Hidden Signs of PTSD and How to Care for Your Loved One This 4th of July

Hidden Signs of PTSD and How to Care for Your Loved Ones This 4th of July

The Fourth of July, with its fireworks and celebrations, can be a triggering time for individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This condition can affect anyone who has experienced a traumatic event, and the sights and sounds of fireworks may bring back distressing memories or exacerbate symptoms. As we approach this patriotic holiday, it's important to recognize the hidden signs of PTSD and understand how to support those who may be struggling.

Recognizing the Hidden Signs

1. Increased Anxiety: Your loved one may become noticeably more anxious as the holiday approaches. They may anticipate fireworks displays with dread or have difficulty relaxing due to heightened alertness.

2. Social Withdrawal: Individuals with PTSD may withdraw from social gatherings or avoid public events where fireworks are likely to occur. They may prefer to stay indoors or isolate themselves to minimize triggers.

3. Irritability or Anger: Heightened stress levels can lead to increased irritability or anger outbursts. Your loved one may seem more easily frustrated or agitated, especially in situations where they feel unsafe or overwhelmed.

4. Insomnia or Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping is a common symptom of PTSD, and this may worsen around holidays like the Fourth of July when fireworks can disrupt sleep patterns.

5. Hypervigilance: Constantly scanning the environment for potential threats or triggers is a sign of hypervigilance. Your loved one may appear on edge or excessively alert, unable to fully relax. During the Fourth of July festivities, this particular response may not be as hidden as the sounds of the fireworks amid large crowds.

How to Care for Your Loved One

1. Plan Ahead: Discuss plans for the holiday in advance. Find out what events will include fireworks and strategize ways to minimize exposure if necessary. Offer alternative activities that your loved one may find more comfortable.

2. Create a Safe Space: If celebrating at home, create a quiet, safe space where your loved one can retreat if they become overwhelmed. This space should be free from loud noises and distractions.

3. Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge and validate your loved one's feelings and experiences. Let them know it's okay to feel anxious or fearful, and reassure them that you're there to support them.

4. Limit Alcohol and Substance Consumption: Alcohol can exacerbate symptoms of PTSD. Encourage moderation or abstinence from alcohol during celebrations to help maintain emotional stability. Substance use comes with the highs and lows of the substance alongside the temporary relief of the hypervigilance that comes back in full force when one is sober again. Avoiding all intoxicants will support the long-term regulation of emotional responses. If you need extra support, consider contacting one of our US and Canada clinics. We can refer you to our partner clinics nationwide even if we are not in your area.

5. Be Mindful of Triggers: Pay attention to potential triggers and be prepared to intervene or offer support if your loved one becomes distressed. This may include using noise-canceling headphones, playing calming music, or engaging in grounding techniques.

6. Encourage Self-Care: Remind your loved one to prioritize self-care during this time. Encourage activities that promote relaxation and reduce stress, such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or spending time in nature. For more information on self-care, check out this article by the Veterans Association.

Conclusion

As we commemorate Independence Day, it's essential to be mindful of the challenges faced by those with PTSD. By recognizing the hidden signs of PTSD and taking proactive steps to support your loved one, you can help them navigate this potentially triggering holiday with greater ease. Remember, your understanding, patience, and support are invaluable in their journey towards healing and managing PTSD symptoms. Together, we can ensure that everyone can participate in holiday celebrations in a safe and comfortable way. For more support as a veteran, save the following in your contacts in case you need extra support this holiday:

Veteran's crisis line: 800-273-8255, press option 1
Text: 838255
Webchat: veteranscrisisline.net

If you would like to support yourself, your peers, or your loved ones in a deeper way while learning about Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy, consider one of our stand-alone courses in our Numinus Training Program called Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration. You will learn the basics of preparation and integration after a psychedelic session. Email us for personalized support at training@numinus.com. Our clinics in Utah and our partner clinics throughout Canada are wonderful resources to begin healing from PTSD. We also have robust Clinical Trial offerings for those seeking support through their healing in PTSD and other mental health challenges. We wish you a beautiful and peaceful holiday. A special thank you to Kellie Forziat Pytel, Ph.D., LPC-PA, NCC, ACS, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Educator, for sharing her resources for the Veterans with the Numinus Team.

Meet Cory Cooperman: Clinic Director in Montreal

Technology, Tools, and Changing Lives For The Better

Meet Cory, Clinic Director for Numinus in Montreal! Cory's dedication as Clinic Director provides transformative psychedelic-assisted therapies to those seeking healing and growth.

We recently sat down with Cory and discuss his role at Numinus, his passion for psychedelics and mental health, and his invaluable advice for anyone considering a career in this groundbreaking field.

What brought you to Numinus?

I came to Numinus as part of the Mindspace acquisition in February 2021. I was eager to join a company so aligned with our mission and values, pushing forward at the cutting edge of mental health care services.

Could you describe your role in 1-2 sentences?

