PTSD – When the pain of trauma exceeds the ability to cope
By Duane Hewitt
The human race might have a long history of violence, cruelty, and war – but that doesn’t mean we were designed to witness or experience such things. We do have breaking points.
So how does one overcome the traumatic experiences that lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Time can cure all but only if that time is used wisely and for some purpose. In the case of PTSD, new and good experiences will ultimately be required to replace the bad experiences. And time is needed to heal. And although the experiences and methods of recovery will differ from one person to another, part of the answer is to find some new purpose or activity that is greater than the things that were experienced.
…Like love. Like art. Like music. Like talking to people… or like helping a child or elderly person in need or someone on the streets. Find something that you can relate to; something you can feel passionate about. Start small or start big. Get a box of pencils and start sketching or buy yourself some paint brushes with an easel and start painting.
There are different therapies for PTSD but not all therapies work for everyone. PTSD should ideally be treated by a mental health professional with expertise in that area. Psychotherapy – in other words, “talk therapy” – is one of the principle methods of helping someone with PTSD. In psychotherapy, the individual talks through the issues, feelings, the experience, and more in single, individual sessions or in group sessions. Talking out a person’s problems helps with a great many challenges, and it’s a fact that those with supportive friends and family, who are willing and able to talk with their loved one suffering PTSD will do well, even though those friends and family might not have the skills of a mental health professional.
It’s important you don’t isolate yourself. We are social beings and our interactions are important for our well-being. Please don’t cut yourself off. If you can find someone to talk to – do it.
Below are some valuable links for people and organizations that specialize in helping those with PTSD.
Explaining and Understanding PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can be managed. The sun will shine again for you. Hold on, look for help, and take one day at a time. Things will get better – believe it!
Copyright 2020 Duane Hewitt
