Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) are attributed to the body’s coping with experiencing or witnessing traumatic stress. PTSD can be ignited by a variety of events including emotional, physical, sexual violence, war, a car accident, being a full time caregiver, and more. Symptoms may include: nightmares, avoidance/numbing, estrangement from others, flash backs, and fear of constant danger. In addition people may experience poor sleep, body pain, low mood, depression, and a loss of a sense of self. Exercise works well in conjunction with other cognitive therapies for treatment of PTSD, and assists people to be more connected to themselves, through movement and breath and to be in the present moment. Exercise also releases endorphins into your bloodstream that act as the body’s natural painkillers – they make you feel GOOD.
Don Smith, www.vitallife.ca