As Clinic Director for Numinus in Montreal, I oversee the day-to-day operations of the clinic spaces in Montreal by managing the Care Coordinators and Personal Health Navigator, recruiting new practitioners (e.g., therapists, nurses, doctors), and administering our electronic medical record, billing and client scheduling system. Ultimately, when it comes to turning new programs into reality, such as our new Group Ketamine-Assisted Therapy pilot project, I am the lead in making sure everything is taken care of.

How do you act in service to yourself to make your mental health a priority?

I am blessed with a partner who happens to be a psychologist, as well as extensive training myself as a therapist, and it all starts with a strong work/life balance. I love to use technology (like Focus Modes in iOS) to help me maintain good work/life balance.

What do you love about Numinus?

I love the feeling of making a difference that comes from being part of Numinus, which is strongly felt when you connect with your co-Numis during meetings and see brilliant, caring people coming together to solve problems.

What inspires you the most about the field of psychedelics and mental health?

I have concretely seen the difference mental health care, provided in a timely and evidence-based fashion, can make. It changes lives for the better, and there’s nothing more rewarding than that.

What has been the most transformative experience in your career so far?

I have been lucky to enough to get to transition from being a student therapist to someone who gets to enable practitioners in the field to do their very best for their clients. It brought me full circle, back to my roots in technology and management, while still getting to use my knowledge gained during my clinical training.

What advice would you give someone wanting to start a career in your field?

Curiosity is your best tool, and if you approach challenges with a genuine openness to learning something new, even if you don’t solve a particular problem, you’ll come away with something that will help you the next time around.

Interested in joining the Numinus team? Check out all of our open roles HERE.

Technologie, Outils et Changer des Vies

Rencontrez Cory, Directeur de clinique chez Numinus à Montréal ! L'engagement de Cory en tant que directeur de clinique permet de proposer des thérapies assistées par les psychédéliques à ceux qui recherchent la guérison et la croissance.

Nous nous sommes récemment entretenus avec Cory pour discuter de son rôle chez Numinus, de sa passion pour les psychédéliques et la santé mentale, ainsi que de ses précieux conseils pour toute personne envisageant une carrière dans ce domaine révolutionnaire.

Qu'est-ce qui vous a amené à Numinus ?

J'ai rejoint Numinus dans le cadre de l'acquisition de Mindspace en février 2021. J'étais impatient de rejoindre une entreprise si alignée avec notre mission et nos valeurs, poussant vers l'avant à la pointe des services de soins de santé mentale.

Pourriez-vous décrire votre rôle en une ou deux phrases ?

En tant que directeur de clinique pour Numinus à Montréal, je supervise les opérations quotidiennes des espaces cliniques à Montréal en gérant les coordonnatrices de soins et le navigateurs de soins, en recrutant de nouveaux praticiens (p. ex. thérapeutes, infirmières, médecins) et en administrant notre système de dossier médical électronique, de facturation et de prise de rendez-vous. Enfin, lorsqu'il s'agit de concrétiser de nouveaux programmes, comme notre nouveau projet pilote de thérapie de groupe assistée par la kétamine, c'est moi qui veille à ce que tout soit mis en œuvre.

Comment se mettre au service de soi-même pour faire de sa santé mentale une priorité ?

J'ai la chance d'avoir un partenaire qui est psychologue, ainsi qu'une formation approfondie en tant que thérapeute, et tout commence par un bon équilibre entre vie professionnelle et vie privée. J'aime utiliser la technologie (comme les modes de concentration dans iOS) pour m'aider à maintenir un bon équilibre entre vie professionnelle et vie privée.

Qu'aimez-vous chez Numinus ?

J'aime le sentiment de faire la différence qui découle de mon appartenance à Numinus, sentiment qui est fortement ressenti lorsque vous vous connectez avec vos co-Numis pendant les réunions et que vous voyez des personnes brillantes et bienveillantes se réunir pour résoudre des problèmes.

Qu'est-ce qui vous inspire le plus dans le domaine des psychédéliques et de la santé mentale ?

J'ai vu concrètement la différence que peuvent faire des soins de santé mentale fournis en temps opportun et fondés sur des preuves. Cela change des vies pour le mieux, et il n'y a rien de plus gratifiant que cela.

Quelle a été l'expérience la plus transformatrice de votre carrière jusqu'à présent ?

J'ai eu la chance de passer du statut d’étudiant au doctorat en psychologie à celui de personne qui permet aux praticiens sur le terrain de donner le meilleur d'eux-mêmes à leurs clients. Cela m'a permis de boucler la boucle, de revenir à mes racines en matière de technologie et de gestion, tout en continuant à utiliser les connaissances que j'ai acquises au cours de ma formation clinique.

Quels conseils donneriez-vous à quelqu'un qui souhaite entamer une carrière dans votre domaine ?

La curiosité est votre meilleur outil, et si vous abordez les défis avec une réelle ouverture d'esprit pour apprendre quelque chose de nouveau, même si vous ne résolvez pas un problème particulier, vous repartirez avec quelque chose qui vous aidera la prochaine fois.