By Leslii Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher, ERYT500, YACEP, Ayurveda Practitioner
Living with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) or C-PTSD (Complex PTSD) is like carrying an invisible weight that affects every aspect of your life. As someone who works with individuals struggling with PTSD and C-PTSD and as someone who experiences it myself I know how challenging it can be to find peace amidst the chaos that trauma leaves behind. But there is hope, and yoga can be a powerful tool on the journey to healing.
Understanding PTSD and C-PTSD
PTSD is often associated with a single traumatic event, while C-PTSD results from prolonged or repeated trauma, such as ongoing abuse or neglect. Both conditions can cause intense symptoms, including flashbacks, anxiety, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, and a deep sense of shame or unworthiness. They can make daily life feel like an uphill battle.
My Journey with PTSD
My own journey with PTSD has been anything but linear. There have been good days and really tough days. I've found myself stuck in survival mode, feeling disconnected from my body, my emotions, and the world around me. But yoga has been a steady companion through it all, helping me to reconnect, heal, and find moments of peace.
Why Yoga?
Yoga isn’t just about stretching or getting into challenging poses it's about connecting with yourself in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. Here’s why yoga can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with PTSD and C-PTSD:
1. A Pathway to Reconnection: Trauma can make us feel detached from our bodies and emotions, as if we’re living in a constant state of fight-or-flight. Yoga gently guides us back into our bodies, helping us to feel grounded and present. Even simple movements like gentle stretching or mindful breathing can be profound steps toward feeling whole again.
2. Regulating the Nervous System: Trauma often leaves the nervous system stuck in a heightened state of alertness. Yoga practices, especially those focused on breathwork and restorative poses, activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm the body’s stress response. This can lead to better sleep, reduced anxiety, and a greater sense of safety.
3. Creating a Safe Space: In yoga, safety is key. My classes are designed to be a safe haven where you can move at your own pace, make choices that feel right for you, and take breaks whenever you need. There’s no pressure, no expectations, just a space where you can be yourself, exactly as you are.
4. Building Emotional Resilience: Through yoga, we practice staying with discomfort, whether it’s holding a pose a little longer or sitting with our breath. This practice of sitting with discomfort in a controlled environment can translate to greater resilience in everyday life, making it easier to face challenging emotions without feeling overwhelmed.
5. Fostering Self-Compassion: Trauma often brings with it a harsh inner critic. Yoga encourages self-compassion and acceptance, helping us to soften that critical voice and treat ourselves with the kindness we deserve. It’s about honoring where you are on your journey without forcing anything.
6. Community and Connection: One of the most healing aspects of yoga is the sense of community it can provide. In my classes, I strive to create a space where everyone feels supported, understood, and connected. Whether it’s in person or virtual, knowing you’re not alone in your struggles can make a world of difference.
Sharing My Passion and My Practice
Working with individuals who have PTSD and C-PTSD is deeply personal to me. I understand the ups and downs because I live them too. That’s why I am so passionate about using yoga as a tool to help others find their own path to healing. It’s not about perfection or having it all together it’s about showing up, breathing, and taking it one step at a time.
You Are Not Alone
If you’re struggling with PTSD or C-PTSD, please know that it’s okay to ask for help. There are many resources available, including therapy, support groups, and practices like yoga that can offer comfort and support. Remember, healing is not a race; it’s a journey. And on this journey, yoga can be a gentle companion, helping you find your way back to yourself, one breath at a time.
Here are some well-regarded resources for people who need help with PTSD and C-PTSD:
1. National Center for PTSD (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
Website: https://www.ptsd.va.gov (https://www.ptsd.va.gov)
Offers a wealth of information on PTSD, treatments, and resources specifically for veterans but also relevant to the general public.
Support: Includes links to local providers, self-help tools, and information on different therapeutic options like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
2. PTSD Alliance
A collaboration of several nonprofit organizations providing education and resources for PTSD.
Resources: Online support and access to fact sheets on symptoms and coping mechanisms.
3. The Trauma Survivors Network
A community of patients and survivors looking to connect and find resources, with a focus on trauma survivors.
Support: Peer support, online groups, and tools for self-care and managing symptoms.
4. Sidran Institute
Website: https://www.sidran.org (https://www.sidran.org)
Focuses on traumatic stress education and advocacy, specializing in helping those with PTSD, C-PTSD, and dissociative disorders.
Services: Referrals for trauma-informed therapists and support groups.
5. The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)
Website: https://www.istss.org (https://www.istss.org)
Provides information for both professionals and the public on trauma and PTSD.
Resources: Extensive research and guides for understanding trauma, treatment options, and how to find a professional.
6. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
Website: https://www.rainn.org (https://www.rainn.org)
Focused on survivors of sexual violence, which often leads to PTSD or C-PTSD.
Support: 24/7 hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and online chat for confidential support.
7. Give an Hour
Website: https://giveanhour.org (https://giveanhour.org)
Provides free mental health services to those in need, including military veterans and their families, through a network of licensed mental health professionals.
Help: One-on-one free therapy for trauma survivors.
Website: https://www.therapyroute.com
An online directory to find PTSD specialists near you.
Features: Global directory of mental health services and professionals, from therapists to support groups.
9. Complex PTSD Foundation
Website: https://www.complexptsd.org
Specializes in providing education and resources for those with C-PTSD.
Resources: Articles, online groups, and links to professional help.
10. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.)
Website: https://988lifeline.org
Phone: 988 (or 1-800-273-TALK for the previous number)
A 24/7 free and confidential support line for those in distress, including those affected by PTSD and trauma.
These resources provide a mix of educational materials, support groups, and access to mental health professionals trained in trauma care. Many of these organizations have hotlines, directories, and self-help tools to get started on the journey to healing.
With love & light
Leslii
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