Some people that suffer from PTSD turn to neurofeedback training to address complex PTSD. Along with other self-care methods and general therapy, neurofeedback helps some people lift a bit of the weight PTSD constantly sets on their shoulders.

Neurofeedback Supplementation

The following tips are things anyone can do to potentially boost the feelings they get after a neurofeedback session. While none of these are guaranteed to help everyone, they are good general tips that may help with a more positive outlook on things.

Pause and Take a Look Around

We live busy lives and can’t just stop the kids, mortgages, and conference calls, but we can pause long enough to notice that our bodies are being triggered. The trigger happens in the brain, but the brain is usually not aware of it—that’s just how the wiring works, unfortunately, so we ruminate and stress. 

Luckily, a triggered brain, in turn, triggers our autonomic nervous system, and something physical changes in our body. These, we can recognize, even if we are not fully in tune with our bodies.

Ask Yourself What You Need

Is a feeling so strong that simple breathing exercises won’t help? Do I need to take a walk, talk to a friend, or grab a bite to eat? Given the zing of the trigger, what do I need to get back to me? Before taking any action, calm the body, and teach it that it is safe, here, now.

Choose Your Environment

You have the power to choose your environment or “outside world” response now that the trigger has been soothed. This is critical: Take concrete action in the outside world directly responsive to the trigger. It will give you an incredibly powerful sense of agency, control, and effectiveness. 

Choose how much you will do, not more, not less: I’ll write a letter to my congressperson, send a simple care package to Ukraine kids with a handwritten note and share my experience and hope, I’ll donate to a focused charity. Don’t do too much—you still have those kids and that mortgage. Choose something realistic you can do in a day; no longer than a week.

Deal with Your Feelings Now (Not Later)

Don’t avoid the effects your mind may be having on your body. Try to address them as quickly as possible. The act itself is healing. It will help teach your brain that you literally have the power to make the situation that caused the trigger better, even if in a small way. Your action might be small but your healing will be big.

Historical Neurofeedback?

What’s fascinating is that there is nearly complete alignment between the cutting-edge neuroscience on PTSD and a vast trove of ancient and indigenous wisdom on healing through the ritual, ceremony, and traditional tools. Meditation, reflection, choice, and action is the same pathway proposed by both, and it works..

Keeping active tabs on how you are doing or asking someone else to check in on how you are doing can go a long way to keeping your mental state healthy and happy. General information and tips that have existed for hundreds or thousands of years can help you keep a positive outlook on most treatments and therapies. Just remember to apply the advice to yourself and your situation–that is where we are all totally unique.

Neurofeedback Therapy at NHA

Here at Neurohealth Associates, we specialize in Neurofeedback therapy. Neurofeedback may be helpful for training your mind, especially if you are unsure about putting yourself or your child on medication. This easy, noninvasive therapy can painlessly improve your mental health condition and outlook on life. Schedule a consultation with NeuroHealth Associates today and find out how we can help you.

Original full text published in Psychology Today.