What is PTSD?

PTSD, aka, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, is a physiological disorder that can result from being exposed to a traumatic event.

The disorder results in several different symptoms:

• Re-experiencing. Some PTSD sufferers relive the traumatic event over and over. This can be in the form of bad memories, nightmares and flashbacks. Sights, sounds and smells can trigger re-experiencing the event.
• Avoidance. Sometimes people with PTSD avoid the people, places and events that remind them of what happened.
• Numbing. Symptoms of numbing include trouble expressing emotions, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, and the loss of memory of parts of the traumatic event.
• Arousal. Anger, irritability, trouble sleeping, trouble concentrating, feeling on guard and being easily startled or surprised are common arousal symptoms.

The effects of post-traumatic stress disorder in someone’s life can be far reaching. Feelings of hopelessness, shame and despair, problems at work or with relationships, serious health problems, depression, anxiety and drug or alcohol abuse are not uncommon.

How Can I Help my Friend or Relative with PTSD?

There are many ways you can help your friend or relative with PTSD.

• Learn everything you can about PTSD so you have a good idea what your friend is going through.
• Offer to go to doctor visits with your friend. Help keep track of medications and therapy. If your friend is learning new techniques to cope with stress, ask if there is any way you can help.
• Be available to listen, but be understanding if your friend doesn’t want to talk. Listen with an open heart. Don’t judge, argue or problem-solve. Listen with compassion.
• Plan fun activities together. Be aware of events or environments that are difficult and plan events to be as stress-free as possible.
• Encourage your friend to get support from family and other friends.
• Pay attention to any comments about hurting herself and report them to her therapist or doctor.

How can acupuncture help PTSD?

Acupuncture has been shown to help many aspects that are associated with PTSD. Including, calming the “fight or flight” sympathetic response, calming anxiety, improving sleep, and balancing energy.

There is actually a specific acupuncture protocol that was developed to address PTSD. The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol, a series of 5 needles placed in one ear. The program is designed to address all the needs of people with PTSD. NADA protocol in combination with body acupuncture points, and counseling, can be very beneficial to provide additional support for those with PTSD.

At Starting Point, we commonly refer and work with licensed mental health therapists, counselors, and psychiatrist for conjunctive care for our patients. Here are some resources in the Seattle region.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/psychiatrists/wa/seattle

If you suffer from PTSD, anxiety, or sleep disturbance, give our office a call at (425) 686-4498 to learn how we can help.

If you are in acute crisis, please contact the 24hr crisis line at: 1-866-427-4747, King County