Here’s How to Help Them Overcome Their Ordeal
At any given year, about 12 million adults in the United States develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Moreover, experts note that about 6 out of every 100 Americans (or 6% of our population) will have PTSD at some point in their lives. That’s how prevalent this mental health condition is in the country.
PTSD is a mental health condition caused by traumatic events such as childhood abuse, exposure to combat, domestic violence, sexual assault, natural disasters, serious accidents, or terrorist acts.
PTSD causes sufferers difficulties in dealing with others and poses a challenge to their normal function in society. The condition makes it hard for PTSD sufferers to build and maintain relationships as well as keep jobs.
Proper medical treatment is needed to address the issue. That’s why we observe National PTSD Awareness Day on June 27th each year. The day recognizes the effects PTSD has on the lives of those impacted by it and promotes solutions to the problems the condition creates.
How to Deal with Common PTSD Triggers
PTSD sufferers have different triggers, or conditions that cause them to exhibit the symptoms of the disorder. There are two types of triggers — internal and external. Internal triggers include memories and emotions that cause PTSD sufferers to experience bodily sensations like heart palpitations and panic attacks. On the other hand, external triggers include people, places, or situations such as smells, sounds, and occasions that remind those with PTSD of their traumatic experience.
Dealing with these triggers is quite tricky. Goodwill Car Donations has compiled a list of effective methods to help a person deal with PTSD.
- Relaxation techniques
One way to calm down a person whose mental condition has been triggered is to encourage them to engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, self-soothing, and mindfulness. This helps the patient take themself away from the stressful situation and concentrate on the present.
- Expressive writing
Another way to help a person through an episode is through expressive writing, where they can put into words the weight of emotions and stress that they’re going through at that particular moment.
- Grounding
Grounding helps the person to focus on the present using their five senses. Ask them what they can see on the wall, what they can feel on their skin, and things they can hear, smell, and even taste.
- Focus on something positive
Triggers are usually attributed to a negative experience. Encourage the patient to focus on something opposite like a loved one’s face, a beautiful flower, or the fresh air.
While these techniques may be helpful, patients who suffer from PTSD should still be advised to seek proper treatment from a professional.
Reach Out to Your Disadvantaged Neighbors, Too
Aside from PTSD sufferers you know, you can extend a helping hand to the less fortunate residents of your community who are prevented from living a healthy, productive, and fulfilling life by certain disadvantages they carry. They include your neighbors who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues, such as having prison or police records and being welfare-dependent.
You can help uplift their lives by simply donating an unwanted vehicle to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll have your car auctioned off, with the proceeds used to support the life enhancement programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your area.
These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to helping disadvantaged Americans, using the funds that we give them to provide their beneficiaries with financial assistance, disability benefits, employment and livelihood opportunities, skills training, scholarships, and other vital support services.
As a Goodwill donor, you’ll have the privilege to enjoy a fast and free towing service anywhere in the country. You’ll also be entitled to claim the highest possible tax deduction in the next tax season. Best of all, you’ll experience the joy of knowing that you’ll be helping empower the underprivileged people in your community so they can live financially independent lives.
We accept nearly all vehicle types regardless of their age or condition.
Know more about Goodwill Car Donations, our mission, and our quick and easy donation process by visiting our FAQs page. You can also call us at 866-233-8586 or message us here.
Be a Hero in Your Community Today!
You’ll become a hero in the eyes of the disadvantaged folks in your community when they start receiving benefits from Goodwill organizations, thanks to your car donation. Such a gift can help break the barriers that prevent them from achieving their dreams. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or click here to begin your donation process now!
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