By: Nicolette Lombardi

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is defined as an anxiety disorder that is developed after certain experiences involving trauma. People feel their lives are in danger resulting in lack of control. Military veterans who have experienced high stress environments such as military sexual or physical assault, terrorist attacks, accidents or natural disasters. These life-threatening events causes serve PTSD symptoms in veterans.

• Recurrent, intrusive reminders of traumatic event
• Avoidance of things that remind someone of the traumatic event
• Negative changes in thoughts and moods
• Being on guard all the time (jumpy and emotionally reactive)

To begin the recovering process, veterans need to get moving, allowing one’s nervous system to become unstuck. Exercise focuses the body on releasing endorphins and improving one’s mood. The feeling of anxiety and agitation are difficult feelings to overcome. Mindful breathing techniques and reconnecting emotionally will help self-regulate the nervous system. Meditation allows one to calm down and focus their attention on each breath. It helps suppress the memories, thoughts and dreams that become intrusive. This is identified as the most difficult step in the process of overcoming PTSD, allowing yourself to reconnect with uncomfortable emotions creates a ‘safe space’.        

If you or someone you know is suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to speak with our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists to get a free phone consultation at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/