PTSD Support
PTSD SupportSupport is key to managing post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, a mental health condition that’s brought on bytraumatic events. Symptoms of PTSD can include anxiety, unpleasant memories, nightmares and sleep problems.Loved ones, healthcare professionals and support groups can help you heal and provide comfort.“If they have someone that they feel like they can trust and work on some of their skills and maybe serve as abridge to doing activities by themselves, maybe do it with someone and then eventually be able to do things ontheir own. That people might be able to do treatment a little bit more smoothly and get a little further.”-Dr.Chad Wetterneck, Clinical PsychologistYour loved ones can provide support just by being there for you. Dana, a survivor of sexual assault, has a group offriends she depends on.“They included a million different interactions. And they weren’t all big cry on a shoulder, sob. Some of themwere, let’s go out and have a cup of coffee and giggle and that was just as important.”-Dana, PatientDana was sexually assaulted in high school. It took years for her to understand and talk about how the incidentaffected her.“The reason I didn’t talk about this was partially because I felt so much shame around it and around the effectthat it had on me and around the effect that I had on the people in my life because of it. Then once I could saythat out loud, once I could understand it, I can say anything.”-Dana, PatientReaching out to others who’ve experienced a similar trauma can help people who suffer from PTSD.“People who have been sexually abused, for instance, have incredible shame about what happened. And so,they need spaces to be able to talk about that where they won’t be re-victimized.”-Carmen Pitre, Victims’Rights AdvocateVeterans Dan Van Buskirk and Jason Lowman both suffer from PTSD. They find support in a music program withother vets. Their passion for playing the guitar helps relieve their anxiety.“Being together with each other and the brotherhood and sisterhood helps us understand how to heal.”-Dan,PatientDan is a Marine veteran who served in Vietnam. He witnessed many painful things. Dan’s diagnosis came severalyears after his service. Playing guitar gives him something else to focus on.“It’s an hour of peace and harmony rather than depression and suicidal thoughts and anger.”-Dan, PatientJason, an Iraq war veteran, got help after he returned home and noticed negative changes in himself. He wasPage 1 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG5317698 EN PTSDSupport.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPTSD Supportanxious, aggressive and on high alert. He realized he wasn’t alone. Reaching out and finding support, he says, iscritical to getting your life back.“It could be hard but it’s something that they can get through. And it’s not something they need to do alone.And there’s people out there that are willing to help them.”-Jason, PatientMembers of your healthcare team can also provide support. Make sure you communicate with them how you’refeeling and keep your appointments.“Missing an appointment can be like taking a step forward and taking at least one step back and not reallygaining any ground. So, making sure that you’re keeping all of your appointments and rescheduling within aday.”- Dr. Chad Wetterneck, Clinical PsychologistFamily members or friends can also be a big support for those struggling with PTSD. Talking about the traumaor how it’s impacting your daily life can help you heal.“A listening ear, someone who believes you, who says it’s not your fault that you deserve to heal.”- CarmenPitre, Victims’ Rights Advocate“I can’t imagine really feeling like I’m better if I didn’t have a group of support. If I didn’t have people I couldcall on.”-Dana, PatientA major part of managing PTSD is identifying people who can offer you comfort, care and support. If you orsomeone you love has experienced trauma and are struggling, call the Substance Abuse and Mental HealthHelpline at 1-800-662-HELP to start to regain control of your life.Page 2 of 2This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG5317698 EN PTSDSupport.pdf© The Wellness Network
© The Wellness Network
