Post-traumatic stress disorder affects people from all walks of life. Sadly, today PTSD is increasingly common. Experts no longer believe that this syndrome only affects veterans in the United States. In fact, people across the country and the world at large are receiving help for post-traumatic stress. Unfortunately, many men today have PTSD without knowing it. Childhood trauma, prolonged stress, natural disasters, and witnessing traumatic events all play a part in the body’s trauma response. Today, men’s PTSD treatment programs can help men understand and heal from complex trauma.
If you or a young man in your life is struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder or addiction, Red Oak Recovery® is here to help. Learn more about our men’s PTSD treatment programs by calling us now at 866.457.7590.
What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a prolonged and recurrent trauma response. Studies now show that when the body undergoes a life-threatening or extremely stressful experience, it either processes hormones like adrenaline or stores them in the body. In many situations of prolonged stress, the body doesn’t have the opportunity to safely process trauma, causing continued fear responses, even when the body is not under threat. Common PTSD symptoms include:
- Disturbed sleep
- Feeling on guard, hypervigilance
- Reckless behavior
- Self-medicating and self-soothing
- Aggression, guilt, or shame
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling on edge or unsafe, leading to difficulty relaxing
PTSD can make people constantly feel on guard against threats. This feeling exhausts the nervous system and weakens the immune system. Loud noises, sudden movements, and large groups can often trigger PTSD symptoms. When a person’s PTSD is triggered, their fear and anger responses may seem erratic to those around them. This is normal and a sign someone needs professional support.
Managing PTSD Symptoms
PTSD can be a difficult disorder to manage without help, but there are ways that you can begin to cope with the symptoms on your own. A few self-care tips include:
- Get better sleep
- Exercise
- Meditate and practice mindfulness
- Do breathing exercises
- Try to limit stress
- Improve your diet and nutrition
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Connect with loved ones or friends
- Learn your triggers and avoid them
Learning your triggers and avoiding them is an excellent way to manage PTSD symptoms, but realistically, it’s not always possible. However, help is available, and better mental health is attainable with the proper support. A PTSD treatment program can help you learn to manage your symptoms and heal from your trauma, and there is no shame in getting the help that you need to live your best life.
Understanding PTSD Triggers and Treatment Options
A PTSD diagnosis can help bring peace of mind and healing to those struggling with PTSD triggers. While common triggers include light, sound, sudden movements, and physical threats, individuals may also have specific triggers. Learning triggers, how to avoid them, and how to live with them can help in the healing process. Unfortunately, many men believe they have to appear tough and may not seek support or treatment for their PTSD triggers. Programs specifically for men can help identify triggers and release cultural stigmas about men and trauma.
Trauma studies and science are constantly developing. Today, there are many traditional and alternative modalities to ease PTSD and help reduce triggers. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) is a therapy that activates both hemispheres of the brain to help the body process trauma. Many experiential therapies can also help. Studies show that when trauma remains in the body, talk therapy does not have the same effect as physical therapies like wilderness therapy. We often release past trauma through physical movement, followed by psychiatric support. Psychotherapy can help identify triggers and reduce their intensity, making it easier to go through daily life without a trauma response.
Learn More About the Effective PTSD Treatment for Men at Red Oak Recovery®
PTSD can be detrimental to a person’s overall well-being. Sadly, many people today live with PTSD without knowing it. If you or a young man in your life is showing symptoms of PTSD, Red Oak Recovery® is here. Our North Carolina treatment center helps young men recover from addiction and co-occurring disorders. Unfortunately, PTSD is often accompanied by addiction as a way to self-soothe and self-medicate.
Young men from all walks of life come to Red Oak Recovery® to heal through our traditional and alternative therapies. With an emphasis on wilderness therapy, we help men connect to themselves and other men through nature. Learn more about how wilderness therapy can help PTSD treatment by reaching our staff today at 866.457.7590 or via our online contact form.
