Coping Tips

The brain gauges the amount of light you get each day, and it uses that information to reset your body clock. Without light exposure, the body clock eventually gets out of sync, and when that happens, it throws off important circadian rhythms that regulate energy, sleep, appetite, and hormone levels. The disruption of these important biological rhythms can, in turn, trigger clinical depression. So sleep when you can!

PTSD can make you feel disconnected from others. You may be tempted to withdraw from social activities and your loved ones. But it’s important to stay connected to life and the people who care about you. You don’t have to talk about the trauma if you don’t want to, but the caring support and companionship of others is vital to your recovery. Remember that you are never alone! Join Code 9's private group to help you feel less isolated and alone and also provide invaluable information on how t...

The positive effect essential oils can have on us is astounding, and people with post traumatic stress disorder often find that aromatherapy can help them to manage their symptoms. Aromatherapy and essential oils are a useful tool to ground yourself in times of distress and to help manage your symptoms. Some members have noted benefits in using oils around the home in diffusers to help calm them and for sleep and other oils dripped onto a leather or lava-bead wristband to help them ground t...

Mindfulness meditation is a mental training practice that involves focusing your mind on your experiences (like your own emotions, thoughts, and sensations) in the present moment. Mindfulness meditation can involve breathing practice, mental imagery, awareness of body and mind, and muscle and body relaxation. Mindfulness is a very benficial grounding technique if you are feeling anxious from a triggering event but  can also assist with pain relief, aid your sleep and help mana...

Regular exercise can have a positive impact on your mental health by reducing the anxiety and depression caused by PTSD. Exercise is a powerful tool in the fight of anxiety and depression for several reasons. It promotes many changes in the brain, including neural growth, reduced inflammation, and new activity patterns that provide feelings of calm and well-being.  It also boosts physical and mental energy, relieves tension and stress, and enhances well-being through the release of endo...