Using Your Strengths for PTSD Recovery

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Introduction Understanding PTSD and CPTSD Definition of PTSD: PTSD is a reaction to exposure to a traumatic event that induces extreme horror or trauma. Commonly seen in military personnel, crime victims, and law enforcement. Definition of CPTSD: CPTSD results from repeated exposure to traumatic events where escape is difficult or impossible, causing a sense of helplessness. Often seen in situations like ongoing abuse, neglect, or professions with repeated trauma exposure (e.g., law enforcement). Symptoms of PTSD and CPTSD Re-Experiencing: Intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and intense distress when reminded of the trauma. These symptoms are survival mechanisms, helping the brain stay alert to future threats. Hypervigilance: Constantly being on high alert, scanning the environment for threats, leading to physical exhaustion. Common in those who have experienced trauma, especially if caught unawares in the past. Physical Symptoms: Difficulty sleeping, irritability, anger outbursts, feeling jumpy, easily startled, and chronic fatigue. These symptoms are tied to the body's stress response, which remains on high alert, even in safe situations. Somatic Complaints: Physical pain, gastrointestinal issues, and other bodily complaints often tied to chronic stress and hypervigilance. Interpersonal and Emotional Symptoms: Persistent difficulties in sustaining relationships, mistrust, betrayal, emotional numbness, and a loss of interest in activities. Trauma can disrupt the ability to connect with others and maintain healthy relationships. Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, dissociative symptoms (feeling detached or losing time), and persistent negative beliefs about oneself. Trauma affects the ability to focus and may lead to cognitive distortions, such as overgeneralization and catastrophizing. Interventions and Strategies Physical Interventions: Establishing a sleep routine, stress management techniques (e.g., journaling, exercise), and considering medication for sleep if necessary. Addressing physical symptoms like fatigue by creating a sense of safety and empowerment. Interpersonal Interventions: Encouraging connections with non-judgmental, empathetic people, and finding supportive communities, especially those with shared experiences. Helping individuals communicate their needs and seek out relationships that contribute to their sense of safety and well-being. Emotional and Cognitive Interventions: Developing emotional intelligence, understanding the function of emotions, and learning to downregulate stress responses. Cognitive processing therapy to challenge cognitive distortions and replace them with more balanced thinking. Environmental Interventions: Modifying the environment to reduce triggers (e.g., removing reminders of trauma, adding comforting elements). Creating a safe physical space with tools like safety items, proper lighting, and mirrors to reduce stress. Conclusion Chapters: 00:00:00 - Strength-based approach to understanding post-traumatic stress disorder 00:06:45 - Re-experiencing Traumatic Events and Symptoms 00:13:16 - Hyper-sensitivity and extreme stress response 00:20:14 - Effects of Trauma on Trust and Relationships 00:27:06 - Managing Concentration and Memory Issues 00:33:48 - Traumatic Triggers and PTSD Risk Factors 00:40:37 - Seeking Support and Validation 00:46:55 - Strategies for Emotional Recovery and Trauma Processing 00:53:32 - Coping with Trauma 00:59:58 - Changing Beliefs and Desensitizing Symptoms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices