June is PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) Awareness Month, a time to shed light on a condition that affects approximately 6% of Americans. For those living with PTSD, a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences a traumatic event, getting their lives under control can feel like a challenge. They may experience debilitating symptoms including constant hypervigilance, intrusive memories, and disassociation. While traditional treatments like therapy and medication can be effective for many people, not every path to healing looks the same. Emerging research suggests that mindfulness offers a compassionate, research-backed alternative for those seeking treatment.
A 2017 study in the Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience found that integrating mindfulness into traditional therapy could benefit those with PTSD. This research reveals that mindfulness can be adjunctive to therapy or an alternative therapy with medium to large effect sizes. Mindfulness helps individuals shift focus from distressing memories to current experiences, potentially leading to lasting changes in the brain. Furthermore, individuals with mindfulness qualities like nonjudging, acting with awareness, describing and nonreactivity exhibited fewer PTSD symptoms.
A variety of mindfulness programs have shown promise in reducing symptoms. These programs cover a breadth of approaches, including mindfulness meditation, yoga, discussion about stress and coping, weekly homework assignments, and daily mindfulness practice. For those hesitant to engage in trauma-focused therapy, mindfulness offers a gentler approach that can be less overwhelming.
If you or someone you love is living with PTSD, mindfulness could offer a meaningful addition to healing. Whether it’s through mindfulness training, guided meditation, or simply pausing to breathe, small moments of mindfulness can lead to big steps towards healing.