The ultimate PTSD stress survival kit that everyone should have is right here at your fingertips.
Essentially, if you or your spouse has been diagnosed with PTSD then your entire world has changed. And, when someone is diagnosed with PTSD it isn’t uncommon for the partner without PTSD to take on the role as a caregiver. This happens naturally. For most, the caregiver goes on auto-pilot trying to figure things out. Specifically, trying to protect and comfort their significant other.
However, along the way, the caregiver can lose themselves in the process. We’ve all heard the old saying, “You can’t take care of anyone else if you don’t first take care of yourself”.
In other words, think about the last time you traveled by airplane. The lovely stewardess directs the passengers to place their air mask on themselves first, before helping the next person. The same concept applies for PTSD caregivers. Make your own mental, physical, and emotional health a priority. This is easily done with getting your very own PTSD stress survival kit.
Losing Yourself Through PTSD Stress
Those fighting this invisible disease, and, their supportive partner, needs PTSD stress relief more than ever. It’s no shocker that stress levels are 10 times higher for those facing PTSD. Generally, people suffer from PTSD stress around the clock. So, what exactly can be done about it?
The answer is simple. Make sure to take time to care for yourself. Once the onset of PTSD symptoms came into my family’s life I went into auto pilot mode. I tried everything that I, at that time, thought would “relieve” my husband’s symptoms. I spent countless hours reacting to his symptoms and caring for him. Doing so for over a year, before losing myself in the process. Given that, this kind of thing happens gradually. And, you don’t even recognize it when it is happening. Not in enough time to catch it anyways. Over time, I wore down mentally and physically. With this in mind, I became emotionally drained, frustrated, and very depressed.
Reduce Your PTSD Stress Immediately
It’s no new medical discovery that PTSD stress can cause serious issues if not managed properly. On the positive side, I learned wonderful self-care practices along the way. As a result, I’ve compiled them into what I call my “PTSD stress survival kit”.
Important to point out, this stress relieving kit works great for those battling horrific PTSD symptoms. Best of all, this PTSD stress survival kit items are budget friendly, and worth every penny! Items in your new arsenal include stress relief techniques, positive enrichment, aroma therapy, and more. Most of these components may seem like common sense. But, keeping your care a priority, and having everything you need in one place, keeps it simple. Besides, who doesn’t appreciate simplicity?
PTSD Stress Survival Step One
Following these tid bits will ensure issues from PTSD stress is kept under wraps. First of all, run a hot bubble bath once a week using your favorite aroma therapy products. Bath and Body Works signature line “Stress Relief” is the absolute best. In fact, it’s exactly what I use, time and time again. This relaxing line of pampering products include essential oils from eucalyptus and spearmint. As you draw your much-needed bath, add a generous amount of bubbles (body wash & foam bath).
While the bathtub fills, find this play list on Spotify to play at a low volume. Then, turn down the lights and light the PTSD stress relieving three wick candle, creating a relaxing ambiance.
Next, apply the stress relief sugar scrub from head to toe while soaking in this new-found spa. The sugar scrub is an incredible moisturizer, and sensational. Finally, rinse off. Now, when you’re satisfied with your relaxing soak, get out and dry off. Finally, apply stress relief scented body lotion all over to lock in the rejuvenating scent. You will actually feel the stress leave your muscles.
PTSD Stress Survival Step Two
Everyone affected by PTSD stress will benefit from having a personal journal. For one thing, this doesn’t have to be anything fancy. For instance, a spiral notebook would do the trick. Experts suggest writing in a journal daily is a sure-fire way to reduce stress. This is due to getting any toxic feelings or concerns out of your head. Begin writing your feelings and experiences down as often as possible in order to process any negativity out. I suggest letting the ink hit the paper before going to bed.
This saves my mentality and is part of my bedtime routine. I never used to write in a journal before and found it a little awkward at first. But, after a couple of weeks I began seeing the benefit. In the same fashion, spilling my thoughts into this book felt more natural. In essence, I don’t know what I would do without this exercise.
Start Where You Are (pictured down below) is a journal designed to help nurture your creativity, mindfulness, and self-motivation. It helps readers navigate the confusion and chaos of daily life with a simple reminder: that by taking the time to know ourselves and what our dreams are, we can appreciate the world around, us and achieve all our dreams.
Private Journals Shouldn’t Be Easily Accessible
Even so, I must make a critical point here. If you are going to let it all out (which you should), with complete honesty, then please use your laptop and password protect your journal. Trauma therapists all over the world agree writing to express your feelings is very healing. However, you do not want anyone to see your deepest thoughts, right?! What you share on those pages just may offend or hurt someone unintentionally.
Likewise, I used this method to really dump my darkest most toxic PTSD stress related feelings. And, made sure the entries were not accessible without a password.
Additionally, there are various personal journal writing styles out there. The one that works really great came from my therapist. I write about what went well that day, what could go better tomorrow, three things I am most grateful for in my life, and what I enjoy most about being a spouse to someone with PTSD. Keeping it positive resets negativity in your head space from a day full of PTSD stress.
Morning Relief For PTSD Stress
The last piece to your PTSD stress survival kit is to habitually read positive quotes. Specifically, PTSD quotes that are inspiring. There are hundreds of positive quotes, mantras, images, and pictures on my mobile device that I can access anytime. The very first thing to do each morning is read through several PTSD positive quotes until your smile is big. Also, with the feeling you can conquer the day ahead. This is best done before getting out of bed in the morning. Review ten to twenty of these. All in all, begin your day the way a supportive partner needs in order to promote a stress free experience.
Although the above lists just a few suggestions for your PTSD stress regime, you can customize it to your preference and needs. But, this is a terrific start and you will benefit a great deal from implementing small new habits. Ultimately, to care for yourself, and promote the absolute best version of yourself as a supportive partner.
Let’s recap what’s in your PTSD stress survival kit:
51 Downloadable PTSD Quotes of inspiration
Before you leave, check out these valuable articles that give you answers that you are looking for:
- Specifically for the spouses supporting their loved one with PTSD
- Get rid of the guilt from having PTSD symptoms and episodes
- A guide for marriages facing PTSD that will surprise you
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Do you have a story to share or is there something you really want to know more about? Leave me a comment below.
Thank you for this article. The suggestions it includes for self care, were in the past, things that I viewed as unnecessary. Self & Care were 2 words that didn’t go together. As a daughter raised in an untreated PTSD family and and spouse of over 30 years in a similar setting, reactive survival modes were/are often the ‘go to’ reaction.
I learned the word ‘remission’ in the readings and that explains a whole bunch. It’s been confusing in the spaces between calm and chaotic. In my time as a sober woman working the 12 steps of AA, ALANON, CODA and ACOA I have found help navigating the confusion. It always boils down to ‘taking care of self’, detaching. and not taking responsibility for ‘their’ challenges. I am still taken off guard when ‘my’ veteran appears to be in ‘remission’ and then explodes into PTSD symptoms.
Having others that are walking this journey is very helpful and was not available until recently. I need to connect with others and learn more about self care. Moving away from yes/no thinking and reactive survival choices. We also have developed PTSD symptoms and it’s exhausing when all involved people are suffering at the same time. We are victims although I often feel/think that way. We have choices.
Working in the mental health field as an Equine Assisted facilitator I work with Veterans, First Responders and their families. Having the knowledge about PTSD does not mean that I have is figured out. When it’s a personal experience that knowledge can get in the way of ‘self care’. I need the support of others.