Statistics show that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental/brain health problem that affects up to 13 million people in the United States. The month of June has been designated PTSD Awareness Month across the nation. According to the National Center for PTSD, 5 to 7 percent of the U.S. population has PTSD in any given year. This means if you’re dealing with PTSD or PTSD-like symptoms, you’re not alone.

PTSD is more common after certain types of traumatic events such as combat or sexual assault; however, anyone can develop PTSD at any age from a variety of reasons—including sports injuries, long-term emotional abuse situations, and witnessing an accident or violent crime. “You didn’t even have to be there,” asserts integrative nutritionist Karen Mayo, author of Mindful Eating: Thirty Days to A Whole New You. “Someone you know could have been involved in an abusive relationship, involved in a car crash, being in a negative environment day in and day out, which, in turn, traumatized you.”

Symptoms can include anxiety, nightmares, paranoia, disassociation, hypervigilance, insomnia, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, avoidance of places or people that are reminders of a traumatic event, and more. While these symptoms may sound daunting to manage, there are many action steps we can take to provide much-needed healing—and most of all, hope.

Mayo, the lead nutritionist at the renowned Amen Clinics, in New York City, has seen firsthand how nutrition, targeted supplementation and lifestyle changes play a critical role in healing PTSD and PTSD-related symptoms.

“The first thing I want to stress is there’s absolutely no shame in having PTSD,” affirms Mayo, who explains that PTSD symptoms can be linked to overactivity in three main areas of the brain. “This includes the deep limbic area, basal ganglia and pre-frontal cortex. So, any symptoms and behaviors that are being presented are because of faulty biological processes occurring in the brain—not because you did anything wrong.”

Mayo finds this news to be encouraging, because it means those suffering with PTSD have the power to nourish and heal those parts of their brain. “You realize that PTSD is treatable and that you don’t have to navigate through life this way anymore, so you get inspired to take action,” she says.

Mayo shares that there are numerous action steps we can take to feel empowered. “You can start at home with whole food nutrition and supplements, and not believing the automatic negative thoughts that come into your mind. Your brain is always listening, so feed it good thoughts!” She also recommends ordering a bloodwork panel to improve your state of nutrition. “Many people struggling with mental health conditions find significant relief from boosting their intake of vitamin D, B vitamins and magnesium. Getting your blood tested can help you discover where you might have some nutritional deficiencies that can be easily corrected.”

Those wanting to deep dive into the workings of the brain and learn more about helpful PTSD supplement suggestions can read the book Change Your Brain Change Your Life, by Dr. Daniel Amen. Mayo also notes that Amen Clinics have a comprehensive approach to brain health, including Brain SPECT imaging and a team of practitioners ready to help.

Beneficial lifestyle changes include building a strong social network, engaging in healthy creative outlets, breathwork and meditation, regular exercise, along with daily devotional practice. “Never feel bad asking for help,” says Mayo. “Navigating PTSD often requires a team effort so it’s a good idea to expand your network of healing resources. There are so many beneficial healing modalities that can help guide you back to a healthier mind state. The road may be long, and you may need to take a few detours, but there is always hope.”

The following modalities have been proven to help those suffering with PTSD. For more information, reach out directly to each business listed.

Karen Mayo, CSN., CPT., CFN., CHt., is in White Plains, NY. She can be reached at 914.589.1833 and at Amen Clinics, 228 West 45th St., NYC. She is available to speak on brain health and how to have a better brain.

Find the blood work panel recommended by Mayo, by clicking here and visit KarenMayo.com to learn more.

Acupuncture

Christine Pellegrino, M.S., L.Ac, founder and lead acupuncturist at Pellegrino Healing Center (PHC) has been working with PTSD patients for years. “Research shows that acupuncture can relieve PTSD symptoms by helping the autonomic nervous system and prefrontal as well as limbic brain structures,” she says, adding that there is a multitude of other helpful services and gifted practitioners at the Center that can help support those with PTSD.

Drawing from her own experience with PTSD after a serious injury last year, Pellegrino encourages others to reach out for help. “There is hope, and surrounding myself with a loving community, along with the experienced, compassionate team of practitioners at PHC was integral to my own healing journey,” she affirms.

