PTSD, something many of us Veterans still cope with years of service, can make life a terribly frustrating struggle. As a result of our traumatic experiences, PTSD often leaves us with anxiety mental and emotional imbalances and can hinder your ability to process and navigate life. That’s why it’s so easy to fall into devastating habits like alcoholism and drugs. Fortunately, there are ways to cope with PTSD and there are resources and services for active military and veterans. Here are a few actionable tips to help cope with PTSD.
Seek Support
Use counselors, therapists, peers and support groups to help guide you through difficulty. There’s no doubt it can be hard to trust people when you struggle with PTSD, but being able to confide in others (whether that’s a group or an individual) can dictate your quality of life. It can allow you to feel seen and validated, helping you come to terms with the fact that it’s ok to feel this way. You can also use it as an opportunity to learn how others have come to terms with their PTSD and come out the other side stronger for it. At The VFAC, we curate safe space for veterans to come together and share their experience as well as express their feelings. Additionally, we hold monthly fishing retreats and annual galas custom-tailored to support Veterans. Learn more about upcoming events and how we can serve as a support for you.
Learn Your Triggers
Find out exactly what it is that triggers your PTSD. It could be a sound, place or even just an object. By recognizing the things that can bring your PTSD into focus, you can learn to better adjust to them or even avoid them entirely. Being self-aware is crucial to evaluating yourself so if you want help peeling back those layers then contact our team for a life enrichment and counseling session.
Be Mindful
It may sound a little cliché but there have been studies that do show a link between mindfulness activities and coping with PTSD. Try out meditation and focus on your breathing, or even just some mindful self-love. Taking the time to relax, rejuvenate and take care of yourself are valuable choices that help prevent PTSD trigger moments. We offer opportunities for Vets to relax and enjoy life rather than allowing life to dictate their emotions. Our retreats and discussions not only focus on disability and benefits but we also focus on how you can change your lifestyle now so you can succeed in the future.
Focus on Your Body
PTSD can have a real strain on your physical body. There are very few Veterans that I’ve come across who hasn’t had some type of ailment from headaches and high blood pressure to back pain and tinnitus. It’s easy to forget about your health but that only perpetuates the cycle as your body and mind operate synergistically. So, try to be mindful of your health; get some exercise, focus on eating healthy foods and if you can, spend some time outside. If you don’t take care of your wellness, you’ll be forced to take care of your illness.
Contact The VFAC for PTSD Veteran Resources and Referrals
Dealing with PTSD is never easy. It can be overwhelming at times and make moving on in life a struggle. But it’s important to remember that you can get through it. Hopefully these tips are able to help you cope a bit easier, stress a little bit less, and live life without fear a little bit more. Visit our Resource Center to learn how you can begin living a healthier life.
