Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a challenging condition to overcome because so many sufferers tend to feel isolated, powerless, and disoriented. PTSD recovery may begin with counseling, but it must continue within the individual. The sufferer must make a commitment to specific goals for recovery; this will help reduce the feel of powerlessness, as the sufferer will be taking proactive steps toward recovery. Other tips for PTSD recovery include reaching out to others; loved ones often want to help the PTSD sufferer, but they don't know how to approach the subject. The PTSD sufferer can take a proactive step by reaching out to concerned loved ones.
Other proactive steps toward PTSD recovery include educating oneself about the disorder. Knowing why that feeling of powerlessness has gripped the sufferer can help him overcome it. Joining a support group is one way to educate oneself not only on what causes and perpetuates the disorder, but also what a sufferer can do to get past it. Surrounding oneself with people who have gone through a similar experience can help the sufferer form a bond with a person ready and willing to listen, which can help the sufferer work past the disorder.
Just about all steps in PTSD recovery focus on communication: working toward being able to communicate what is wrong, being able to allow people to care, being able to talk about what caused the PTSD, and being able to discuss possible solutions are all part of PTSD recovery that can be difficult for a sufferer. Patience is vitally important. The sufferer must understand that healing will not happen quickly, but it will happen. Keeping that hope can be difficult, but ultimately, if the PTSD sufferer knows and understands that recovery will happen, that recovery is likely to happen more quickly.
PTSD can become worse if not addressed, and it will do so quickly. A PTSD sufferer should tackle the problem quickly, and not wait for symptoms to become so severe that his or her mental or physical well being is at risk. One should seek support as soon as he or she realizes an issue has arisen. The PTSD sufferer should also understand that PTSD recovery will mean many baby steps, not one or two big steps. Slowly coming to terms with the cause and repercussions of the PTSD comes first, then learning to re-establish relationships can happen. During all this, the PTSD sufferer will benefit from learning to participate in activities and relationships that are detached from the trauma; this allows the brain to focus on something else and essentially rest for at least a short period of time.
