PTSD Coach

The app I'm going to review is PTSD Coach. PTDS Coach has been an app on my phone for many years. The app has been designed to help patients learn about PTSD, and symptoms and learn different coping mechanisms. People with triggers causing strong emotional and physical reactions as well as recollections of the event are known to have PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder). Such as nightmares, anger, anxiety, and avoidance of situations that may bring back memories of the situation. This app not only connects with my therapist but also has an emergency plan to ensure my safety as a patient. It has a progress tracker along with what severity of symptoms to look out for. There are many tools to help with PTSD or even panic attacks. My favorite tools consist of different breathing techniques, meditation, scheduling a worrying time, and expressing myself with art. The tools are designed to calm the central nervous system allowing me to come back to reality quicker. For example, studies show that drawing helps patients to carefully express and approach traumatic past issues through linguistic communication. The app has helped me identify unknown triggers and figure out treatment plans that best suit my diagnosis. I find that this app has similar aspects of acceptance and commitment therapy. Researchers have found in psychological studies that acceptance and commitment therapy can help patients understand and focus their emotions in the present moment. The app lets you think about what is important to you like your core values and goals without focusing on the negative mindset with the help of a therapist if recommended or needed.

During a panic attack, I have never and will never reach for my phone. Nothing can replace the love and care I need during an episode. That being said, this app is extremely good at helping me calm down after panicking. I used to have this basic routine (after an episode) which was just eating, drinking, and sleeping, but that can only go so far. With this app, I can pick among the various tools it has to help me (recordings, quotes, etc.) and there is absolutely no pressure to enjoy it. If I don’t like it, I can skip it and/or give it a 👎 and I’ll never have to see it again. Very wonderful, very helpful, very professional. There are absolutely no ads, purchases, or monthly payment.

I was made aware of this app while on a site regarding childhood sexual abuse. It was a live counseling type in session. I was encouraged to enter counseling but with the pandemic I had to wait so through Zoom I am in counseling and I was assessed and diagnosed with severe depression and PTSD. Therapy is once a week for 50 minutes and the online site for live sexual abuse survival help I have done twice since I fell apart March 1, 2020. But the online counselor referred me here and they said it was made for veterans but anyone can use it so I tried it out and I can honestly say it has saved my life. I am totally amazed at how accurate and detailed it is in the area of this condition. I mean it totally works for me and is anytime. I have probably spent more time with this app or referring back to it in my daily walk. The breathing part is essential to me and especially in this current environment breathing is everything. Now of course I have a very long way to go in my journey to being free of the shock I am trying to undo but you are the hand I have always needed to hold onto my whole life, please never let go of that extension you give to so many people who need a connection. One thing I saw my dad do a lot was reflect on the life he was still living in, but now he is gone. I will spend a lifetime trying to remember what he taught me. But when the clouds come to spoil my sunshine I know I can and will refer back to this app and get through the storm. It’s 4 am and I can’t sleep so now I am going to use the app to help me with some of my issues right now, thank you so much,