Using Your Strengths for PTSD Recovery
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Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes presents a strengths-based biopsychosocial approach to understanding PTSD and CPTSD, focusing on the functional aspects of stress responses such as anger, fear, and a 'forget about it' attitude. She explains that PTSD results from exposure to a traumatic event, while CPTSD stems from repeated exposure where escape is not possible. The talk also addresses the impact of trauma on children, adults in violent relationships, and older adults with abusive caregivers, noting that trauma can fundamentally alter a person's worldview and self-perception. The brain's mechanism to 're-experience' traumatic events as a survival tactic is discussed, along with the body's stress response and the challenges of sleep for those who have endured dangerous environments. The content further explores the challenges faced by individuals with PTSD in relation to sleep and stress responses, highlighting hypervigilance and the importance of recognizing and managing these responses to improve well-being. Personal strategies and physiological responses associated with PTSD and CPTSD are discussed, including the importance of recognizing one's safety, using distress tolerance tools, and understanding the impact of stress on the body. The impact of trauma on relationships and social engagement is also examined, with trauma survivors finding it challenging to feel understood and supported, leading to difficulties in maintaining relationships and a general sense of disconnection. The complexities of trauma response are addressed, emphasizing the importance of validating feelings and providing personalized inquiry into the survivor's emotions. The protective role of dissociative symptoms in stress responses is examined, along with the negative self-perceptions that trauma survivors may have. The content also discusses the generalization of specific traumatic triggers to similar situations and the importance of social support post-trauma. The initial emotional reactions to trauma and the critical first 48 hours for processing the event are highlighted, along with the role of pre-existing mental health problems and the number of stressors experienced. The importance of nonjudgmental support from individuals who can empathize with trauma survivors is emphasized, along with practical strategies for managing daily tasks and developing emotional intelligence. Guidance on managing PTSD by understanding and processing emotions, setting realistic goals, and practicing patience and self-compassion is provided. Strategies for healthily managing anger and fear are suggested, along with cognitive desensitization techniques to address emotional startle responses. Finally, strategies for managing environmental triggers and creating a sense of safety are focused on, including the practice of Feng Shui and the importance of anchoring to stay present.
Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes presents a strengths-based biopsychosocial approach to understanding PTSD and