| COPING WITH PTSD |
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| Helpful Numbers: Griffin Sexual Assault Center Office: 770-229-3116, ext. 22 Hotline: 770-636-0088 www.griffinsac.org Southern Crescent Sexual Assault Center 770-603-4045 24 Hr. Crisis Line 770-477-2177 Henry Co. Office 770-507-7772 Promise Place 770-460-1604 Crisis Line 770-929-7529 Ga. Commission on Family Violence 404-657-3412 Securus House 770-961-7233 Odyssey Family Counseling Center 404-669-3462 Prevent Child Abuse Ga. 1-800-Children Gene Abel, M. D. Psychiatrist 404-872-7929 National Hope Line (Suicide Hotline) 1-800-784-2433 |
It is common for people to feel that no matter what they’ve faced or lived with, no matter how extreme, they should be able to carry on. But sometimes people face situations that are so traumatic that they may become unable to cope and function in their daily lives. Some people become so distressed by memories of the trauma – memories that won’t go away – that they begin to live their lives trying to avoid any reminders of what happened to them. A person who feels this way months after a traumatic experience has passed may be suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, a serious and common health condition. For these people, getting beyond the trauma and overcoming PTSD requires the help of a professional. It is usually a continuing challenge for survivors of sexual assault or any other trauma to cope with PTSD symptoms and the problems they cause.Through treatment survivors often learn how to cope more effectively. Recovering from PTSD is an ongoing, daily process. Healing doesn't mean that a survivor will forget the sexual assault or have no emotional pain when remembering the assault. Some level of continuing reaction to memories is normal and reflects a normal body and mind. The healing process will lead to fewer reactions and reactions that are less intense. Active coping means recognizing and accepting the impact of the traumatic experiences and then taking concrete actions to improve one's life. Positive coping actions are those that help us to reduce panic and anxiety in our life and lessen other distressing reactions we might have. Positive coping skill we need to learn include: Learning about trauma and PTSD- It is helpful for trauma survivors to learn more about PTSD and how it affects them. PTSD is common for a lot of people. Survivors that get treatment and learn to recognize what upsets them will be in a better position to cope with the symptoms of PTSD. Talking with other people for support- When survivors are able to talk about their abuse with others, something helpful happens. Survivors must choose their support people carefully and clearly ask for what they need. Seeking support from others will help you feel less alone and feel supported and understood. It is often best to talk to a professional counselor about issues related to the abuse you experienced: they are more likely to understand the trauma and its effects than friends or family. It is also helpful to seek support from a survivor support group. Being in a group with others who have PTSD may help reduce one's sense of isolation, rebuilding trust in others and provide a great opportunity to contribute to the recovery of other survivors who share the same experience as you. Talking with your doctor about PTSD- Part of taking care of ourselves means mobilizing the helping resources around us. Our doctor can take care of our physical health better if he or she knows about our PTSD. Doctors can refer you to more specialized and expert help. Taking prescribed medication to tackle PTSD- Many people with PTSD have found it helpful to take medication. It helps survivors to improve their sleep, panic, anxiety, irritability and anger. Practicing relaxation skills- These can include prayer, listening to soothing music, spending time in nature, fishing, breathing exercises, meditation, muscular relaxation exercises, walking, etc. These activities will help reduce negative reactions to thoughts, feelings and perceptions. Calling for help- Sometimes PTSD symptoms worsen and ordinary efforts at coping don't seem to work. Survivors may feel depressed or fearful, on edge. At these times, it is important to reach out and call your counselor, who can help you turn things around. |
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