When you’re dealing with PTSD, it can be difficult to know what might trigger a flashback or cause your symptoms to flare up. It’s not uncommon for PTSD to cause regular anxiety or make you feel like you don’t have control over your own emotions.
If you’ve had the disorder for a while, you probably have a good understanding of some of your triggers and what might cause more frequent/intense flashbacks.
But many people don’t realize how life transitions can affect your PTSD. Major life transitions (even positive ones) can increase your stress levels, making it difficult to handle your disorder.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the impact of life transitions on PTSD and what you can do to take care of yourself and manage your symptoms.
The Stress of a Life Transition
Some of the biggest life transitions you can go through include getting married, moving, getting a new job, or going back to school. Even “smaller” transitions like your kids going back to school after the summer break can be jarring and stressful.
When you first think of how transitions can affect your PTSD, your mind probably goes somewhere negative. But, even positive, good transitions can have an effect and trigger your symptoms.
Let’s face it, change is stressful whether it’s good or bad. Going through a transition can make you feel you’re not in control, and it can lead to worrying thoughts and increased anxiety. It’s not uncommon to feel you’ve “lost” something, even if you’re on your way to something better.
What to Expect
So, what can you expect when you have PTSD and you’re going through a life transition? Like the disorder itself, everyone is impacted differently. But, it’s important to recognize that whatever your “typical” PTSD symptoms may be, they will likely be heightened during a life transition. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Having trouble sleeping
- Feeling angry or easily irritated
- Feelings of depression or anxiety
- Wanting to distance yourself from loved ones
You know how your mind and body react when you’re dealing with PTSD symptoms. If they coincide with a life transition, there are things you can do to make the process easier on yourself and get a better handle on your symptoms.
How to Manage Your PTSD During a Transition
So, what can you do to manage your symptoms and stress levels during a life change? The most important thing is to take care of yourself. Take your time with a transition and don’t let the idea of change stress you out too much. That might be easier said than done, but by taking things at your own pace, it’s possible.
Self-care is crucial. It’s not just a buzzword, or a term used to “treat yourself”. It’s essential to your mental health, especially when you’re dealing with PTSD.
Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, enough physical activity, and eating to fuel your body. It’s also important to talk to family and friends about how you’re feeling. If you’ve had PTSD for a while, you undoubtedly also have a support system to lean on. Use it as often as you need!
It’s also a good idea to reach out for professional help if you notice your symptoms getting worse. You don’t have to go through any transition on your own, and you certainly don’t have to deal with the repercussions of stress on your own.
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If you’re having a hard time with a life transition affecting your PTSD, contact us. Together, we can work on ways to reduce your stress and manage your symptoms effectively, so you can move forward in the next chapter of your life. Serenity EFTC provides trauma therapy in Colorado.