Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects more than 7 million adults in the United States alone. Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we here at Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital want to offer a few mental health tips to help those who may be struggling with signs of PTSD, such as difficulty sleeping, anger, and flashbacks of the traumatic event. Here are a few things you can do to make symptoms of PTSD more manageable and improve your overall mental health.

How Your Lifestyle Impacts Your Mental Health-Be Kind to Yourself!

In the midst of dealing with symptoms of PTSD, it can be easy to neglect your mental well-being, but taking care of yourself can improve your mental and physical health. Regular exercise– even a daily 10-minute walk– can calm your mind. Eat a healthy diet and be sure to get enough shut-eye each night. Avoid drugs and alcohol. While they might make you feel better in the short-term, they will only make the problem worse. Be kind to yourself and take the necessary steps to improve your mental health.

Personal Connections Are Essential for Mental Health Recovery

Commit May Mental Health Month to spending quality time with friends and family. It’s common for those battling symptoms of PTSD to isolate themselves, but connecting with people you trust can boost your sense of well-being. It’s likely that your loved ones can sense that you’re struggling, but may not know what to do. Tell them how they can support you, and try to help them understand what you’re going through.

Learning to Relax Can Improve Mental Health

One of the most common signs of PTSD is anxiety. Relaxation techniques can help you deal with stressful triggers. Some people with PTSD find aromatherapy highly-beneficial, especially when they use orange essential oil, for example. You can also try mindfulness meditation, which can help you identify PTSD triggers so you can more easily cope with them. Taking a warm bath or spending time in nature are other ways to unwind when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Keeping a journal may help you gain some perspective on what you’re feeling and why. The importance of learning relaxation techniques can have a huge impact on overall mental health.

Mental Health Treatment

Mental health can impact all aspects of your well-being. Seeking professional help for signs of PTSD is important– not just during Mental Illness Awareness Month, but anytime you or a loved one is struggling. Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital offers comprehensive mental health services for adults. After a thorough evaluation, we work with patients to develop a mental health treatment program that may include partial hospitalization, inpatient, and/or intensive outpatient services. Contact us to learn more about how we can help.