POST TRAUMATIC STRESS

Above all, recognize that I am not referring to the commonly used term "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder." This has described how people feel after experiencing a traumatic event or serious injury. It is my wholehearted belief that experiences of fear and helplessness subsequent to a distressful torment do not constitute a disorder, but rather, a normal and expected reaction to being seriously terrorized or intimidated. When you have been exposed to a traumatic event, you do not need a label or a diagnostic code. You need understanding, care and nurturing because you have been overtaxed and strained. SO WHAT CHARACTERIZES THIS KIND OF STRESS? The following 10 features describe what is likely to be your experience:

1. You have been exposed to actions or words that are life threatening or may involve a serious injury which leaves you feeling helpless and fearful.
2. You are having persistent dreams about the trauma which you have experienced.
3. You continue to feel as though your trauma will happen again.
4. You will continue to feel heartbreaking agony when you are exposed to something that reminds you of your traumatic experience.
5. You are avoiding anything that tends to remind you of your emotionally disturbing memories.
6. You may get to a point where you don't feel anything a t all. This is sometimes called "psychic numbing."
7. You may have difficulty sleeping, irritability, outbursts of anger, trouble concentrating or feelings of being startled frequently.
8. You may feel like displaying violet anger yourself.
9. You are likely to have interpersonal conflicts.
10. You may want to use addictive drugs to help yourself deal with the emotional pain that haunts you.

WHAT TO DO - 10 STEPS TO BRING MORE PEACE BACK INTO YOUR LIFE:

1. Get into therapy to help yourself develop coping skills to manage your symptoms. When you are sufficiently comfortable, involve your family and friends so you can tell them what to do to help you.
2. Free yourself of addiction.
3. Verbalize your experience including all of your symptoms of depression - including thoughts about committing suicide. By all means, never hide self harm thoughts. Share them immediately or go to your nearest emergency room.
4. Make a list of the times that you had symptoms that tempted you to manage your reactions with addictive behavior.
5. Consider a 12 step program.
6. Consult your physician or nurse practitioner to be evaluated for the possible help of medication.
7. Learn relaxation, breathing techniques and meditation.
8. Read the book I CAN'T GET OVER IT - (Matsakis)
9. Write down all that has happened to you.
10. Ask your therapist about "Exposure Therapy" so that you can further help yourself to reduce your fears.