The Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) Network hosted an event on June 5, 2024 The Therapeutic Use of Humor in Treatment and Recovery 11 am.
Navigating Conversations About Mental Health During PTSD Awareness Month
June is PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding and encouraging support for individuals experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This is a time when discussions about mental health come to the forefront, and the potential for intense arguments or conflicts may arise. Whether due to differing opinions, misunderstandings, or the sensitive nature of the topic, I learn to approach these conversations with care.
Here are some strategies to help reduce the intensity of arguments or conflicts about mental health during PTSD Awareness Month:
1. **Educate Yourself and Others**: Knowledge is a powerful tool. Take the time to learn about PTSD and impact on individuals. Share credible resources and information from the National Center for PTSD to foster a better understanding among peers.
2. **Practice Active Listening**: Often, conflicts escalate when individuals feel unheard. Make a conscious effort to listen actively, without interrupting or planning your response while the other person is speaking unless you need to take a break and give a respectful sign to stop.
3. **Use "I" Statements**: Communicate your thoughts and feelings using "I" statements to express yourself without placing blame or making assumptions about others' intentions.
4. **Stay Calm and Composed**: Emotions may run high during discussions about mental health. Strive to remain calm and composed, even if the conversation becomes heated. Taking deep breaths and pausing before responding may help maintain a level-headed dialogue.
5. **Seek Common Ground**: Look for areas of agreement to serve as a foundation for a more constructive conversation. Focusing on shared goals to support those with PTSD, may help redirect the discussion towards positive outcomes.
6. **Acknowledge and Respect Differences**: I learn to acknowledge different viewpoints and respect the person even if I disagree with their perspective.
7. **Set Boundaries**: If the conversation becomes too intense, I learn to set boundaries and respectfully excuse myself from the discussion if the discussion leads to distress or conflict.
8. **Encourage Professional Support**: Remind others how professional help is available and effective. Encouraging individuals to seek support from mental health professionals as a constructive way to approach the topic of PTSD treatment.
9. **Promote Coping Strategies**: Share everyday strategies that can help manage PTSD symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, establishing a routine, and engaging in positive activities.
10. **Highlight Resilience Factors**: Discuss how resilience factors may reduce the risk of PTSD, such as seeking support from friends, family, or support groups, and having a coping strategy for getting through traumatic events.
By employing these strategies, conversations about mental health during PTSD Awareness Month may be more productive and less confrontational with awareness and support for those affected by PTSD, and contribute to a more informed and compassionate society. I learn how reducing the intensity of conflicts starts with understanding, empathy, and a willingness to engage in respectful dialogue.
6. **Evaluate Your Practice**: Evaluate your current approach to mental health treatment and recovery. How do you integrate humor now, and what are you hoping to change or improve?
7. **Plan for Implementation**: Think about how to apply what you learn at the event in your work. Are there specific techniques or ideas you are hoping to implement? How will you measure their effectiveness? I learn the power of humor to connect people from the beginning with asking questions about humor while being careful of woundedness and heavy emotions to make sure humor feels safe and healing.
