(Faure - "Pavane")
Help comes through understanding what has happened to
you knowing how you have reacted and why, and believing
that you can help yourself. There are self help strategies
you can use some of which are outlined in these previous pages, and also many organisations and individuals who will offer advice and support. If one doesn't work or help, try another.
Join a support group
A support group should consist of those who have had similar, but not necessarily the same, traumatic experiences. If group sessions don't work for you, look elsewhere.
Self-help exercises
If you haven't done any, try the exercises in the previous PTSD pages.
Exercise and diet
Exercise and diet can increase your general health, physical
fitness and self-confidence. Your local surgery will let
you have a diet sheet.
Prayer and beliefs
You don't have to be religious to pray. Prayer is not simply
about asking for things, but more about acknowledging
that there is, or might be, some greater power and opening
yourself up to that possibility. Make time to re-think
what you believe about yourself, other people, the purpose
of life, the world around you and your future.
Visit the scene of the incident
If you can, go to the place where the incident occurred.
If necessary, take someone with you for support. This can
help you to face up to your fears and the memories and give
you a sense of achievement and self confidence.
Yoga and meditation
Look for a local class or group or find a suitable book.
For information contact:
Tel: 01767-627271
British Wheel of Yoga
Tel: 01529-303233
Relaxation classes and techniques
For information and relaxation classes and techniques,
contact:
Tel: 01983-868166
Audio tapes are available in some shops and are best used
with personal steros. Most are based on learning to gradually
relax your body while listening to a voice telling you what
do, usally with music in the background. Your local
surgery or library might lend relaxation tapes and CD's.
They can be purchased from some local shops or from:
New World Music Ltd
The Barn
Becks Green
St Andrews
Beccles
Suffolk
NR34 8NB
Tel :- 01986-781682
Listen to music
Listen to your favourite pieces of music using a personal
stero or personal CD player.
Acupuncture, reflexology and aromatherapy
Alternative therapies of many kinds are worth trying,
but might be expensive. Remember, if you believe in it
enough, it just might work!
Stress management courses
If you can find them or afford them, attend a stress
or anger management course. If the problem is through
work, your employer might pay.
Laughter
Laughter is a good medicine. It might be difficult to do,
but try it. Watch your favourite comedy programmes or
comedians on TV or on tape. Recall times when you were
happy and enjoyed life. Find something about yourself
to laugh at!.
Help others
Helping others can help you, and mnay charities look
for volunteers or part-time helpers. Your local
Citizens Advice Bureau will give you names and addresses to contact.
Your GP, hospitals and clinics
Your first point of contact should be your doctor. The
surgery should have acounsellor available and, at your
GP's suggestion, a CPN (Community Psychiatric Nurse)
might become involved. You can ask to be referred to a
local clinic where you would see a psychologist or psychotherapist. Cognitive-behavioural therapy, which
looks at patterns of thinking and learned behaviour, seems to work best for most people. It might
help just to talk to an impartial helper or counsellor.
Not every GP understands Post-trauma Stress or PTSD, and you might be offered medication for anxiety, depression, insomnia or some other condition. These can help, but you might need to treat the cause
rather than just the symptoms. If you are not satisifed,
look elsewhere for advice.
Hospitals and clinics
Contact your surgery or telephone your local hospital and ask if they have a psychiatry of psychology and what they can offer. Some have a local support group.
(Faure - "Pavane")