Risk Factors For Ptsd
Many people will experience a traumatic event at some point in their life, yet not everyone who does will develop PTSD. In fact, most tend to recover naturally.2 Some people are more susceptible to PTSD, especially those already dealing with mental illness or substance abuse problems.2
Some people are more susceptible to PTSD, especially those already dealing with mental illness or substance abuse problems.
Depression, substance abuse, or an anxiety disorder often accompany PTSD.2 Individuals who abuse drugs or alcohol may experience more severe PTSD symptoms, higher rates of other mental health disorders, and are at greater risk for suicide.3 However, research shows that when treatment improves PTSD symptoms, comorbid substance abuse disorder issues also improve.3
Women are twice as likely to develop PTSD as men, and veterans of war experience higher rates of PTSD than the general population due to their exposure to stress and trauma during combat.4
How To Find Ptsd Support Groups
Reviewed by Laura Angers, LPC
There are different support groups available for people who have post-traumatic stress disorder . It is essential to understand where to look for PTSD support, whether it is online or in-person. Depending on what is most comfortable for you, you’re likely to start your search with an option that fits your needs. Getting help through a support group has helped many people deal with their feelings while understanding how they affect their lives. Connecting with others through support groups helps with coping while gaining informative insight and reducing isolation. Here are some tips to help you find group support for PTSD.
How To Get Leads
When you’re new to joining a support group, you may not know where or how to start your search for leads. When you are interested in joining a group, it helps to know where to begin your search. You can get tips or information from people you know, including coworkers, family members, and your primary doctor. Think about people you know from the community, such as your local church or people you know that work in the community. When considering a search online, search for local groups for the city you live in. You may find groups available online through social media.
Getting Help For PTSD In-Person
Getting Help For PTSD Online
Additional Tips For Online Support
Pay Attention To How You Can Join
Benefits Of Support Groups
What Happens When You Join?
Support Group Help Is One Part Of Coping
What Are Support Groups And Why Might You Want To Join One
Support groups are gatherings of people who share common ground in some way and can offer each other emotional support, according to the Mayo Clinic. Typically, participants have either gone through or are currently going through a similar experience, such as the loss of a loved one or living with an illness, a chronic health condition, or addiction. Or they might share a marginalized identity, such as a sexuality, gender, or race, that influences the challenges they face when moving through the world. Those are only a few examples, thoughthere are a ton of support groups out there, and more are cropping up in response to the myriad challenges that have arisen in the last two years.
The important thing to understand about support groups is that they can vary greatly in practice. Unlike group therapy, which is guided by a licensed mental health professional and offers targeted support, support groups come in many shapes and sizes. Some might be more structured, like those offered by a nonprofit organization or mental health clinic. Others might be independent and run by people like you or me who just want to gather with others over a virtual cup of coffee once a week to talk about our struggles. Some support groups take the form of online communities and dont have meetings at all.
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Notes From Supportiv Users
The advantages of this online chat room peer support model show: peer support at Supportiv helps people regroup and feel less hopeless.
I got on the app feeling super sad and depressed. At first it felt nice to speak anonymously about how I felt, and have people respond to me. However, what really helped me was being able to respond to other people, and make them feel better as well!
I feel amazing. Just having someone to listen can make a huge difference. And its open 24 hours.
Great way to get to know people and share thoughts, desires, and feelings anonymously and develop conversations with people.
You get to tell ur problems to actual people, and they listen! Its like having a really good friend that cares.
I seriously thank the person who made this application, very easy to use and simple.
So theres your roundup of supportive online chat room options in 2020. Hopefully you can get excited about these mental wellness resources. Play around with your options and take a step forward, for yourself!
If youre really struggling, or need help sorting out next steps, theres someone right here to hash it out with.
Sexual Addiction Support Groups
Sex Addicts Anonymous, is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so they may overcome their sexual addiction and help others recover from sexual addiction or dependency.
Sexual Compulsives Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other, that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from sexual compulsion. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop having compulsive sex.
For the partner, spouse, or family member of a sex addict: International Service Organization Of COSA, “a recovery program for men and women whose lives have been affected by someone else’s compulsive sexual behavior. In COSA, we find hope whether or not there is a sexually addicted person currently in our lives. With the humble act of reaching out, we begin the process of recovery.”
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What Is Samhsa’s National Helpline
SAMHSAs National Helpline, , or TTY: is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
Also visit the online treatment locator, or send your zip code via text message: 435748 to find help near you. Read more about the HELP4U text messaging service.
