Archive for Post Traumatic Stress: PTSD Support
Overcome Post Traumatic Stress – Cathy’s Recommendations
- front page Suara Timor Lorosae newspaper 6 Dec 2002
Following Cathy’s own experiences of having survived 2 States of Emergency in 2 different countries within 3 months of each other, she shares her tips to overcome PTSD.
“I felt like I was living in history. Really making a difference. Teaching English to government workers and UN Agency staff. Classroom discussions could result in ‘on the ground’ changes in the some areas, especially for Sustainable Development…. However you need to be alive to make a difference. I knew after 48 hours of being in hiding that it was time to get out. Unfortunately it took a further three days before I was able to leave to the safest place in the world -no, not Australia….
Bali, not long after the Oct 12 bombings – there were no tourists left!”
pg 2 Suara Timor Lorosae newspaper 6 Dec 2002
Steps to Overcoming PTSD
(Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
1 Ownership – Acknowledge there is a problem
2 Ask for help (This first step may be privately asking God to help you before reaching out to others)
3 Feel and express the emotions (in a supportive environment). This could be:
a. writing a journal or
b. retelling the event/s to a counsellor or objective confidante
c. Joining a support group
4 Take responsibility and Decide to learn from the experience and bless it for allowing you to grow
[This may involve you removing yourself from the dangerous situation.]
5 Commit to changing your life on a daily basis
6 Develop a plan to walk out these changes. Including:
a. Learn coping strategies for stress
b. Increase your EQ Emotional Intelligence
7 Action – live expansively – make each day count
8 Use your experience to bless others. Suggestions:
a. Mentor others
b. Become a counselor or teacher
c. Create a blog
For further tips on how to overcome PTSD, check out Fran’s tips after surviving the Boxing Day Tsunami or James’ after surviving a roadside bomb in Iraq.
Your thoughts?
