UNAIR NEWS – People with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) need special attention and support from everyone in the surrounding environment, especially during Covid-19 pandemic that reduces intensity of one’s activities, sufferers also need a positive response from others to reduce their anxiety.
Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) Psychology expert Tri Kurniati Ambarini, M.Psi., Psychologist said, if someone has experienced symptoms of PTSD and felt for more than one month, the impact will be more serious. It can affect a person’s ability to carry out their functions as a human being, in the form of psychological and physical functions.
“PTSD is sometimes accompanied by depression, drug abuse, and some anxiety symptoms,” said the UNAIR Psychology lecturer known better as Rini, on Thursday, July 23, 2020.
Moreover, sleep or eating disorders will certainly affect one’s physical energy. It can make them easily tired or even unable to do their daily activities.
“People with PTSD will need professional help. However, social support from the environment such as family or close friends is also needed,” she explained.
Some support can be given, such as avoiding negative attitudes toward people who are feeling anxious or afraid, such as condescending or dismissive speech or behavior. Then, we make time to listen to others.
During pandemic or normal periods, there are therapies that can be performed on people with PTSD, Medication and Psychotherapy. It can also overcome daily obstacles through online counseling.
Rini also shared tips that there are some things that can be done to prevent PTSD from recurring, such as actively seeking support from others such as from friends or family; looking for a support group after a trauma; learn to respect yourself; learn or try to have coping strategies or problem solving when faced with negative events; and learn to act and respond rather than just feel afraid.
Furthermore, it is necessary to try to connect with other people with positive impact and keep light physical activity or exercise to reduce stress. Then, if there are many things to do, set priorities and set realistic targets. Then, identify or understand the situations, places, and people that make us comfortable. (*)
Author: Ulfah Mu’amarotul Hikmah
Editor: Binti Q Masruroh
