Coping with Re-Experiencing Symptoms in PTSD

Re-experiencing symptoms of trauma are a core symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These can be triggered by reminders of the traumatic event and can cause significant distress.

Symptoms of Re-Experiencing

Symptoms of re-experiencing can include:

• Flashbacks: These are sudden, vivid memories of the traumatic event that can feel like they are happening again.
• Nightmares: These are dreams about the traumatic event that can be very disturbing and frightening.
• Intrusive thoughts: These are unwanted, distressing thoughts about the traumatic event that can pop into your head at any time.
• Emotional numbing: This is a lack of feeling or emotional responsiveness.
• Physical reactions: These can include sweating, heart palpitations, and difficulty breathing.

Coping with Re-Experiencing Symptoms

There are a number of things you can do to cope with re-experiencing symptoms:

• Talk to someone you trust. Talking about your experiences can help you to process them and to feel less alone.
• Get professional help. A therapist can help you to develop coping mechanisms and to process your trauma in a safe and supportive environment.
• Join a support group. Support groups can provide you with a sense of community and validation, and you can learn from the experiences of others who have been through similar situations.
• Practice relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and yoga, can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Take care of yourself. This includes getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly.
• Avoid triggers. Triggers are things that remind you of the traumatic event and trigger re-experiencing symptoms. Try to identify your triggers and avoid them as much as possible.
• Be patient. It takes time to heal from trauma. Be patient with yourself and don't expect to feel better overnight.

When to Seek Professional Help

It is important to seek professional help if you are experiencing re-experiencing symptoms that are interfering with your life. A therapist can help you to develop coping mechanisms and to process your trauma in a safe and supportive environment.

Other Resources

• The National Center for PTSD: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
• The Anxiety and Depression Association of America: https://adaa.org/
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/