Managing traumatic stress is a long process to trauma recovery. It does not only require words from a therapist but also the necessary expression in terms of symbol and metaphor to complete the recovery of the traumatized individual.
Art workbook
One way of managing traumatic stress or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is through art workbooks designed primarily for victims of trauma. The workbook contains precisely structured step- by-step art projects that come with writing experiences and tear out figures.
The projects the provide a sense of safety and creative growth while exploring and recognizing feelings of sadness, fear, anger and shame. The book caters to persons of different traumatic experiences such as childhood abuse, people who has experienced nearly fatal accidents, as well as those with disabling mental illness, those who have been in a war zone for an extended period of time, terrorist attack and natural disaster victims, kidnapped and rape victims.
Pharmacotherapy
Pharmacotherapy is used not only in managing traumatic stress but also as a stand alone treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A drug approved by the US FDA for PTSD is SSRI or selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor sertraline which is not only effective for combat veterans but also for women with non-combat trauma. It is the first line of medication for PTSD pharmacotherapy and is said to be effective for men and women exposed to any kind of trauma.
If your loved one has PTSD, get help at once because the sooner it is managed, the easier it can be healed. PTSD will only get worse if the patient continues to numb himself and sets his memories away which eventually will affect his quality of life.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
A cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also one way of managing traumatic stress since this therapy gradually and carefully exposes the victim to thoughts, situations and feelings which remind him of his traumatic experience. These thoughts are made to be replaced by a more balanced picture as portrayed by the therapist.
Family therapy can productively help your loved ones understand what he is going through while constantly communicating with each other without incurring too much expenses for therapy professionals and medication.