When sensing you’re on the verge of a panic attack, remember to keep your eyes open and move around.  Also, talk to yourself, reminding yourself where you are, what year you're in, and that you are safe.
  
  
• When feeling irritable take a "time out" to cool off and think things over.  Exercising daily can help reduce body tension and assist in getting the anger out in a positive way.  If you blow up at family or friends, find time as soon as you can to talk to them about it.
  
  
• When experiencing difficulty falling or staying asleep, keep a regular bedtime schedule, avoid using your sleeping area for anything other than sleeping or sexual intimacies, and refrain from strenuous exercise and heavy meals in the few hours just before going to bed.  If all else fails, get up and enjoy something soothing or pleasant rather than lying in bed thinking or worrying.
  
  
• Steer clear of alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine.
  
  
• Tell your counselor or doctor about the experience(s).

For more information about how to better cope with anxiety disorders, please visit your nearest health care provider or visit www.ncptsd.org.

This interview obtained by chinika.com may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of Chinika, LLC .

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