How to cope with PTSD

Stress can be very difficult to manage on your own. Often, finding time to meditate, spending time with friends to talk, and getting out into nature are all great ways to manage stress in your day-to-day life. 

But what do you do when it feels like it’s more than that? Like when the stress you’re experiencing after a traumatic event is so extreme, it feels like an avalanche that you can’t escape? 

Get to know the signs

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a very normal response to witnessing something terrible. From experiencing it yourself, to being told about it in detail second hand, to witnessing it happen to someone else, the burden can be heavy. The memory of it happening combined with not being able to do anything about it is typically what leads to experiencing the effects of PTSD. 

Signs and symptoms of PTSD look like:

  • Experiencing flashbacks.

  • Feeling jumpy, or easily startled. 

  • Overwhelming feelings of guilt or shame.

  • On guard, always watching for signs of danger.

  • Can’t fall asleep, stay asleep, or have nightmares.

  • Feeling detached or estranged from other people.

  • Substance abuse, or putting oneself in risky situations. 

  • Can’t focus on or enjoy things that used to be intriguing. 

  • Overwhelming anger, irritability, and outbursts of aggression.

  • Restlessness, fidgeting, trouble paying attention – can be misdiagnosed as ADHD in children. 

  • Reliving the traumatic event through talk, or play.

  • Pretending the traumatic event never happened.

  • Feeling helpless, hopeless, or withdrawn.

How to help

PTSD can leave indelible traces on your psyche which is often not possible to manage on your own. 

Reliving all, or part, of a traumatic event is one of the most difficult symptoms to manage. It can be hard to know what to do, or how to help someone during a flashback, but if you would like to support a loved one, here’s what we know: 

During a Flashback

  • Create a safe space by respecting their “bubble” – avoid crowding them.

  • Gently encourage them to describe their current surroundings.

  • Stay calm, and avoid making any sudden movements.

  • Gently remind them that they are having a flashback.

  • Ask for consent before touching or hugging them.

  • Invite them to breathe calmly alongside you.

When things are calm

  • Create a safe, receptive space – without judgement – and offer to listen to their experience. 

  • Ask them how they’re feeling.

  • Ask them how you can help.

  • Avoid dismissing their feelings by saying "well, it could have been worse" – or by questioning their reactions or responses – this could be seen as judgement.

  • Offer to help them find support.

  • Get support for yourself.

Reach out for help

We are here to help, whether it’s for you or someone you love, we want to encourage you to reach out for the help you deserve. No one should have to experience this type of stress on their own. 

You can either call us on our 24-hour help line at 780.743.HELP(4357), or book an appointment with one of our counsellors. That’s what we’re here for. Book counselling here. 

Melanie Nicholson