PTSD and Depression - Part Two - Page 2© Cheryl Foote
Page 2
May 2, 2000
object. In doing this, you tend to be able to process the memory as you were unable to
when it was happening, and it will have less of an impact on you.
Group Therapy
This form of therapy brings together other people with PTSD and a facilitator. In a
group setting you are able to talk about your trauma, listen to how others have dealt with
theirs, and find help in dealing with the affects of the disorder to reduce them,
hopefully. This is not for all people: however, it can be quite useful. Relaxation Therapy
PTSD is considered to be an anxiety disorder, and many people suffer anxiety attacks,
phobias, and dissociation. Relaxation therapy is used to learn how to reduce anxiety
which, both mentally and physically, affects you. There are two main kinds of
relaxation therapy:
- progressive muscle relaxation is where you learn to relax all your muscles, which
produces deep relaxation. This can be done using a tape which you can buy, or one
that you create yourself, or with your therapist. As time goes by, you will be able to lie
in bed, or another comfortable place, and do this without the use of a tape.
- Guided visualization is done using a tape, or with your therapist's guidance. With
guidance, you imagine yourself in a peaceful place and find relaxing sounds, visions, and
feelings. As time goes on you will be able to do this without a tape once you have
found your "peaceful" place.
One word of caution about relaxation: Please check this out with your mental health
professional. Many women with PTSD tend to be hypervigilant, in a constant state of anxiety,
and are very guarded. With the above two methods, some women have told me that as they
begin to relax, they begin having flashbacks, or anxiety attacks. This could be
because during relaxation we are almost losing that tight control over our bodies, and we
are less able to push out negative thoughts and memories. Everyday ideas
- If at the time you were diagnosed with PTSD, you were not experiencing depression, and
begin to develop symptoms, see your mental health professional as soon as you can.
There is no reason to live with depression anymore.
- When not experiencing depression, think back to a recent episode. What symptoms
were you experiencing? Rate the the symptoms from early to late signs if you can.
Next time you have a checklist of sorts to use, and you will better see that you
Go To Page:
1
2
3
The copyright of the article PTSD and Depression - Part Two - Page 2 in Post-Traumatic Stress is owned by Cheryl Foote. Permission to republish PTSD and Depression - Part Two - Page 2 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
