LOOKING FOR HELP

					Help comes through understanding what has happened to
					you knowing how you have reacted and why, and believing
					that you can help yourself. There are self help strategies
					you can use some of which are outlined in the PTSD pages ,
					and also many PTSD organisations and individuals who will
					offer advice and support. If one doesn't work or help, try another.
					Helping Yourself
					Join a support group
					A support group should consist of those who have had similar,
					but not necessarily the same, traumatic experiences.
					If group sessions don't work for you, look elsewhere.
					Self-help exercises
					If you haven't done any, try the exercises in the PTSD Pages
					Exercise and diet
					Exercise and diet can increase your general health, physical
					fitness and self-confidence. Your local surgery will let
					you have a diet sheet.
					Prayer and beliefs
					You don't have to be religious to pray. Prayer is not simply
					about asking for things, but more about acknowledging
					that there is, or might be, some greater power and opening
					yourself up to that possibility. Make time to re-think
					what you believe about yourself, other people, the purpose
					of life, the world around you and your future.
					Visit the scene of the incident
					If you can, go to the place where the incident occurred.
					If necessary, take someone with you for support. This can
					help you to face up to your fears and the memories and give
					you a sense of achievement and self confidence.
					Yoga and meditation
					Look for a local class or group or find a suitable book.
					For information contact:
					Yoga for Health Foundaton
					Tel: 01767-627271
					British Wheel of Yoga
					Tel: 01529-303233
					Relaxation classes and techniques
					For information and relaxation classes and techniques,
					contact:
					The Stress Management Training Institue
					Tel: 01983-868166
					Audio tapes are available in some shops and are best used
					with personal steros. Most are based on learning to gradually
					relax your body while listening to a voice telling you what
					do, usally with music in the background. Your local
					surgery or library might lend relaxation tapes and CD's.
					They can be purchased from some local shops or from:
					New World Music Ltd
					The Barn
					Becks Green
					St Andrews
					Beccles
					Suffolk
					NR34 8NB
					Tel :- 01986-781682
					Listen to music
					Listen to your favourite pieces of music using a personal
					stero or personal CD player.
					Acupuncture, reflexology and aromatherapy
					Alternative therapies of many kinds are worth trying,
					but might be expensive. Remember, if you believe in it
					enough, it just might work!
					Stress management courses
					If you can find them or afford them, attend a stress
					or anger management course. If the problem is through
					work, your employer might pay.
					Laughter
					Laughter is a good medicine. It might be difficult to do,
					but try it. Watch your favourite comedy programmes or
					comedians on TV or on tape. Recall times when you were
					happy and enjoyed life. Find something about yourself
					to laugh at!.
					Help others
					Helping others can help you, and mnay charities look
					for volunteers or part-time helpers. Your local
					Citizens Advice Bureau will give you names and
					addresses to contact.
					Your GP, hospitals and clinics
					Your first point of contact should be your doctor. The
					surgery should have acounsellor available and, at your
					GP's suggestion, a CPN (Community Psychiatric Nurse)
					might become involved. YOu can ask to be referred to a
					local clinic where you would see a psychologist or
					psychotherapist. Cognitive-behavioural therapy, which
					looks at patterns of thinking and learned
					behaviour, seems to work best for most people. It might
					help just to talk to an impartial helper or counsellor.
					Not every GP understands Post-trauma Stress or PTSD,
					and you might be offered medication for anxiety,
					depression, insomnia or some other condition.
					These can help, but you might need to treat the cause
					rather than just the symptoms. If you are not satisifed,
					look elsewhere for advice.
					Hospitals and clinics
					Contact your surgery or telephone your local
					hospital and ask if they have a department of
					psychiatry of psychology and what they can offer. Some
					have a local support group.
					(Coping with Post-Trauma Stress - "Frank Parkinson")