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Tornado in Oklahoma

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:57:54 +0000

On May 22, 2013, a powerful tornado ripped through the Oklahoma City area. The tornado was estimated to be about 2 miles wide and caused tremendous destruction. Currently, 24 people are confirmed dead, 9 of which are children. You can read more about the tornado at CNN.com.

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Choosing the Right Self-Help Book for You

Sun, 12 May 2013 09:21:51 +0000

When you go to your local bookstore, you probably can't help but notice the number of self-help books that are currently on the market for a variety of different disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Self-help books can be very useful as a supplement to the treatment you are receiving for your PTSD or just on their own. They can provide you with information on the symptoms of PTSD. They can also assist you in learning healthy coping skills for managing your PTSD symptoms.

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Managing Stress When in Large Crowds

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:17:14 +0000

Learning ways of coping with large crowds is important for people with PTSD. In today's society, crowds are difficult to avoid -- especially if you live in a city, or during certain times of the year, like holidays. Large crowds may be particularly stressful if you have PTSD, as they can trigger the hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD. When in a large crowd, people with PTSD may feel unsafe, or as though there is no easy way to escape the situation. They may also feel trapped or cornered. In addition, people with PTSD may have concerns that they could be caught off guard at any moment. As a result, when in a large crowd, people with PTSD may feel constantly on edge, fearful, or anxious. These negative emotions may prevent people from leaving their homes in the first place, increasing isolation and reducing quality of life.

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PTSD and Trichotillomania

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 10:44:58 +0000

People with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been found to be at high risk for engaging in a number of unhealthy impulsive and self-destructive behaviors; however, one behavior that has been examined less frequently is trichotillomania. Trichotillomania may sound like a strange word; however, it basically just refers to repetitive hair pulling. Why might someone pull their hair out? Well, research suggests that this behavior may function to relieve high levels of stress and tension. Consequently, it is not surprising that people with PTSD may be at higher risk for developing this behavior. You can learn more about trichotillomania, its symptoms, its relationship to PTSD, and its treatment in this article.

Ways of Coping After a Bombing

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:14:45 +0000

On April 15, 2013, two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. Direct (for example, being on-site as the bomb exploded) or indirect (for example, knowing someone who was affected by the event) exposure to the bombing have a high potential to lead to the development of PTSD symptoms.

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Bombing at the Boston Marathon

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:42:18 +0000

On April 15, 2013, two bombs went off near the finish line of the Boston Marathon in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. Currently, 3 people are dead and approximately 150 are injured. You can read more about the attack at CNN.com.

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Using Opposite Action to Cope with Unpleasant Emotions in PTSD

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 10:54:19 +0000

People with PTSD often experience frequent and intense negative emotions. Given that PTSD is classified as an anxiety disorder, it makes sense that people with PTSD would struggle with strong fear and anxiety. However, PTSD can also result in a number of other intense negative emotions, such as shame and anger. People with PTSD are also at risk for experiencing depression, characterized by pervasive and intense sadness, hopelessness, and despair.

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How To Cope With Shame

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 08:22:18 +0000

Shame is often considered a "self-conscious emotion," and is generally very closely related to the emotion of guilt. In fact, many people have difficulty distinguishing between shame and guilt. Shame is an emotion that occurs when a person evaluates or judges himself in a negative light. For example, a person might experience shame if he views himself as worthless, weak, bad, or useless.

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A Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Children with PTSD

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 08:42:09 +0000

The consequences of being exposed to a traumatic event, including PTSD, are more commonly studied among adults; however, traumatic exposure and symptoms of PTSD can also occur in children, showing the need for therapy for children with PTSD. Studies have found that a large number of children are exposed to traumatic events before the age of 16. Although the types of traumatic events children are exposed to and the effect they have on a child's well-being vary, one traumatic event that has a high likelihood of leading to mental health problems among children is the experience of sexual abuse.

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Behavioral Activation for PTSD

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:24:53 +0000

Behavioral activation is considered a behavioral treatment that was originally designed to treat people with depression. It is focused on increasing your level of physical activity, with a particular focus on activities that you find rewarding and positive. Behavioral activation has been found to be very effective in reducing symptoms of depression.

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