Daily Recovery Support Is Changing Lives Every Day
It has become a sacred space for me to return to again and again. This is new for me, Ive never experienced this before. Home. It is what I imagine home to feel like. So grateful!!!!!
These calls have changed my life. I feel encouraged every time I join my framily on a daily call. I know Im supported, and I feel comfortable in sharing my struggles.
I never realized how helpful these calls could be. Im so glad I decided to joined, and take a chance on myself. I learn so much, and always feel validated when I have the opportunity to join a call.
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Grief Loss & Bereavement Support Groups
College students grieving an ailing or deceased loved one: The National Students of AMF Support Network is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support all college students with an ailing or deceased loved one, empower all college students to fight back against terminal illness, and raise awareness about the needs of grieving college students.
Compassionate Friends: Grief support after the death of a child
GriefShare: Find a group that helps as you grieve the loss of a family member or friend.
AARP grief support by trained volunteers. Family members, friends and co-workers who have lost a loved one are encouraged to call this line for support with their grief. 1-866-797-2277 toll free, 9am – 9pm EST, Daily. The service is confidential and is available in 140 languages and dialects. National Relay Service for the hearing impaired and the speech disabled is available. There is also online sharing and support.
Military: death of a loved one serving in the armed forces. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors is a national non-profit organization committed to helping families, friends and military service members who have been affected by the death of a loved one serving in the armed forces.
Pet Loss Grief Support Website, when a beloved pet passes on.
Also: See Parenting Support Groups.
Online Medication Management Services
- Doctor on Demandis an online telehealth service that offers evaluation and psychiatric medication management services.
- Talkspace is an online telehealth service that offers evaluation and psychiatric medication management services.
- Good RX Care is a fee-based telehealth service that offers evaluation and psychiatric medication services fora limited range of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.
- LemonAid Health is a fee-based telehealth service that offers evaluation and psychiatric medication services,and medication delivery, for a limited range of mental health conditions including depression and anxiety.
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What Is A Ptsd Recovery Group
A PTSD recovery group is a type of therapy where people whove experienced trauma meet to discuss their experiences. This helps them work through their emotions. The groups might be led by a therapist, and sessions can involve discussion, relaxation exercises and PTSD education. It may also just be a simple chat forum with other survivors.
The goal of PTSD recovery groups is to reduce symptoms, improve functioning and promote healing. The groups provide a supportive environment where people can share and feel understood. Participants often find the groups helpful for promoting recovery.
If youre struggling with severe PTSD, support group meetings may not be enough to help you overcome it. If its interfering with your daily life or compromising your ability to function, it might be time to seek help. FHE Health is a leading mental health facility and is highly experienced in treating PTSD.
Why Get Peer Support In A Chat Room
Your options for mental health support depend on your resources. And those of us who need help with depression and anxiety dont often have a lot of resources for feeling better. We want to feel better right now, and we dont have a lot of time or money to make that happen.
Unfortunately, the most well-known mental health resource, therapy, isnt even available to many who need it. Its definitely a helpful tool for mental health struggles, but in-person therapy takes time, energy, transportation, logistics, calendar space, and uh money.
In-person support groups can be a helpful alternative to talk therapy, but logistics may still pose a problem, and you cant access them on-demand, in the moment when youre actually struggling.
You need to find a resource that checks all your boxes, off the bat: affordability, accessibility, quality, and efficacy. Thats where online peer support comes in.
A supportive online chat room can be your lifeline for mental health maintenance, so if youre going to do it, do it right. The only problem is, there are so many choices!
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Signs And Symptoms Of Ptsd
- Flashbacksreliving the trauma over and over, including physical symptoms like racing heartbeat or sweating.
- Compulsively avoiding places, events, or objects that are reminders of the traumatic experience.
- Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event.
- Being easily startled.
- Feeling tense or on edge.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Trouble remembering key features of the traumatic event.
- Negative thoughts about oneself or the world.
- Distorted feelings, like guilt or blame.
- Loss of interest in enjoyable activities.
PTSD symptoms may disrupt a persons daily routine. People, places, or things that remind a person of the traumatic event can trigger an episode. These symptoms may cause a person to change his or her personal routine. For example, after being attacked by a dog a person may avoid animals or pets altogether.
Children may react to traumatic events differently than adults. Some signs that your child may be experiencing PTSD include:2
- Wetting the bed after being potty-trained.
- Forgetting how to talk or refusing to talk at all.
- Acting out the traumatic event during playtime.
- Clinging on to parents, or the inability to be alone.
