Coping with ptsd
After a traumatic experience, there are many physical and emotional reactions that are normal and expected from a person. Physical reactions can be as listed:
- aches and pains
- sweating and/or heart palpitations
- changes in sleep and eating patterns
- easily startled by noises or unexpected touch
- more susceptible to illnesses
- increased use of alcohol or drugs and/or overeating
- shock
- fear and/or anxiety
- grief, disorientation, denial
- hyper-alertness
- irritability
- outbursts of rage
- emotional mood swings
- intrusive thoughts of the trauma
- nightmares
- flashbacks
- panic
- increased need to control everything
As there is no absolute way to eradicate PTSD, there are ways to cope with the mental illness:
- Exercise
- Connect with friends and loved ones
- Create a healthy lifestyle
- Talk to a doctor or therapist
- Cognitive therapy
- Exposure therapy
- Medical marijuana
- Anti-depressants