logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2024
1 h

1017-Using Your Strengths for PTSD Recov...

DR. DAWN-ELISE SNIPES
About this episode

Introduction

Understanding PTSD and CPTSD

  • Definition of PTSD:
  • PTSD is a reaction to exposure to a traumatic event that induces extreme horror or trauma.
  • Commonly seen in military personnel, crime victims, and law enforcement.
  • Definition of CPTSD:
  • CPTSD results from repeated exposure to traumatic events where escape is difficult or impossible, causing a sense of helplessness.
  • Often seen in situations like ongoing abuse, neglect, or professions with repeated trauma exposure (e.g., law enforcement).

Symptoms of PTSD and CPTSD

  • Re-Experiencing:
  • Intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and intense distress when reminded of the trauma.
  • These symptoms are survival mechanisms, helping the brain stay alert to future threats.
  • Hypervigilance:
  • Constantly being on high alert, scanning the environment for threats, leading to physical exhaustion.
  • Common in those who have experienced trauma, especially if caught unawares in the past.
  • Physical Symptoms:
  • Difficulty sleeping, irritability, anger outbursts, feeling jumpy, easily startled, and chronic fatigue.
  • These symptoms are tied to the body's stress response, which remains on high alert, even in safe situations.
  • Somatic Complaints:
  • Physical pain, gastrointestinal issues, and other bodily complaints often tied to chronic stress and hypervigilance.
  • Interpersonal and Emotional Symptoms:
  • Persistent difficulties in sustaining relationships, mistrust, betrayal, emotional numbness, and a loss of interest in activities.
  • Trauma can disrupt the ability to connect with others and maintain healthy relationships.
  • Cognitive Symptoms:
  • Difficulty concentrating, dissociative symptoms (feeling detached or losing time), and persistent negative beliefs about oneself.
  • Trauma affects the ability to focus and may lead to cognitive distortions, such as overgeneralization and catastrophizing.

Interventions and Strategies

  • Physical Interventions:
  • Establishing a sleep routine, stress management techniques (e.g., journaling, exercise), and considering medication for sleep if necessary.
  • Addressing physical symptoms like fatigue by creating a sense of safety and empowerment.
  • Interpersonal Interventions:
  • Encouraging connections with non-judgmental, empathetic people, and finding supportive communities, especially those with shared experiences.
  • Helping individuals communicate their needs and seek out relationships that contribute to their sense of safety and well-being.
  • Emotional and Cognitive Interventions:
  • Developing emotional intelligence, understanding the function of emotions, and learning to downregulate stress responses.
  • Cognitive processing therapy to challenge cognitive distortions and replace them with more balanced thinking.
  • Environmental Interventions:
  • Modifying the environment to reduce triggers (e.g., removing reminders of trauma, adding comforting elements).
  • Creating a safe physical space with tools like safety items, proper lighting, and mirrors to reduce stress.

Conclusion



Chapters:

00:00:00 - Strength-based approach to understanding post-traumatic stress disorder

00:06:45 - Re-experiencing Traumatic Events and Symptoms

00:13:16 - Hyper-sensitivity and extreme stress response

00:20:14 - Effects of Trauma on Trust and Relationships

00:27:06 - Managing Concentration and Memory Issues

00:33:48 - Traumatic Triggers and PTSD Risk Factors

00:40:37 - Seeking Support and Validation

00:46:55 - Strategies for Emotional Recovery and Trauma Processing

00:53:32 - Coping with Trauma

00:59:58 - Changing Beliefs and Desensitizing Symptoms

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up next
Jul 7
1070 - Can the PIECES Mind-Body Approach REALLY Improve Your Mental Health?
[00:00 - 03:45] Introduction to Transdiagnostic Assessment Discussion of how transdiagnostic assessment is gaining recognition. Comparison with older frameworks like motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care. [03:46 - 11:00] Antidepressant Statistics and Issues Insights ... Show More
1h 16m
Jun 27
1069 - The Dark Truth About How Addiction & Mental Illness Cause ACEs in Kids
00:00:00 Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) 00:03:29 Understanding Basic Human Needs 00:07:10 Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Development 00:10:53 Understanding Types of Child Abuse and Neglect 00:14:37 Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on ... Show More
1h 2m
Jun 20
1068-Disaster Mental Health: Trauma-Informed Tools for Better Response
Introduction to trauma-informed disaster mental health: 00:00 Understanding the impact of disasters: 00:33 Discussion on PTSD and CPTSD in trauma triage: 01:11 Emotional reactions and their intensity: 01:42 Retraumatization and its triggers: 02:18 The importance of proximity and ... Show More
1h 16m
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2024
How to Heal From Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | Dr. Victor Carrión
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Victor Carrión, M.D., the Vice-Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford School of Medicine and a world expert on the understanding and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children, adolescents, and adults. We expla ... Show More
2h 26m
Mar 2025
433: Stuck in Trauma & Embarrassed by Emotional Reactions
Episode 433: Navigating PTSD Triggers & Overcoming Shame In this episode of The Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I tackle two listener questions related to PTSD, trauma, and the emotional challenges that come with them. The first question is from someone who is deeply affected by thei ... Show More
32m 47s
Oct 2024
Exploring Writing and Meditation for Healing Complex PTSD with Anna Runkle
In this insightful episode of The Mindful Movement, host Les Raymond sits down with Anna Runkle, also known as "The Crappy Childhood Fairy." to explore how trauma, often rooted in childhood, shapes the nervous system and impacts both mental and physical health. Together, they unp ... Show More
56m 24s
Mar 2025
Exposing psychological myths and identifying strategies that really work, with Clinical Psychologist, with Dr. Nick Wignall
In an enlightening conversation, I sit down with Nick Wignall, a seasoned clinical psychologist, to discuss critical aspects of emotional resilience, stress management, insomnia, and the power of values. We delve into the nuances of emotional intelligence, challenge the conventio ... Show More
1h 1m
Mar 2025
The Unexpected Link Between PTSD Treatment & Meditation for Emotional Exhaustion
Feeling emotionally drained and completely exhausted? Ever wondered if there's a way to restore your energy and reset your nervous system through meditation? Compassion fatigue and emotional burnout are all too common, especially when juggling the demands of caregiving, work, and ... Show More
15m 19s
Jul 2024
EMDR Therapy and Stress Resilience
The American Psychological Association defines stress resilience as “the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress." Stress and trauma are often part of life. How can we learn to be more resilient when facing str ... Show More
21m 7s
Sep 2024
4 Odd Trauma Responses Your Body Holds Onto
Breakdown to Breakthrough with Lisa A. Romano  4 Odd Trauma Responses Your Body Holds Onto In this insightful episode, Lisa A. Romano explores how unhealed trauma responses can remain stuck in the body, manifesting as physical symptoms that often go unnoticed or misunderstood. Li ... Show More
8m 52s
Dec 2023
Dr. Alyson Myers is part of the TNT faculty and an expert on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can be caused by exposure to a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, avoidance of reminders of the event, difficulty concentrating or sleeping, depression, panic disorder, and substance ab ... Show More
8m 28s
Feb 2025
EMDR Therapy: A Path to Better Sleep
In this episode, we dive into how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can effectively treat sleep disorders. Many people struggle with sleep due to trauma, anxiety, or unresolved emotional issues. EMDR, a well-known therapy for trauma, has proven to help ... Show More
1h 12m