Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a very real issue which countless individuals struggle with. In virtually all cases, PTSD is brought about as a result of traumatic events, experiences or encounters.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, nobody is exempt from experiencing PTSD if they are exposed to the events which can trigger it. The symptoms and behaviors associated with (PTSD) are very distressing indeed. Nightmares, anger, sadness, depression and a lack of desire to be around other people are real side effects associated with PTSD. This issue also manifests in the form of avoiding people, places, or things that remind them of the upsetting event which transpired. Despite this avoidance, individuals who have PTSD may still have severe flashbacks which makes them feel as though they are reliving the experience which traumatized them.
One who has PTSD should seek professional help, such as group therapy. Contrary to what some people believe, there is absolutely nothing wrong with professional therapy, and in the case of someone who is dealing with PTSD, it can be a life-saving thing. At the very least, PTSD group therapy can help individuals regain control of their lives and rise above the traumatic event which happened to them.
It's easy to say that someone should attend PTSD group therapy. However, when someone knows how seeking professional help can be of assistance to them, they are much likelier to participate in the process if they are fully aware of the upsides and benefits.
Support From Others
Having support from other individuals who may be struggling with PTSD is one of the greatest upsides of PTSD group therapy. Estrangement and isolation are not healthy for people who do not have PTSD which makes them even more insidious for individuals who are struggling. Togetherness, community and having a strong support system is imperative for those who are working to overcome PTSD.
Countless studies have affirmed that having a support system helps anyone who is struggling. This is true regardless of whether or not an individual is dealing with PTSD. Forming healthy relationships and connections is always good and ensures that a struggling person does not feel alone and without anyone to turn to. Many individuals have tragically lost their lives as a result of their affliction with PTSD. If you are going through a rough time or battling this yourself, then support from others is one of many ways that PTSD group therapy can change your life.
Finding Your Voice
When someone has undergone a traumatic event which later generates PTSD, it can be difficult to discuss what happened. This may be hard for many people to understand, but just talking about certain trauma can bring back flashbacks, none of which are very pleasant. However, the right support system plus the guidance of the therapist heading the group has proven to be very helpful in terms of encouraging people to talk about the trauma in a manner which they are comfortable with.
Only by talking about something can you heal from it. Sometimes, this is easier said than done. Many individuals attempt to suppress trauma or other issues which they may be dealing with. For someone who is battling PTSD, this can be especially dangerous, because trauma left unaddressed will only fester and get worse and worse. It's important for you to find your voice and connect with others so that you may grow and rise above.
Listening
Believe it or not, listening is a major benefit of PTSD group therapy. This is an upside that is not as frequently addressed, but it certainly makes a difference. When someone first begins group therapy, they may not be ready to open up immediately, and that's OK. This is where having other members of the group is valuable and makes a difference.
Listening to other participants of the PTSD group therapy can have such an amazing impact. When you listen to others, you learn. This opens the door for learning about how others have managed to cope, which stressors to avoid and other positive factors. Listening in this form of group therapy can be a stepping stone to a participant speaking up and potentially helping, informing and uplifting others in the group.
Developing Social Skills
When participating in group therapy of any nature, there is an always degree of socialization that takes place. This is very healthy and beneficial for individuals who have recently undergone traumatic events or experiences. During the very beginning stages of the healing process, pulling away from others may occur. To a certain extent, this is normal and understandable. However, when taken to extremes or when it lasts for too long, it can be dangerous. Human beings were not meant to be alone and isolated from others.
Participation in PTSD group therapy allowed individuals who were previously traumatized to open up to others and come out of their shell. This may happen over weeks and months, but the combined benefits of working with a professional, having the support from other members of the group, finding your voice and listening to those who have had similar experiences make a significant difference over some time. One of the most important things to remember is that each person heals and rehabilitates in their own time, but the benefits of PTSD group therapy can truly help expedite this process.
Important Things To Remember
The benefits of PTSD group therapy are well-documented across the board. However, despite these upsides, there are still certain things to keep in mind, particularly if you are someone who may be dealing with PTSD.
Progress Takes Time
Despite the abundance of ways in which PTSD group therapy can help you, it's important to understand that it may take time for these benefits to manifest. In most cases, progress is the result of ongoing, habitual acts. If you don't see the benefits in the first few sessions, that's ok. The important thing to remember is that if you stick the course, keep attending sessions and participating in therapy to the best of your ability; you will eventually see the payoff.
You Are More Than What Happened To You
Even when you are participating in PTSD group therapy, knowing that you are more than what happened to you can be easy to lose sight of. PTSD is a very real issue and it can all-consuming for so many people. The symptoms are no joke, and this is why PTSD group therapy, support from others, and feeling as though you are part of something bigger than yourself makes such a huge difference.
You Will Bounce Back From This
When you're dealing with PTSD each day, it may feel as though there is no light at the end of the tunnel, but there is! As hard as it may be to imagine, if you keep working hard, keep pushing and keep fighting, you will make it through. You will rise above and overcome this. The key is to continue taking steps to heal, better yourself, and improve each day.
