Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Management and Resources

At home

The best way to manage PTSD symptoms at home, work, or school is to receive qualified mental health evaluation and treatment. The following are lifestyle modifications that may be beneficial, in addition to obtaining professional evaluation and treatment:

Self care measures, such as careful attention to nutrition, sleep routines, meditating, and getting physical exercise can be beneficial. Engaging with supportive, caring friends and family can help to restore a sense of safety and comfort.
Patients are encouraged to let their treatment providers know if they are experiencing social withdrawal, excessive reactivity, heightened irritability, or unpredictable moods.
Utilize Cognitive Behavioral tools and techniques for improving negative self talk.
Reduce or avoid the use of alcohol or substances.
Keep a log of PTSD triggers and other symptoms. .
Physical exercise is beneficial for stress management and self esteem.

Improving PTSD requires time and consistent effort. Keep expectations of instant fixes realistic and employ self compassion.

At work

Experiencing trauma triggers and flashbacks can be distracting and disrupt focus and productivity at work. Time off work may be needed to attend therapy sessions. The ability to function normally, both socially and occupationally, may be affected.

Clear communication with employers can pave the way for work accommodations, when needed. People are sometimes distracted after having experienced trauma and find it helpful to write things down and double check their work.
Take short breaks when possible.
If unable to function well at work, explore whether a leave of absence is recommended by treating clinicians.
Individuals suffering from PTSD are encouraged to adopt an attitude of patience and self compassion and remind others to do the same.

At school

Academic functioning can be problematic in the aftermath of trauma. Children, adolescents, and adults, who have experienced traumatic events may display emotional disturbance, and academic, and behavioral problems. The ability to focus on learning and retention of material may suffer, due to distracting memories, triggers, and flashbacks of aspects of the trauma. Interrupted and inadequate sleep, due to nightmares and intrusive flashbacks may result in impaired functioning due to daytime fatigue.

Communicate with educators and school administrators. Ask for accommodations or adjustments, when applicable.
Communication with treatment providers, including issues with focus, concentration, mood, or negative side effects.
Also communicate changes in one's mood. Keeping a mood log can be useful for this.
With written consent and upon request, most mental health providers and prescribers will provide pertinent information to educators.
Seek extra academic support from educators' office hours and request extra help when needed.

Support groups

Peer support groups have helped many people with PTSD. These are groups of individuals who have a similar experience to the individual diagnosed with PTSD. They can help people learn they are not alone and that others have experienced similar issues and recovered from them. Peer support groups are different from group therapy, which is usually led by a mental health professional at an office or healthcare facility. Peer support groups may meet in veterans’ service clubs, churches, or other locations.

Additional resources on PTSD

One of the most helpful ways to work with PTSD is by learning about it. There is additional information online which may be helpful, and are produced by professional organizations, listed below.

Organizations & resources

Anxiety and Depression Association of America

National Center for PTSD

National Institute of Mental Health

www.emdria.org