Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD, or post traumatic stress disorder, is a crippling condition that happens after a traumatic event. Individuals who suffer from post traumatic stress often have continual, frightening thoughts about what they suffered and often feel emotionally withdrawn from friends and family. PTSD was once known as "battle fatigue" since it was first brought into the public view by veterans returning from war. It can occur from many other types of traumatic events too, including car accidents, natural disasters or kidnapping. A person suffering from PTSD doesn't necessarily need to have suffered from the traumatic event, it can occur after witnessing something traumatic as well.
PTSD Triggers and Symptoms
Whatever has triggered the post traumatic stress disorder, those suffering from it may relive the trauma in the form of disturbing memories during the day and frightening nightmares at night. Some other ptsd symptoms may include depression, flashbacks, avoiding activities that were once enjoyed and memory problems. If the person sees things or people that remind them of the traumatic event it can prove to be very stressful, and this often leads to avoidance. Anniversaries of the event can also prove to be distressing and difficult as well. PTSD can occur at any age, including childhood, and the disorder can also be accompanied by anxiety and some form of substance abuse. Studies have shown that almost 4 percent of the population suffers from PTSD every year and it seems to be more common in women than in men.
Treatment With Medication
For most people that suffer from post traumatic stress disorder, treatment has typically consisted of medication that works to counter chemical imbalances in the brain. Antidepressants that alter the neurotransmitters in the brain are used to reduce the occurrences of flashbacks and the feelings of helplessness that come along with this disorder. These drugs, however, come with an array of side effects that include tremors, insomnia and headaches. Medication, however, does very little to cure the underlying cause of the disorder and are very rarely considered to be a long-term solution. Prescription medications not only come with side effects that may be harmful, but their effectiveness is also in question. If medications are only masking the symptoms, why continue to use them?
Treatment Without Medication
There are post traumatic stress disorder treatment options that are drug free. They can help ease post traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Instead of depending on medication to numb the symptoms, you will learn relaxation and coping techniques that will teach you to remove the core of the trauma and move forward successfully with your life. Masking your symptoms won't help you overcome PTSD, but learning to stop the unwanted thoughts and de-stressing will. And you can do it all without fear of drug interactions or dependency. You will be able to regain control of your life and restore your self confidence, all without needing expensive medications or needing to attend lengthy therapy sessions that may be more distressing than soothing. With drug free treatments not only are you in control, but instead of needing to wait weeks for some sign of improvement, you will start to get control of your anxiety disorder in days.