You will bounce back from this. The fact that you even thinking about taking PTSD group therapy is great. That is a sign that you feel motivated to get better and heal from what happened. The will to improve coupled with the proper actions will lead to bouncing back even if it takes some time. This does not mean that there will never be struggles, setbacks or hard times; however, you will be strong enough to weather the storm, power through these things and overcome.
The upsides of PTSD group therapy are there. However, group therapy is not your only option. If you would prefer to work one-on-one with a therapist, that's also an option. At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong approach. It's all about what you feel most comfortable with and what you think will be best for you. For some people, PTSD group therapy is most beneficial. Other individuals find that directly working with a therapist provides the help they need.
In Closing
We live in a crazy and uncertain world. There are all kinds of things which can and do happen. While we are not fully in control of what happens, we can control how we act to it and what our choices are.
Whether you have PTSD or not, professional guidance and therapy will always be available to those who are willing to ask for it. If you are interested in sitting down with a therapist even just to have a conversation, then you will be thrilled with BetterHelp.
We proudly have an elite team of amazing therapists who would be thrilled to work with you regardless of who you are and what your story is. You can get started with BetterHelp at any time from anywhere simply by clicking here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best therapy for PTSD?
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy has shown to be the most effective for PTSD. Group treatment is encouraged because group members provide each other with peer support.
Is group therapy effective for PTSD?
Group therapy for PTSD has been shown to be effective because it gives group members the chance to relate with one another about their experiences, according to an article by the National Center for PTSD. The article suggests using group therapy for PTSD in conjunction with trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy.
What are the 4 major clusters of PTSD?
The 4 major clusters of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder include:
Re-experiencing symptoms
Avoidance symptoms
Cognitive symptoms
Hyperarousal symptoms
How many therapy sessions are needed for PTSD?
Research indicates that at least 15-20 sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy or trauma-based clinical practice are necessary to help treat PTSD. This may also include group treatment, and it may be the case that most group members are using one-on-one cognitive behavioral therapy sessions in conjunction with group treatment.
What are the 17 PTSD symptoms?
The 17 symptoms of PTSD include:
Vivid flashbacks
Intrusive thoughts or feelings
Intense stress at real or symbolic reminders of the trauma
Physical sensations
Extreme alertness, or hyper-vigilance
Irritability or aggressive behavior
Difficulty concentrating
Being jumpy or easily startled
Feeling like you have to keep busy
Avoiding anything that reminds you of the trauma
Being unable to remember details of the trauma
Feeling emotionally numb or cut off from your feelings
Feeling physically numb or detached from your body
Being unable to express affection
Using alcohol or drugs to avoid memories of the trauma
Feeling like you can’t trust anyone
Feeling like nowhere is safe
What happens if PTSD is left untreated?
According to the APA, if PTSD is left untreated, it can lead to depression, chronic pain, or alcohol and drug use. Sleep problems are also common symptoms of PTSD left untreated and can cause issues at work and operating motor vehicles. It is highly recommended to treat PTSD with group treatment, which can include group psychotherapy or any other group clinical practice.
Is PTSD considered a disability?
Having PTSD does not mean that you are disabled, but if the symptoms of PTSD are so severe that they impair your ability to function in life, then it would be considered a disability. Regardless of the severity, it is recommended to seek group therapy or group psychotherapy to address the symptoms of PTSD.
How do you heal from PTSD?
The best way to begin healing from PTSD is to find group treatment support through group therapy or group psychotherapy. Group treatment allows the connection to happen with group members who relate to your symptoms, which can be very helpful. Group treatment is facilitated by professional mental health care professionals who not only use their education to help guide the group treatment, but they encourage peer support. In randomized controlled trials, group treatment has been shown to be very effective.
How do you get approved for PTSD?
In the USA, PTSD cases are approved by the SSA, and claims are approved as a medical-vocational allowance. To become approved, you must have directly experienced the event, witnessed the event happening to someone else, learned of a close relative who experienced a traumatic event or repeatedly experienced distressing details of an event.
What are the three E's of trauma?
According to the Crisis Prevention Institute, the three Es of trauma include:
Events
Experience
Effect
What does PTSD attack feel like?
According to the National Center for PTSD, a PTSD attack can feel like a sudden onset of anxiety or panic, anger, or extreme worry that can lead to feelings of helplessness.
Can PTSD cause personality changes?
Yes, PTSD can cause personality changes, which is why it is so important to see group treatment and therapy. Peer support through group treatment has been shown to help improve symptoms of PTSD so that all group members can feel more comfortable in their own skin. In group treatment, group members share their experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
What triggers PTSD attacks?
The National Center for PTSD lists a number of triggers, which include visual stimuli that remind them of the event, physical sensations, noises, or anything that causes a memory to resurface from the event. Group treatment is an excellent way to work through these triggers with group members who can relate.
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
Get The Support You Need From One Of Our Therapists
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
Medically Reviewed By Lauren Guilbeault, LMHC
