Coping with PTSD: Will I Ever Overcome My Trauma?

When you struggle with PTSD, you not only have to deal with your symptoms, but also may be dismayed that you haven’t been able to “get over” the trauma that is causing them. Recovering from trauma is a process, but it can be done. Here’s how.

Self-blame is often a component of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially if others continually question why you can’t just “get over it.” But whether you struggle with PTSD, depression, anxiety, or OCD, you’re never at fault for the timeline of your recovery.

In addition, if you suffer from PTSD, you may also have survivor’s guilt. Why did you survive the catastrophe, while others didn’t? Why can’t you enjoy the life that they were deprived of?

At Precise Research Centers, our founder, Joseph Kwentus, MD, understands how complex PTSD can be. He and our team diagnose and treat PTSD at our Flowood, Mississippi, offices.

With help and time, you can recover from trauma and get relief from PTSD, including survivor’s guilt. We offer traditional therapeutic methods and also enroll volunteers in clinical trials for access to cutting-edge medications.

Do you struggle with PTSD, trauma, or guilt? Following are some therapies that help you manage symptoms and finally recover from the trauma that haunts you.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps you process trauma and the negative, self-blaming inner monologue that often accompanies it. Through CBT, you learn to challenge negative thoughts and replace them with ones that are more truthful and helpful.

Through CBT, you also learn to change behaviors that aren’t serving you. CBT teaches you new coping strategies that allow you to experience your life more fully, without being locked into the past.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy in which you move your eyes from side to side while processing troubling memories of trauma. Lateral eye movements are associated with safety in your brain. In contrast, staring ahead with a laser focus is associated with danger.

When you live through traumatic events, the memories are stored in your brain in a different manner than are normal events. Through a cycle of treatments, your brain reprocesses your traumatic memories so they’re stored more like normal events. After EMDR, you feel safe, even while recalling your trauma.

MDMA

MDMA is a drug that increases serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and oxytocin in your body to make you feel calm and happy. MDMA also subdues the response of your amygdala (i.e., “lizard” or survivor part of your brain) to negative stimuli.

While using MDMA under clinical supervision, you’re able to access traumatic memories without experiencing the trauma.

Stellate ganglion block

The stellate ganglion is a collection of sympathetic nerves that supply the head, neck, arms, and a portion of your chest. A stellate ganglion block is a neck injection that calms down the activities of these nerves. The block helps reduce PTSD symptoms.

Virtual reality

Confronting a traumatic event, either by remembering or talking about it, helps your brain reprocess the memory. However, you may have difficulty remembering exactly what happened or be unwilling to talk about it.

With the aid of virtual reality (VR), you’re exposed to simulated stressful situations in a safe environment. Your practitioner can even adapt the VR to mimic your own traumatic stress. By confronting the trauma in a safe environment, you gradually experience less anxiety and fear.

New drugs in development

At Precise Research Centers, you have access to new drugs that aren’t yet available to the public. If you qualify and wish to volunteer, we enroll you in a clinical trial for cutting-edge medications that are in development.

These new drugs may help you manage symptoms and finally find relief. There is no charge for the drugs or therapy while you’re in a clinical trial. If appropriate, all of your travel costs are also covered.

If you struggle with PTSD, call us at 601-685-3457 or book an appointment online today to determine if you qualify for a clinical trial. You can also send a message to our team on the website.