Coping Strategies to Manage PTSD Symptoms

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be debilitating. 

They can impact your life in many negative ways, from your work to your personal relationships and more. 

If you are tired of PTSD diminishing the quality of your life, then it may be time to consider professional PTSD treatment in South Florida. 

At The Sands Treatment Center, we work with first responders and medical workers in need of medical treatment. We can help you live your life to its fullest without additional interruption. 

Aside from our professional holistic approach, there are numerous coping strategies you can apply on your own to deal with PTSD symptoms. 

If you don’t know where to start, read on to learn valuable insights to get onto the road to recovery.

Connect with Supportive People 

Even when you feel like withdrawing from the world and your old connections, it’s important to find some form of support. 

Consider group-based support, such as meetings or group therapy, to connect with like-minded individuals. Your closest friends and family members may realize that you’re struggling, but having never been in your position, they may not have the right words to say or know what to do. 

Sometimes, this can only increase your feelings of isolation.

Group-based PTSD treatment in South Florida will connect you with a group of individuals who share your struggles and know exactly what you’re going through. 

Knowing that you aren’t alone is critical in getting better. 

Additionally, you may establish connections and meet people who can introduce you to other forms of therapeutic treatment.

Look Into Professional Counseling 

An effective form of PTSD treatment in South Florida is working with a counselor or therapist. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which we offer, creates a safe environment to help foster growth. 

Your sessions will be guided by a specialist who is specifically trained to help individuals who have PTSD. You and your therapist will create many goals, primarily how to:

• Reduce your symptoms of PTSD, so they become less frequent and debilitating.
• Learn coping strategies to manage PTSD symptoms when they occur.
• Build self-esteem and continue your road to recovery.

During your sessions, you and your therapist can decide on more specific goals, depending on the issues you primarily face. It may be difficult at first, but it’s important that you attend your sessions consistently to get the most out of your treatment.

Keep a Daily Journal 

People who struggle with PTSD are more likely to develop other mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Therefore, it’s important to implement daily strategies to improve your mental health. 

A good practice is to keep a journal. 

Some people find it helpful to organize their thoughts and express their innermost feelings. This can be especially helpful for individuals struggling with PTSD. 

Journaling is a way to improve your coping skills and post-traumatic growth.

 In turn, it can reduce your symptoms of tension, anxiety, and anger.

It’s also a good place to document all your experiences: the struggles you’re facing today, and the trauma that brought you here. 

If you are going to counseling, whether one-on-one, group or both, you can take it to your sessions and discuss any issues that you documented and are generally hard to put into words.

Monitor Your Feelings 

It would be impossible to stop and analyze your feelings every second, but it can be helpful from time to time.  Evaluating your emotions during certain situations will help you take back control over them. 

Until you know what your triggers are, it will be impossible to address them, whether on your own or with a medical professional. Make note of what triggers your feelings of anxiety, fear, stress, or isolation. 

You can’t effectively treat the emotions until you know what’s causing them. 

Contact The Sands Treatment Center

We provide services for PTSD and addiction recovery in South Florida. Our services include holistic cognitive behavioral therapy, intensive outpatient programs, and partial hospitalization programs. 

You’ll work with a knowledgeable staff that has years of experience with PTSD and addiction treatment. 

So, if you’re ready to take control of your emotions and not let PTSD railroad your life, contact us to learn more about our holistic approach to recovery.