Pellegrino Healing Center is located at 4307 Albany Post Rd., Hyde Park, NY. For more information, call 845.233.5672. They will host a Community Acupuncture Clinic for PTSD & Stress Relief (June 9) and a Group Sound Bath for PTSD & Stress (June 18). Visit this issue’s Calendar of Events for more details. Learn more at PellegrinoHealingCenter.com.

Equine-Assisted Therapy

Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue provides ethical, equine-assisted programs that benefit those with PTSD by lowering blood pressure, stress and tension while increasing beta endorphins. “If there is a traumatic event during any part of a person’s life, the building blocks of the brain are affected,” says owner Deanna Mancuso. “Typically, this shows up as the person acting from their limbic system, or easily described as fight or flight.”

“Equine-assisted therapy is not a riding program,” explains Mancuso. “It takes place on the ground using a team approach of horses and professionals to help you succeed.”

“My best advice is to try different modalities and find what works for you. Be patient with yourself, there isn’t a timeline,” she affirms. “You can get through this; I believe in you.”

Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue is located at 2699 Rte. 22, Dover Plains, NY. For more information, call 845.877.0685 or visit LuckyOrphans.org.

Floatation Therapy

Micah and Katie Saccomanno, co-founders of Rise Above Floatation, are passionate about floatation therapy, which has proven to be highly beneficial in reducing the symptoms associated with PTSD.

“Float sessions induce a state of relaxation and heightened interoceptive awareness in people with high anxiety sensitivity such as those suffering from PTSD,” explains Micah. “In multiple studies, it shows a marked reduction of blood pressure in the cardiovascular system almost immediately. Floating de-sensitizes the nervous system allowing the floater to experience a tranquil state of being.”

“The power of the float session is in the fact that the floater has no choice but to be aware of their breath and the present moment,” adds Katie.

Rise Above Floatation is located at 111 East Main St., Mount Kisco, NY. For more information, call 914.241.1900 or visit RiseAboveFloatation.com.

Stress Relief Coaching

Coach and trainer Brett Cotter, founder of Stress Is Gone, shares that his method helps individuals release the emotional energy stored in the traumatic memory that is fueling their PTSD reactions. “As we do this in our coaching programs and retreats, the frequency and intensity of everyday stress is greatly diminished,” he confirms. “The Stress Is Gone Academy supplies the aftercare services that our clients have access to 24/7.”

Cotter shares that the way we can be of best service to ourselves is by putting ourselves first. “This problem is not your fault,” he assures. “But it’s your responsibility to deal with it. Play an active role in taking your life back. Get excited to use the right tools for lasting relief. All the answers you’ll ever need exist inside you. Put yourself first and you will begin to access them.”

For more information, call 833.867.3529 or visit StressIsGone.com. Join Cotter for a five-day trauma recovery retreat, Overcome Trauma, Tension & Anxiety, from June 11 through June 16 at The Omega Institute for Holistic Studies educational retreat center, Rhinebeck, NY.

Yoga

“Yoga is a wonderful therapy to complement the healing of PTSD due to its ability to work on calming the nervous system,” shares Kathy Daigneault, founder of TULAYoga for Wellness. “Yoga has more than just movement on the mat to teach us. One way we practice yoga off the mat is through kindness (ahimsa).  How we treat others and how we treat ourselves. So—be kind to yourself.”

According to Daigneault, a healing yoga practice helps us to create space for movement, breathing and mindfulness to let go of stress, calm the mind and build present moment awareness. “The more we teach ourselves to be present, we create space to let go of what is behind us, not anticipate what is in front of us and find comfort in the present moment,” she affirms.

TULA Yoga for Wellness is located at 22 Sutton Pl., Brewster, NY. For more information, call 914.806.3286 or visit TulaYogaForWellness.com.

Additional PTSD Resources

Amen Clinics: 833.589.0512; AmenClinics.com

Back2Health Yoga: 845.202.2228; Back2HealthYoga.com

Lorraine Hughes: 845.416.4598; EmpoweredByNature.net

Lynn Parodneck, M.D: 914.525.6536; DrLynnParodneck.com

Michael Rosenbaum, ACHT, MP: 914.589.3601; AlternativeChoices.org

Peak Life Holistics: 914.301.3393; PeakLifeHolistics.com

Quantum Healing & Wellness: 914.218.3428; QuantumHealingAndWellnesspma.com

Yoga In The Adirondacks: 518.251.3015; YogaInTheAdirondacks.com