It is common to feel overwhelmed after receiving a post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis from your mental health provider. However, many patients find that regular appointments with their physician and a regular at-home care regimen reduce flashbacks, depression, and anxiety. Review the information below to improve your symptoms and enhance your quality of life. 

Mental Health Guide to Caring for PTSD 

Home Care 

When living with PTSD, it is important to care for your mind and body at home. Exercise is an excellent way to increase your body’s mood-boosting endorphins and reduce your nervous system’s level of immobilized stress. Meditation, yoga, or walks in nature will help slow down thoughts and activate your natural relaxation response. Eating healthy and getting enough sleep will also improve your mental health. 

Medications 

Antidepressants often improve low mood and anxiety in people with PTSD. Known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), these prescriptions block overactive nerve centers in the brain to reduce symptoms. If you are struggling with depression, anger, or intrusive thoughts, talk to your mental health provider about the benefits and side effects of these medications. 

Professional Support 

According to the National Center for PTSD, there is a variety of effective behavioral health treatments for patients. Helpful therapies include trauma-focused psychotherapy, written narrative exposure, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for post traumatic stress. These interventions are supervised by a licensed mental health counselor or therapist and help people process the details and emotions of their traumatic experience. 

When used in combination, these strategies can help improve the severity of your PTSD symptoms. The psychiatrists and mental health providers at Comprehensive Behavioral Health in Fishersville, VA, can explain more about these therapies and how to make them work for your needs. To discuss your mental health with a behavioral health professional, call them at (540) 688-2646. For information about what to expect from their practice, visit their website.