Most of us have heard of Post-Traumatic Stress (Disorder), but did you know it is something many people suffer? It has been found that Hypnotherapy could be the answer to recover from PTSD.
What is PTSD exactly?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a reaction that can develop in people who have been through or witnessed a traumatic event. This event felt like your life, safety or the life of others around you, was threatened. Serious accidents and abuse are the leading causes of PTSD in Australia. We also know many of those escaping broken relationships may also suffer Post-Traumatic Stress especially if the relationship was highly conflictual or Narcissistic
PTSD could be from
- a serious accident
- physical or sexual assault
- war
- abuse
- disasters
- domestic violence
- an emotionally abusive or Narcissistic relationship
As a result, the person experiences feelings of intense fear, helplessness or anxiety, they often self-doubt and feel guarded.
It’s normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after a traumatic event. It may be hard to do normal daily activities, like go to work or school, spend time with people you care about, even go out socially or shopping. While most people start to feel better after a few weeks or months of experiencing a trauma, if it’s been longer than a few months and you’re still having symptoms, you may have PTSD.
If you have or are experiencing:
- physical and emotional distress
- persistently feel negative or angry
- feel cut off from others
- difficulties sleeping
- unusual anger or irritation
- engage in self-destructive behaviour
If these things have been happening for a month or more, you may be experiencing a degree of PTSD. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they are not in danger.
Anyone who has experienced a traumatic event can develop PTSD, however those involved in deliberate harm such as physical or sexual assault, had repeated traumatic experiences such as abuse or living in continued conflict, are at greater risk. Hypnotherapy has emerged as a credible, evidence-based treatment option for sufferers of PTSD. According to the Medicine National Institute of Health Hypnosis is associated with the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for two reasons: (1) the similarity between hypnotic phenomena and the symptoms of PTSD, and (2) the utility of hypnosis as a tool in treatment.
What other problems can people with PTSD experience?
People with PTSD may also have other associated problems including:
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Depression or anxiety
- Drinking or drug problems
- Physical symptoms
- Employment issues
- Relationship problems
Families can be torn apart, drug and alcohol problems can occur, careers destroyed and some sufferers are driven to suicide as a way of escaping the psychological and physical pain and anguish. People can struggle feeling safe in a new relationship if they have experienced trauma in a previous relationship.
Too many people live with PTSD controlling their lives and the lives of their loved ones without accessing or finding the correct help and support.
Children can also suffer PTSD
Children may experience symptoms described above or display other symptoms depending on their age. As children get older, their symptoms are more like those of adults.
PTSD symptoms in children include:
- Children under 6 may become upset if their parents are not close by, have trouble sleeping, or act out the ordeal or distress through play
- Children age 7 to 11 may also act out the trauma through play or drawings, have nightmares or become more irritable or aggressive. They may also avoid school or have trouble with schoolwork or friends
- Children age 12 to 18 have symptoms similar to adults: depression, anxiety, withdrawal, or irresponsible behaviour like substance or alcohol abuse or running away
Studies into Effective Hypnotherapy Treatment
A study by the University of Medicine and Pharmacy titled Meta-analysis for the efficacy of Hypnotherapy in Alleviating PTSD Symptoms (2016), found in favour of hypnosis-based treatment with hypnosis appearing to be effective in alleviating PTSD symptoms.
A report from the Journal of Traumatic Stress titled A Meta‐Analysis of Hypnotherapeutic Techniques in the Treatment of PTSD Symptoms (2016), revealed that studies showed hypnotherapy had a positive effect on PTSD symptoms. Hypnotherapy demonstrated as a substantial beneficial treatment.
Hypnotherapy is Effective Treatment for PTSD
Treatments for PTSD may also help these other problems as they are often related. Medications are one way to lower some PTSD symptoms however they fail to treat the cause. Psychology treatment is another way if you have time to invest to recover slowly. It is our mind that is remembering and generating these emotions. Therefore, it is logical to understand the mind can also reduce and release these memories and emotions, after all, memories are stored within our subconscious mind. Hypnotherapy allows our mind to become more receptive to positive suggestions while releasing negative feelings. It is a natural therapy to release memories, fears and blocks that can create new responses, attitudes and behaviours quickly.
Hypnotherapy for PTSD is an evidence-based treatment that can effectively treat the symptoms and the underlying causes. An article in the Journal of Trauma and Treatment reported a study in Hypnosis for PTSD and stated, Instead of a repressed pain the trauma event became a simple memory, resilient to re-traumatization.
Some of the unique ways that hypnotherapy is effectively used in the treatment of PTSD:
1. Immediate stress reduction by relaxation of both mind and body
2. Reduce symptoms to slowly adjust reactions to the common triggers
3. Enable the traumatic memory to disperse and be positioned merely as a memory of what was
4. Specialised Virtual Hypnotherapy PTSD hypnosis session, enables the client to replay daily or as often as needed to continue recovery
For many people, effective treatments can get rid of symptoms altogether. Others find they have fewer symptoms or feel that their symptoms are less intense. Your symptoms don’t have to interfere with your everyday activities, work or relationships.
If you experience symptoms of PTSD that persist beyond a few weeks, visiting a doctor or a mental health professional is recommended. Virtual Hypnotherapy has also designed a specific session to reduce and conquer those PTSD feelings. If you need urgent help please call LifeLine on 13-11-14
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