People with post-traumatic stress disorder struggle to cope with intense symptoms like flashbacks, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts. This makes it hard for them to relax or concentrate. Without support, they may turn to unhealthy behaviors like binge drinking or using drugs to help them cope.
PTSD support groups provide coping skills, moral support, and a safe platform to share experiences.
In this blog, we’ve highlighted several trusted resources to locate PTSD support groups near you.
Post-traumatic stress disorder doesn’t just affect the sufferer; it also impacts their families. People with post-traumatic stress disorder may not act like their normal selves. They may be paranoid, easily startled, agitated, and anxious most of the day. This makes it difficult for family members to know when or how to interact with them. In time, this could take a toll on the family’s dynamic, leading to:
The best way to support your family member through this time and reduce the above risks is to join a support group. PTSD support groups for family members provide a safe space where you can discuss your concerns with others who are going through the same thing. You’ll learn about PTSD, coping strategies as well as some of the challenges that people with PTSD deal with.
The following are resources for PTSD education and support groups for family and friends:
Due to constant exposure to traumas, veterans and first responders often struggle with mental health issues after retiring from service. These traumas may lead to disruptions in their everyday life, including ongoing anxiety, flashbacks, and nightmares. Some even develop anxiety disorders or abuse substances to cope.
Residential rehab and holistic care are often necessary for patients to improve their symptoms and learn healthy coping strategies. However, ongoing support is also necessary to help with recovery goals and relapse prevention. Some individuals go into aftercare programs after discharge, which include 12-step group meetings or experiential therapies. Others attend support groups designed for military veterans and first responders in recovery.
Visit the following resources to find a support group near you:
Sometimes, it just isn’t possible to attend a support group in person. Some people want to remain anonymous, and others have outside obligations that stop them from attending. However, in-person attendance shouldn’t stand in the way of receiving the support you deserve. Online PTSD support groups are just as effective as their in-person counterparts. All you need to attend is an Internet connection and, in some cases, a camera or audio device.
The following resources provide information on virtual PTSD support groups for suffers and their families:
Certain addiction treatment centers provide outpatient or intensive outpatient programs for individuals struggling with a dual diagnosis that includes post-traumatic stress disorder.
These programs include:
Each program has its benefits that work in tandem with other therapeutic approaches.
By participating in an outpatient program, you’ll reduce the risk of developing worsening PTSD, another mental health condition or a drug overdose.
For more information on our outpatient PTSD programs, contact Contact us at (888) 995-6013.
Some people with PTSD struggle to come to terms with their trauma or the feelings they’re experiencing after witnessing it. This could lead them to abuse alcohol or drugs and, over time, develop an addiction.
Once someone has a substance use disorder or addiction, professional help is needed to help them safely wean off the substance and create a safe path to recovery. This includes medication-assisted treatment, detox, and behavioral therapy. Each therapy works to address the addiction and the mental health condition that led to the addiction.
For information on addiction and substance abuse, including PTSD treatment programs and outpatient care, visit the following resources:
These resources are a good start for people needing information or immediate PTSD support. However, they are not substitutes for PTSD treatment, which can only be administered by a licensed professional.
For more about PTSD treatment, contact Transformations Mending Fences. We are available to answer any questions about PTSD therapy, support, and enrollment into our treatment programs.
