Has anyone beat ptsd (post traumatic stress). I'm hoping getting physically stronger will help me

helengains

Using weights as a positive tool to help my mind get stronger as well as my body

2011rocket3touring

While I (thankfully) haven't had to deal with that, something that improves you as a person has to have a positive impact on your PTSD.
Much love and best wishes.

BekahAngel05

I also suffer from ptsd. I would say exercise does help. I had to stop exercising for over a year due to my S.I. joint and during that year the nightmares and back flashes and everything was worse. I just started being able to exercise again 2 weeks ago and I already have mental improvement

Moxie42

I've been there... I didn't have the healthiest coping strategies when everything first went down, but being active and even just getting out of the house helped a lot once I finally started doing that. I imagine any kind of activity, including weights, would help. However, therapy was crucial for me. For months I rarely left my room except to go to work. Too many things "outside" would trigger flashbacks so I was terrified to leave the house. Relying on my therapist's knowledge, faith in me, and encouragement made it possible for me to do things to help myself even though doing those things was scary and painful. She really did understand what I was going through, so I trusted her when she assured me that although it would be difficult, it would be worth it.

helengains

Inspired thank you

opheliasroses

I have C-PTSD (Complex PTSD). I've been hospitalized for it, on numerous medications, I was a self-harmer and suicidal for years. I've come to terms with the fact that it will mostly likely be something I have to manage for the rest of my life. I've had therapists and doctors that encourage exercise as it naturally creates endorphins for the mind. It also keeps the brain busy because you are focusing on something intently. Working out and exercise takes focus and concentration, two things that if left idle, your PTSD symptoms will take over. I have PTSD workbooks that help me as well. I highly recommend "The PTSD Workbook: Simple, Effective Techniques for overcoming PTSD", the author is Mary Beth Williams. I got mine on Amazon. Its an amazing book!

helengains

Thank you so much I'll definitely look out for that. Yes focus is key I think and been able to manage it better. I've got an exercise programme I'm going to print out which will be a good start. I'm feeling confident that exercise will help.

RaeBeeBaby

I find that the more I concentrate on health the less my life is ruled by the past. Things that have helped me on the path to beating back PTSD include yoga, which makes me feel more centered and balanced and doing regular aerobic exercise. I take an aquasize class, walk and dance. Mostly I follow along with YouTube videos for yoga and zumba-ish dance. One thing about yoga is that is helps you to get in touch with your physical self (the breath and feeling things in the body) and takes you out of your monkey mind for awhile.

I also watch a lot of self-help and self-healing videos on YouTube. It's pretty amazing how much information is out there. Not all of it is great, but some of it is wonderful! I'm currently listening to talks by Eckhart Tolle. He suffered from severe depression for years, but now teaches about how embracing the present moment is the key to happiness. All that being said, it's a marathon not a sprint. I don't think you can overcome something so severe as PTSD overnight, but every day can be a step in the direction of improved mental and physical health.

Blessings to all who suffer from this terrible affliction. It can get better.

helengains

Thank you. Inspiring post

Kullerva

opheliasroses wrote: »

I have C-PTSD (Complex PTSD). I've been hospitalized for it, on numerous medications, I was a self-harmer and suicidal for years. I've come to terms with the fact that it will mostly likely be something I have to manage for the rest of my life. I've had therapists and doctors that encourage exercise as it naturally creates endorphins for the mind. It also keeps the brain busy because you are focusing on something intently. Working out and exercise takes focus and concentration, two things that if left idle, your PTSD symptoms will take over. I have PTSD workbooks that help me as well. I highly recommend "The PTSD Workbook: Simple, Effective Techniques for overcoming PTSD", the author is Mary Beth Williams. I got mine on Amazon. Its an amazing book!

My experience is like this one (CPTSD as well). And I'll add that it does get better, but it really never goes away. Welcome to the new you. It's not all bad, but you'll never be the same person you were before the trauma. You'll be vigilant forever--but probably not miserable. Good luck, OP.

helengains

It's nice that people can talk about this. Fitness and mental health go together well. I feel incredibly fragile so overprotective brain Is saying don't exercise.

Daniellemh33

Ive had PTSD twice. It has taken years but I was able to move past it.

Daniellemh33

Ive used The PTSD Workbook I do I d it helpful

helengains

Thank you I'll give it a go. Where did you get it from please

helengains

I'd like to eventually move somewhere I feel safer. I live in rough area

Thinsue02

I feel bad for anybody who suffers from PTSD struggled all my life basically from sexual abuse still at 65 I struggle definitely hard to get past but you got to keep Going. I hope to keep the exercise instead of using alcohol and prescription drugs to numb the pain a day at a time

WanderingRivers

I haven't beat it but I'm coping better.

helengains

Inspiring stuff. Thank you to all that have posted. I wasn't sure if I should on fitness ap forum but thought that someone out there might of used exercise to get stronger