PTSD Awareness Day 2022: Exercising improves mood
Why is PTSD Awareness Day celebrated?
PTSD Awareness Day is observed annually on 27 June. This day helps us to spread awareness about this condition. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition occurring after a traumatic event. PTSD causes flashbacks, and triggers and can be very hard to live with.
PTSD is often a prolonged reaction to something experienced in a devastating or traumatic way. PTSD seriously affects the physical and mental health of a person suffering from it. PTSD can impair one’s mental or physical state.
What is history?
PTSD was recognized as a disorder around 1915. The initial term used to define PTSD was ‘shell shock’. This helped classify those who were expressing flashbacks and fears after World War I. Since then, PTSD has expanded its causes. Experiencing any type of terrifying event can lead to PTSD.
PTSD is the second most common mental disorder after depression. Various medications and types of treatment have been shown to be helpful in reducing the severity of this disorder. However, there are many questions as to whether exercising can help reduce PTSD symptoms.
Can exercise help ease symptoms?
Several studies have shown a positive response to exercise as part of the routine of people with PTSD. However, it is important to understand that exercise does not equate to professional treatment.
Exercise can improve and accelerate pre-existing treatment responses. Certain places or exercises can also be a trigger for some people with PTSD so it is ideal to be mindful of your triggers.
How can exercise improve PTSD symptoms?
1. Improves overall health
Physical and mental health go hand in hand. Exercising improves our physical health. A healthy functioning heart, lungs, digestive system, immune system etc. ensure better overall health. While it can be difficult for a person with PTSD to take care of themselves properly, exercise can help with this problem.
2. Can improve the efficiency of the drug
Many people with PTSD may decline pharmacological treatment. Even if they do take medication, exercising can help their body better absorb the drug’s benefits.
3. Boost Happy Hormones
As you know, working out helps in the production of various happy hormones. Hormones like dopamine and serotonin are released when we exercise. Exercising regularly energizes the body as well as the mind and promotes an overall improvement in mood.
4. Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Exercise has been shown to be an effective remedy for stress and anxiety. In addition to promoting the production of happy feelings and boosting mood, exercise also helps reduce stress and anxiety.
5. Helps Cure Depression
Similar to stress and anxiety, exercise has been shown to be effective when treating depression. It plays an integral role and can speed up healing. Exercising along with proper diet and medication can show significant improvement in health.
6. May Improve Appetite
As discussed in the beginning, PTSD can hinder one’s physical and mental health. Exercising makes you hungry. It may help improve the appetite of PTSD patients.
Ultimately, our lifestyle can help us improve our overall health. While medication and proper treatment are essential, exercise can be helpful. Exercising can help speed up recovery. Exercising improves mood and promotes the production of happy hormones.
Disclaimer: This material, including advice, provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more details. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.