Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This can include natural disasters, accidents, combat, abandonment, neglect, or personal assaults. While many people will experience some distress following such events, those with PTSD endure symptoms that persist for more than a month and significantly disrupt their daily lives.
Trauma has the tendency to move a person in a hyperarousal state or a hypoarousal state that can lead to challenges in an individual's life. When a person is in either states, they experience symptoms of heightened state or depressed state. As a trauma-informed therapist, I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), somatic psychotherapy, and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) to help individuals heal from the impact of trauma.
Hyperarousal can look like in people as bursts of anger, startled behaviour, impulsivity, difficulty in maintaining attention, disturbed sleep etc.
however, hypoarousal due to trauma looks like confusion, dizziness, amnesia, numbness, low feeling, fatigue etc.
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms can vary but generally fall into four categories:
Intrusive Memories: These are unwanted memories of the traumatic event that can manifest as flashbacks, nightmares, or distressing thoughts. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, in his book The Body Keeps the Score, explains that "trauma results in a fundamental reorganization of the way mind and body manage perceptions."
Avoidance: People with PTSD often try to avoid reminders of the traumatic event, which can include places, people, or activities. This avoidance can lead to social isolation and difficulty engaging in daily life.
Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: This can include feelings of hopelessness, negative beliefs about oneself or others, and difficulty experiencing positive emotions.
Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions: These might include being easily startled, feeling tense or "on edge," having trouble sleeping, or experiencing angry outbursts.
How PTSD Affects the Brain
Trauma can change the way our brain functions. Research has shown that PTSD can alter the amygdala (the part of the brain responsible for detecting threats), the hippocampus (which helps process memories), and the prefrontal cortex (which regulates emotions and impulses). As Dr. van der Kolk notes, "traumatized people chronically feel unsafe inside their bodies."
Healing from PTSD: Therapeutic Approaches
Three effective approaches for treating PTSD are EMDR, somatic psychotherapy, and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). Let’s explore how each of these works.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic memories. It involves using bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements, to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories. This can reduce the emotional intensity of these memories.
Research supports the effectiveness of EMDR. A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that "EMDR therapy can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, with lasting effects." During an EMDR session, the therapist guides you to focus on the traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. This helps in desensitizing the memory and integrating it into a healthier context.
Somatic Psychotherapy
Somatic psychotherapy focuses on the connection between the mind and body. Trauma can be stored in the body, leading to physical symptoms like tension and chronic pain. By paying attention to bodily sensations and using techniques such as deep breathing, grounding exercises, and mindful movement, individuals can release stored trauma and develop a greater sense of safety and bodily awareness.
Dr. Peter Levine, a pioneer in somatic experiencing, explains in his book Waking the Tiger that "trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness." Somatic psychotherapy helps to release this held trauma by creating a safe and supportive environment for healing.
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
EFT, developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, is a therapeutic approach that focuses on emotions and their role in shaping the experiences of trauma survivors. EFT aims to help individuals understand and regulate their emotions, fostering secure emotional connections and enhancing emotional resilience.
Dr. Johnson emphasizes the importance of relationships in healing trauma, stating in her book Hold Me Tight that "emotional connection is a basic human need." By fostering secure attachments and understanding emotional responses, EFT can help individuals process traumatic experiences and rebuild trust in themselves and others.
The Role of Creative Expression and Body Movement
In addition to these therapeutic approaches, creative expression and body movement play crucial roles in healing from trauma.
Art Therapy
Art therapy provides a non-verbal outlet for expressing and processing emotions. Through drawing, painting, or sculpting, individuals can explore their inner worlds and give form to feelings that may be difficult to articulate.
Movement Therapy
Engaging in activities that involve movement, such as yoga, tai chi, or dance, can help release stored tension and promote emotional release. Movement therapy acknowledges that trauma affects the body and provides a way to physically process and release traumatic energy. Regular physical activity also supports overall mental health by reducing stress and improving mood.
Medications:
Antidepressants like sertraline, paroxetine, and venlafaxine are commonly prescribed to manage PTSD symptoms.
Practical Tools for Managing PTSD
In addition to professional therapy, here are some practical tools that can help manage PTSD symptoms:
Mindfulness Practices: Mindfulness can help ground you in the present moment and reduce the impact of intrusive memories. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided meditations that can be a helpful starting point.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help reduce stress and improve mood. Activities like yoga or tai chi, which incorporate mindful movement, can be particularly beneficial.
Support Networks: Connecting with supportive friends, family, or support groups can provide a sense of community and understanding. Sharing your experiences with others who have gone through similar situations can be incredibly validating.
Journaling: Writing about your thoughts and feelings can be a therapeutic way to process your experiences. It can help you gain perspective and track your progress over time.
Ready to heal using EMDR therapy?
Healing from PTSD is a journey that involves patience, self-compassion, and the right support.
Whether through EMDR, somatic psychotherapy, EFT, or other therapeutic modalities, recovery is possible. It's important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, consider reaching out for professional support.
Together, At XpressItAll, Aditi Tulshyan, a qualified practitioner with over 3,000 hours of experience, is here to assist you with your needs (Book An Appointment)
We can work towards healing and reclaiming a sense of peace and safety in your life.
Click here for free 15 minute phone consultation for EMDR Therapy Delhi.
References
van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking.
Levine, P. (1997). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. North Atlantic Books.
Johnson, S. (2008). Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love. Little, Brown and Company.
Journal of Traumatic Stress, EMDR study.
Additional research articles on PTSD and therapeutic approaches.
Stay tuned for more insights and articles on mental health therapies and wellness strategies!
Thank you for sharing such beautifully written information 🥰
This was really helpful, especially the coping strategies.