Friday, December 4, 2009
Positive Psychology to Combat PTSD?
In her usual direct and forthright manner, psychotherapist and guided imagery expert Belleruth Naparstek seriously questions the decision of the Department of Defense to introduce Positive Psychology to our active military in Iraq and Afghanistan, in hopes of reducing the incidence of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In a recent Huffington Post article, she argues persuasively for more effective, less expensive approaches. “Positive psychology may be worthwhile for corporate team building and personal growth," she writes, "but does it have the mojo to counter the profound despair and disorientation that comes from the horrors of combat?” See More Troops, More Rotations, More PTSD: Will Positive Psychology Save Our Soldiers?
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It is imperative that individuals experiencing post traumatic stress disorder be treated immediately before the trauma has a chance to be suppressed, that is, hidden somewhere in the mind. Reconnection with loved ones is especially important. Thankfully, many treatments are available for dealing with anxiety-related disorders. While some approaches focus on eliminating the disorder, others, such as cognitive behavior programs, focus on managing and coping with the stress or anxiety disorder. Psychotherapy is perhaps the usual treatment; group therapy helps especially in reconnecting with a social network, and drama therapy provides a means of productively reenacting the event and dealing with the triggers and emotions of the trauma; faith based support groups offer spiritual as well as emotional and physical healing; medications and natural supplements are also available as treatment for post traumatic stress disorder.
ReplyDeletePost traumatic stress disorder must be recognized for what it is: an anxiety related condition that can and must be treated. Life is a precious commodity and is meant to be lived to its fullest!