By Lance-Cody Valdez
Approximately 7% of veterans leave service with PTSD, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Unfortunately, many veterans never receive help, which can cause long-term health and well-being issues. However, there are ways that you can take control of your life once again. Today’s post is brought to you by Put Veterans To Work and offers advice on a few ways that you might find relief.
Consider Rehab:
If you, like many of your brothers-in-arms, suffer from a drinking problem, rehab might be a great option. Many rehab centers in Massachusetts offer financial assistance or can accept your current insurance. Before you choose a rehab facility, please make a point to check out its certifications, past successes, and clinical credentials.
Educate Yourself:
Knowing your condition can help you feel more in control. Actual Life Counseling explains that PTSD can make you feel powerless and cause you to avoid people and places that you love. When you’re experiencing symptoms of PTSD, you may be angry, have trouble sleeping, or get startled easily.
Build a Support Network:
Just as you surround yourself with strength in the field, you must now give yourself a support network. Connect with other veterans who are experiencing similar challenges. You might join a support group or get involved in organizations that work specifically with veterans with PTSD. These types of groups and individuals within them can give you a safe place to share your shared experiences.
Engage In Self-Care:
Self-care can help you better manage your PTSD symptoms. Activities that promote relaxation and stress are crucial to your recovery. Exercise, especially low-impact activities such as walking or swimming, can help you physically and mentally. You also want to start a new hobby or find another way to calm your mind when you feel anxiety and stress taking over.
Establish a Structure:
Structure and routine in your daily life can give you a sense of stability and predictability. It can be comforting as you always know what will happen next. While you don’t have to maintain your schedule forever, having a consistent sleep, eat, and activity schedule when you are at your worst can help you ride out the days until you feel at your best.
Be Patience With Yourself:
One of the most important things you can do while dealing with PTSD is to understand that it is an individual journey that requires patience with yourself. Recovery takes time, and you’ll probably experience some setbacks. Allow yourself to receive support and encouragement, and don’t forget to recognize your victories, no matter how small.
Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques:
Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation are all helpful in managing anxiety. When you learn to take control of the physical symptoms of stress, you can prevent PTSD escalation.
Talk to Your Employer:
As a person with PTSD, it might be wise to inform your employer about your past service in the baggage you still carry. It can be helpful in the early days of your career search, as many employers actively recruit veterans and are more than happy to work with you when you need it most.
PTSD can take over your life if you let it from going to rehab to being patient with yourself and establishing a structure. Today’s tips can help you take control so that you can steer your life in the direction you always intended. Don’t forget to reach out for social, emotional, and mental health support; remember, your journey is yours. Thank you for your service.
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