Your Health – August/Septemeber 2018
Post-traumatic stress disorder is often associated with people who have been involved in war. However, truckers are often exposed to traumatic accidents, whether it be direct involvement in a wreck or helping others when coming across an accident scene. Other events that may cause PTSD are domestic violence, serious illnesses, abuse, or witnessing a horrific event—even a natural disaster.
It is important to understand that PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder. The symptoms of PTSD may include flashbacks (reliving the trauma), nightmares about the traumatic event, and symptoms of avoidance and emotional numbing. This may include trying to avoid thinking of or talking about the traumatic event, avoiding activities you once enjoyed, difficulty maintaining close relationships, irritability or anger, overwhelming guilt or shame, substance abuse, trouble sleeping, suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts, and being easily startled or frightened.
PTSD can also cause physical problems with the body. For example, people with PTSD show higher instances of fibromyalgia, arthritis, ulcers and high blood pressure, just to name a few. If the person develops a substance abuse problem as a result of self-medicating, there may be health, legal, financial, and family problems.
If you have been involved in a traumatic event, you do not necessarily have PTSD. Some people are involved and witness very horrific events with few or no problems, whereas others may have many PTSD symptoms as a result.
What to do if you think you have PTSD
Participate in a PTSD assessment by a mental health professional.
Get a medical checkup with your primary care doctor to ensure that you do not have any physical problems.
Treatments for PTSD
- Individual and family psychotherapy is often a good start. This will involve relaxation skills, stress management and processing of traumatic events. There may be other things to address, such as depression, substance use, other types of anxiety, and possibly other concerns. It is important to address all of the concerns that may be present.
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy focuses on helping the mind to process the traumas that it has experienced.
“Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is a comprehensive, integrative psychotherapy approach,” according to the EMDR Institute Inc. “It contains elements of many effective psychotherapies in structured protocols that are designed to maximize treatment effects. These include psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, experiential, and body-centered therapies.”
- Medications – There is no medication specifically made for PTSD. However, some antidepressants have FDA approval for treating PTSD. The use of benzodiazepines is discouraged due to its addictive qualities and potential interference with psychotherapy as the client is less likely to be able to appropriately process the feelings related to PTSD.
- Lifestyle – As with other conditions, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables help our mood and overall health. Exercise helps to boost mood and decrease anxiety. As little as 30 minutes of daily walking can show significant benefits.
What can you do to address ptsd symptoms?
- Download the free Mac or Android smartphone app PTSD Coach from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs through iTunes or Google Play.
- Take the course “Considering Professional Help” on the MyHealth.va.gov website.
Remember, PTSD is a type of anxiety. Why not learn a few things you can tell yourself to reduce your anxiety? You are in control of your thoughts and you have the power to significantly decrease your anxiety. LL
Buck Black is a licensed clinical social worker therapist who specializes in helping truckers and their families with anger and stress management, as well as depression and relationship problems. He is licensed to treat patients in the state of Indiana.
This column is the opinion of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Land Line Magazine or its publisher. Please remember everyone’s health situation is different. If you have questions regarding medical issues, consult your personal physician.