PTSD and Exercise

I started reading a book on trauma (“The Body Keeps the Score,” by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk) this week after what has developed between Russia and Ukraine. My heart feels heavy when thinking about the devastation, threats to safety and well-being, and feelings of helplessness experienced by the Ukrainian people as this war unfolds. I have no experience living in a war zone and can only imagine the overwhelming fear that is experienced during active combat. Nonetheless, trauma is a salient topic of mental health, and it has me revisiting my therapeutic approach to working with survivors of any traumatic incident.

The experience of a traumatic event and the impression it makes on the survivor is complex when exploring the root causes of physiological, psychological, and emotional reactions. The diagnosis of a mental illness may be due to unidentified, and therefore unresolved experiences of trauma. Trauma-related symptoms are often similar to those of depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, in which optimal treatment of these conditions are a combination of pharmacology and psychotherapy. However, physiological responses associated with stress and perceived threats of safety and well-being are equally as important to treat, and pharmacology treatments, such as benzodiazepines, are contraindicated in the treatment of PTSD. The treatment process for trauma-related mental health conditions is complex and takes time for effective healing. With so many different and effective approaches to working with survivors of traumatic experiences, my intention today is to share some information on the positive effects that exercise has on those who experience mind-body suffering as a result of trauma. Although this article was published a few years ago, and not inclusive of today’s current affairs, it is a useful resource for anyone experiencing physiological symptoms that may be related to unresolved trauma.