Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that typically occurs after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. It can be a life-altering condition that affects a person's well-being, relationships, and quality of life. Fortunately, there are various non-drug treatments available for individuals with PTSD, which can help alleviate their symptoms and improve their overall mental health. Here are some non-drug treatments for PTSD that you can discuss with your primary care or mental health doctor to see if they are appropriate for your specific situation.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a form of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors related to PTSD. CBT involves identifying and challenging negative beliefs and thought patterns related to the trauma, and replacing them with more realistic and positive ones. This therapy is one of many that allows sufferers of PTSD to feel, rightly, that they have taken charge over their own difficulties and their own recovery. Ownership of your healing can be a very important thing in recovery.
Art Therapy
Art therapy involves the use of creative artistic expression to help individuals with PTSD process and manage their emotions related to the traumatic experience. This type of therapy can involve drawing, painting, sculpting, or other forms of artistic expression. Art therapy can be a powerful tool for individuals with PTSD, as it allows them to express their emotions in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Anything that allows one to open oneself up allows for the possibility of more positive intake of new methods of dealing with pain.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a psychotherapy, or talk therapy, technique that uses guided eye movements to help individuals with PTSD process and manage traumatic memories. During EMDR therapy, individuals are asked to recall their traumatic experience while simultaneously following a therapist's moving finger or light with their eyes, and sometimes audio stimulation and hand-tapping are utilized.
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)
AAT involves the use of trained animals, such as dogs, to help individuals with PTSD manage their symptoms. Animals can provide a sense of comfort and security to individuals with PTSD, which can help reduce symptoms such as anxiety and depression. It can also be cyclical, as the more emotionally secure the patient becomes, the more at ease the animal might become.
Yoga
Yoga is a holistic practice that involves physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. It has been shown to be an effective non-drug treatment for PTSD. Yoga can help individuals with PTSD reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also improving their physical health. Yoga also encourages mindfulness, which can help individuals manage their PTSD symptoms.
While PTSD is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on a person's life, fortunately there are various non-drug treatments available that have shown efficacy in treating it. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, consider reaching out to a Maryland Primary Care and Wellness to explore these and other treatment options.