PTSD - THE POWER OF OKAY

P o s t t r a u m a t i c s t r e s s d i s o r d e r

PTSD affects 3.5% of the U.S. adult population—about 8 million Americans every year.

Signs & symptoms of PTSD can be different for every person. Below are some potential signs:

Some people can be at a higher risk to develop PTSD because of the following:

A previous trauma: A new trauma can intensify the negative effects from the previous trauma.
Poor coping skills: By not coping properly with the trauma, people are more likely to have PTSD and blame themselves for the trauma.
Lack of social support: people without a stable support system tend to be more vulnerable to stress and are therefore more likely to experience PTSD.
Abuse
Previous mental or physical illness
Sudden loss of a loved one
Natural disasters
Served in a war zone

FOR IMMEDIATE HELP, PLEASE CALL 911
If you have PTSD:
- Overcome your sense of helplessness: After a traumatic experience, it is common to be left feeling hopeless and vulnerable. However, it's important to find meaning in life and remind yourself of your strenghts and skills. Sometimes helping others helps us just as equally. For this reason go out, give blood, or just check up on a friend. No matter how small the act may be, it can least a lasting impact not only on you but whoever you are helping.
- Get Moving: Whether this includes exercise or yoga, find anew hobby that gets your body going. Studies have shown that exercise and yoga have helped to move yoru body out of the stress phase.
- Support your PTSD with a healthy lifestyle: This can be through your diet or other habits, but it is important to take care of your body after a trauma. Find a new routine that works for you and STICK to it!
- Be kind to yourself & remember somedays will be better than others.
- Seek treatment from a professional
If you know someone with PTSD:
- Provide social support while still respecting their boundaries.
- Don't pressure them into talking to you. Instead let them know that you are ready to listen whenever they are ready.
- Ask them what they need from them.
- Encourage them to seek treatment.
- Manage your own stress: The more calm and relaxed you are, the better you'll be able to help them. Take care of yourself.
- Be patient & optimistic.

US Department of Veteran Affairs: CLICK HERE
Help Guide For PTSD: CLICK HERE
Kati Morton (PTSD Playlist): CLICK HERE
PTSD Alliance: CLICK HERE
Confidential Veterans Chat: CLICK HERE
The Hopeline: CLICK HERE
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 --- En Español: 1-888-628-9454
Veterans Crisis Line: CALL 1-800-273-8255, press 1 OR Text to 838255
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
Anxiety and Depression Association of America 1-240-485-1001
CDC Division of Mental Health: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
The Real Depression Project Instagram: @realdepressionproject