Mabuhay Health Center's November Clinic: Mental Health Coaches Handout.

1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
November Clinic 2016
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops in individuals who have experienced a
shocking, scary, or dangerous event. However, those with PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when
they are not in danger.
What causes Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Individuals can develop PTSD through the a very stressful or frightening experience (both brief and
prolonged). Examples include:
● Violent personal assaults, such as sexual assault, mugging or robbery
● Military combat
● Unexpected severe injury or death of a close family member or friend
● Diagnosis of a life-threatening conditions
● Natural disasters, such as severe floods, earthquakes or tsunamis
What does Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder feel and look like?
How can you cope with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Individuals experiencing PTSD may:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a natural emotional reaction to a deeply shocking and disturbing
experience. PTSD starts at different times for different people. It’s normal to have upsetting memories, feel
on edge, or have trouble sleeping after this type of event. At first, it may be hard to do normal daily
activities, like go to work, go to school, or spend time with people you care about; but most people start to
feel better after a few weeks or months.
It is important to recognize that coping and recovering is a process. Here are some coping strategies:
Talk to Someone & Yourself Vocal Toning Deep Breathing Move Around
Remind yourself where you are,
what year you're in, and that you
are safe. The trauma happened in
the past, and you are in the
present.
Call someone you trust and tell
them what is happening.
Sit up straight. With your
lips together and teeth
slightly apart, make
“mmmm” sounds. Change
the pitch and volume until
you feel a pleasant vibration
in your face!
Close your eyes,
Inhale through the nose for
7 seconds,
Exhale through the mouth
for 4 seconds
Jump up and down
Swing your arms and/or legs
back and forth
Exercise
Dance
To gain a better understanding of PTSD, learn more about the symptoms and your own response to trauma.
● Stay away from places, events, or objects that are
reminders of the traumatic experience
● Avoid thoughts or feelings related to the
traumatic event
● Have difficulty sleeping
● Have distorted feelings like guilt or blame
● Find loss of interest in enjoyable activities