Are Online Support Groups Facilitated By Mental Health Professionals
A therapist or mental health professional might lead certain support groups. But for the most part, online support groups dont have any designated leaders or facilitators.
Its typically best to avoid seeking any type of medical advice or guidance from a support group many groups even note this in their rules. Someone might make a helpful recommendation along the lines of, I personally found EMDR really helpful, but its important to remember that not all treatments work for everyone.
Group therapy, on the other hand, is a great option for therapist-led peer support. In group therapy, youll attend sessions with other participants seeking help for similar symptoms.
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How Is Ptsd Treated
It is important for anyone with PTSD symptoms to work with a mental health professional who has experience treating PTSD. The main treatments are psychotherapy, medications, or both. An experienced mental health professional can help people find the treatment plan that meets their symptoms and needs.
Some people with PTSD may be living through an ongoing trauma, such as being in an abusive relationship. In these cases, treatment is usually most effective when it addresses both the traumatic situation and the symptoms. People who have PTSD or who are exposed to trauma also may experience panic disorder, depression, substance use, or suicidal thoughts. Treatment for these conditions can help with recovery after trauma. Research shows that support from family and friends also can be an important part of recovery.
For tips to help prepare and guide you on how to talk to your health care provider about your mental health and get the most out of your visit, read NIMHs fact sheet, Taking Control of Your Mental Health: Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider.
What Is Free Online Therapy Chat
Online therapy chat is a way for patients to chat with a licensed therapist using their computer or mobile device. The most common means of treatment include messaging, live chat, video chat, and phone calls.
The goal of online therapy chatting, in general, is to provide necessary and accessible mental health support services to individuals regardless of their geographical location, finances, and physical state. Many online therapy chat platforms are nonprofit based or run by volunteers with a background in psychology. They also take the form of peer-support chat rooms that are completely free.
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Discord Ptsd Support Servers
Discord is an application that lets you stay in touch with your friends and coworkers. Its simple to use and also offers PTSD servers for trauma support groups. These servers provide a safe space for people to discuss their experiences and receive support from others who understand what theyre going through.
Its a place to make friends and have lively discussions about topics of similar interest, including PTSD. If you need some trauma support and prefer the chat modality, Discord is worth checking out.
How Do I Know If I Should See A Professional
Support from a trained mental health professional is always recommended for PTSD.
A therapist who has detailed knowledge of your situation and symptoms can help you explore techniques to address negative thoughts and teach mindfulness strategies or grounding exercises, all of which can go a long way toward improving your symptoms.
Therapists can recommend new treatment approaches and refer you to a psychiatrist if youd like to try medication for severe symptoms.
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How Can I Help A Friend Or Relative Who Has Ptsd
If you know someone who may be experiencing PTSD, the most important thing you can do is to help that person get the right diagnosis and treatment. Some people may need help making an appointment with their health care provider others may benefit from having someone accompany them to their health care visits.
If a close friend or relative is diagnosed with PTSD, you can encourage them to follow their treatment plan. If their symptoms do not get better after 6 to 8 weeks, you can encourage them to talk to their health care provider. You also can:
- Offer emotional support, understanding, patience, and encouragement.
- Learn about PTSD so you can understand what your friend is experiencing.
- Listen carefully. Pay attention to the persons feelings and the situations that may trigger PTSD symptoms.
What Risks Are Associated With Ptsd
Alcohol and drug use
Some people who live with PTSD use drugs or alcohol to help manage the symptoms.
Drug or alcohol misuse can make you more unwell, especially is it is excessive. It can make you more likely to try and harm yourself or take your own life.
You can find out more about Drugs, alcohol and mental health by clicking here.
Mental health conditions
Most people who live with PTSD will have at least 1 other mental health condition. The most common conditions are:
- substance use, and
- anxiety disorders.
Other mental health conditions have some of the same symptoms as PTSD. This may be why PTSD can sometimes be hard to diagnose.
If you think you may be experiencing PTSD, you can tell your healthcare professional. You can explain that youve been through a trauma, and you think your symptoms might be related to PTSD.
You can find out more about:
Suicidal thoughts
Sometimes PTSD symptoms can be long-lasting and can have a significant impact on day-to-day life. This can sometimes lead to suicidal thoughts.
You can find out more about Suicidal thoughts How to cope by clicking here.
Psychosis
There is a link between PTSD and psychosis. But it isnt known if psychosis is sometimes a symptom of PTSD. Or if it is a separate mental health condition, that can be developed alongside PTSD.
You can find out more about Psychosis by clicking here.
Physical health issues
You can find more information about:
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