While combat veterans are perhaps the most well-known segment of the population that experiences PTSD, the disorder can also occur when an individual survives a disaster, car accident, physical or sexual assault, or even witnesses a family member or loved one experience danger, harm, or death. Estimates from the Australian Guidelines for the Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder suggest that between 5 to 10 percent of people will suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives. However military veterans, especially those who served in combat situations, and members of search and rescue teams are much more likely than the general population to suffer from PTSD.
How can float help PTSD?
Living with PTSD is not easy, but treatment options are available—and as a complement to traditional methods of treatment such as cognitive and exposure therapy. Fortunately, floatation therapy is a natural therapy that can help alleviate PTSD symptoms and nurture physical and psychological healing.
Floating Relieves PTSD-Related Stress. First and foremost, floating has a proven track record of reducing stress. Especially for PTSD sufferers who experience ongoing anxiety and tenseness, an hour of complete quiet and calmness in a float tank can be an incredible relief.
Floating Alleviates Comorbid Disorders & Symptoms. A person suffering from PTSD often develops one or more related disorders (clinically known as “comorbid disorders”), such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. Floating can provide immense and immediate relief to many of these related disorders, as well as relief from the chronic pain that many survivors of combat wounds or physical traumas may carry with them years after the initial event.
While treating these symptoms is not precisely the same as treating PTSD, an individual who feels less pain, gets a good night of sleep, and is able to curb unhealthy smoking or drinking habits is very likely to feel better overall—and be better equipped to confront and deal with the trauma behind their PTSD.
Floating Enhances Meditation, a Complementary PTSD Therapy. Finally, floating can enhance one of the most promising alternative treatments for PTSD: meditation. Multiple studies have shown that meditation practice combined with traditional therapy can improve the severity of PTSD symptoms—and there is a growing body of research that indicates time in the float tank makes meditation more accessible and effective for its practitioners.
–Sourced from: https://floatfremantle.com.au/ptsd