Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event – either experiencing it or witnessing it (Mayo Clinic, 2020). Assaults & abuse, kidnappings, car accidents, serious or life-threatening injuries are examples of situations that can cause the sufferer to develop PTSD (insight psychology, 2020).

PTSD is experienced with a lot of debilitating symptoms, including, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, anger, nightmares, flashbacks, and chronic pain (Fiore, R. Tosti, E. 2013).

The above symptoms can negatively impact an individuals quality of life (Fiore, R. Tosti, E. 2013).

PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Symptoms can vary over time or vary from person to person (May Clinic, 2020). Though people may experience symptoms differently, you are not alone.

Coping Mechanisms

Interventions using yoga, meditation, mindfulness and mantra demonstrates improving symptoms of PTSD (Fiore, R. Tosti, E. 2013).

Yoga: It is a practice that connects the body, mind, and spirit through different body postures, meditation, and controlled breathing (Mehdi, S. 2019)

Meditation: Meditation is a mind and body practice that has a long history of use for increasing calmness and physical relaxation, improving psychological balance, coping with illness, and enhancing overall health and well-being (NIH, 2016).

Mindfulness: Means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens (The Greater Good Science Center, 2020).

Mantra: Is an instrument of the mind- a powerful sound or vibration that you can use to enter a deep state of meditation. (Thorp T, 2015)

This website is to help individuals living with PTSD in finding coping mechanisms to help with their quality of life. All These activities can be done individually or in a group setting (Fiore, R. Tosti, E. 2013). For more information to help support yourself or a loved one please find more information at the top of the website under the tabs.

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS’s) have a unique opportunity to positively impact the lives of individuals introducing interventions on yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and mantra as a way of reducing PTSD symptoms (Fiore, R. Tosti, E. 2013).

You Are Not Alone

Disclaimer: This is a research project done by a student at NorQuest College in the program Therapeutic Recreation. This project was designed to create a resource for Recreation Therapists or individuals to utilize.