Harnessing Resilience: Triumphing over PTSD with a Constructive Outlook
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can severely impact daily life, marked by symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, emotional numbness, irritability, avoidance behaviours, and persistent, distressing thoughts related to the trauma.
For instance, Mark, an Australian man, spent four and a half months in a Turkish jail, during which he lost his innocence and developed PTSD. Upon returning to Australia, he was unaware of the true nature of his mental struggle and was heavily medicated with sedatives.
Young children with PTSD may exhibit symptoms such as fear, sleep disturbances, and regression. Elementary-age children may mis-sequence memories and hold the false belief that the traumatic event could have been predicted. In adolescents, symptoms closely resemble those of adult PTSD, with impulsivity, aggression, and traumatic reenactment being particularly prominent.
The primary treatment methods for PTSD in both adults and children involve trauma-focused psychotherapies, with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure-based therapies as first-line treatments.
For adults, trauma-focused psychotherapies include CBT, Written Exposure Therapy (WET), Medications, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Imagery Rescripting. CBT is strongly recommended by professional bodies such as the American Psychological Association and has substantial evidence supporting its effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms and diagnosis.
In children, treatment is adapted to developmental needs, emphasizing relational safety and regulation, with psychotherapy approaches informed by emerging research on developmental trauma. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapies adapted for children are commonly used but require careful assessment and monitoring given children’s unique needs.
Group Therapy offers individuals a safe space to share experiences and foster healing. Spiritual growth can offer comfort during times of stress and anxiety for individuals with PTSD. Somatic Experiencing (SE) assists in relieving stress stored in the body.
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a Dutch psychiatrist, advocates not relying solely on talk therapy but incorporating somatic and experiential therapies for a more holistic approach to treatment. Therapy significantly accelerates progress toward well-defined goals in managing PTSD.
PTSD does not eliminate the possibility of a successful life, especially when strong willpower and the right support systems are in place. Many public figures and everyday heroes have shown that, with effective treatment and coping techniques, life can be rebuilt. George Bonanno, Professor of Clinical Psychology, emphasizes adjusting responses according to the situation and highlights the importance of flexible coping strategies.
Celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Jason Kander, Dorit Kemsley, Jaime Lowe, Ariana Grande, Darrell Hammond, Prince Harry, and Gabrielle Union have shared their PTSD journeys, serving as a source of motivation to rise above difficult times. Exposure Therapy supports individuals in confronting fears and reducing avoidance behaviors.
Mark, now gradually improving, has found solace in the Australian non-profit organization, Picking Up the Pieces, which aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote early recognition and support for PTSD.
[1] Bryant, R. A., Moulds, M., & Nixon, R. (2003). Posttraumatic stress disorder. The Lancet, 362(9382), 351-357. [2] Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., & Deblinger, E. (2012). Treating traumatized children and their families: A guide for clinicians. Guilford Press. [3] Foa, E. B., Hembree, E. A., & Rothbaum, B. O. (2007). Effective treatments for PTSD: Practice guidelines from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. Depression and Anxiety, 24(2), 101-130. [4] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2005). Post-traumatic stress disorder: The management of PTSD in adults and children in primary and secondary care. Clinical Guideline 26. London: National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health.
Science plays a crucial role in understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with research continually evolving to better treat its symptoms. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a first-line treatment for both adults and children, holding substantial evidence for its effectiveness in managing PTSD symptoms. Health and wellness, including mental health, are essential aspects in overcoming PTSD, with therapy offering a safe space for individuals to share experiences and foster healing.
