What is PTSD?

By Sue Ansell and Kerry Swarts PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder and it happens when people have been exposed to stress or trauma through a particular event or through ongoing stress and they have become ‘stuck’ and unable to free themselves, remaining in a state of continual fear and guardedness. How does stress or trauma result in PTSD? When a trauma happens that is not a normal experience, for example, sexual abuse, physical attack, car hi-jacking or experiencing a violent crime, your brain adapts to cope with the event. In fact, it rewires itself and it retains this state even if there is no immediate danger. Although your conscious mind may know there is nothing to fear, your rewired subconscious mind may take over and you may find yourself constantly on guard. What sort of events can result in PTSD? Seeing something horrifying Being involved in conflict/war Ongoing neglect Physical violence Abuse (mental, emotional or physical) What are some of the signs of PTSD? You could be suffering from PTSD if you: have become extremely wary and vigilant suffer flashbacks about the traumatic event you experienced have nightmares and can’t sleep don’t want to go out of your home or see anyone suffer from depression and mood swings have become alcohol or substance dependent What is going on in the brain of a PTSD sufferer? The brain of someone with PTSD acts similarly to that of a person who has a physical head injury – parts of the brain can shut down or become hyperactive or both. This may cause the person to lose all memory of the event. Whether the memory is actually gone or just suppressed in order to protect the person from re-experiencing the trauma, is not always known. What has been the conventional treatment until recently? Till recently, PTSD has been treated with support groups, individual counseling, anti-depressants and other medication. Many people find recovery difficult through this method because it requires them to revisit the trauma over and over and they may become so discouraged that they don’t complete the treatment. A more effective treatment – brain training with Brain Harmonics Brain training can be more effective at addressing PTSD because it works on the source of the disorder – the brain waves that became disrupted when the trauma occurred – rather than the symptoms. During a brain training session, we measure the electrical impulses in your brain to determine the state of your brainwave activity. We then help you reach a brainwave state where you are calm and unaffected by the trauma. Each time you reach that state, we reward you with a sound to help you recognize that you’ve reached it, which makes it easier and easier to get there again. After even one treatment you may begin sleeping better and feel less fearful and generally more in control of your life            The advantages of brain training are: Drug-free treatment Pain-free treatment – no reliving of the trauma Faster than conventional treatment – can take weeks instead of months or years

Herbal help: Bacopa/Brahmi Himalaya Bacopa/Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) is a pure herb extract and a classic brain and nervine tonic. Countless studies show that Brahmi helps improve protein activity and protein synthesis, especially in brain cells. Bacopa, while invigorating the mind, also relaxes it. Its tranquilizing effects do not dull the mind as some synthetic sedatives can. Benefits of Bacopa/Brahmi Treats ADD and ADHD Increases protein synthesis and activity in brain cells Improves mental alertness, enhances learning and academic performance Improves intellect, consciousness and mental acuity Calms the mind and promotes relaxation Improves memory, mental clarity and longevity Decreases anxiety, restlessness and senility To purchase Bacopa/Brahmi or for more information, contact Kerry Swarts: cell 076-4343-252 or kerry@brainharmonics.co.za