Is PTSD a Modern Epidemic? TRE may alleviate symptoms

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and stress-related diseases are making the news these days, as the symptoms of depression and anxiety are being diagnosed in people from all walks of life. The reality of anxiety and depression includes an inability to work, suicidal tendencies, anger, violence, addiction, inability to exercise, to hold down a job, loss of self-confidence or even the inability to sleep and eat properly!

Since before ANZAC Day 2015, I have noticed a lot of televised publicity about PTSD. It is now arguably an epidemic in the military. Studies are being done (Greenslopes hospital, Brisbane early 2005) as it becomes evident that something has to be done to help people that are completely disempowered and debilitated by this crippling disease.

Televised stories have been aired on Four Corners, Sixty Minutes and a Current Affair among many, which shows the stark reality of living (or not really living) with stress and trauma. The suicide rate is escalating and a multi-million dollar study was undertaken on PTSD and Vietnam Vets in Queensland. The armed forces are well aware of the impact of PTSD on their soldiers and know something has to be done. Surprisingly, the existence of PTSD and related disease is becoming more prolific throughout the general population as cases of abuse, untreated symptoms from accidents and even postnatal depression are coming to light. Developmental PTSD stems back to birth and can also create a range of symptoms.

There has never been a more important time to find drug-free ways of helping reduce the stress, tension and trauma in the mind and the body.

TRAUMA RELEASING EXERCISES

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Dr David Berceli, a US traumatologist and an ex-US army social worker who endured his fair share of war zones and the effects of trauma in the military, has developed a simple exercise program that can be learned and used (initially under supervision) daily, weekly or whenever you feel the need. TRE is showing signs of significantly reducing the effects of PTSD and anxiety/depression related issues in people from all over the world.

Here is a Vimeo link to a 7-minute video about Trauma Release Exercises.

I have attended two of Dr David Berceli’s workshops when he visited Australia on his continual worldwide mission of delivering TRE (Trauma Release Exercises) to therapists and the public in over 40 countries at last count. I have been an assistant at several Brisbane and Byron Bay workshops with Richmond Heath, the National Trainer. It is a great way to upskill and also to notice the trends of stress-related illness and therapy in Australia. David Berceli also spearheads countless missions to offer TRE, via trained volunteers, in devastated countries like Christchurch, New Zealand, Nepal and other natural emergencies.

I have become a Level 2 qualified TRE instructor. I used to teach five TRE (or sTREss Away – my own branding) classes per week in QLD and NSW. I now offer TRE in the combined Yoga classes that Gerry and I teach. I believe that this combination assists the nervous system to return to its balanced parasympathetic state, bringing calm and relaxation. Paving the way for deep healing to occur.

In a dedicated TRE sTREss Away class, you may watch a video or I will talk about specific stories, outcomes or benefits of TRE. Then you get to practice the exercises. There are 6 specifically designed standing exercises that are quite straightforward and most fitness levels find them manageable. Modifications may be used for those who are not so mobile or flexible.

You lie down on the yoga mat and raise your pelvis. Then you are guided through certain positions for your legs. Amazingly, a natural, organic shaking response occurs which can change with every session. The magical thing for me is that there is no necessity for the mind to be engaged. No need to recall the event or the story, just let the body tremor and enjoy releasing deeply held core tension patterns. Then just lie back to enjoy the deep relaxation at the end of class

Many students attended class at least once a week as they loved the feeling of shaking with a group. That experience is now available in our sTREss Away Class, combining Yoga, TRE and Mindfulness. Others learn the exercises and when they are ready, they safely tremor at home. Practiced regularly these are just a few of the reported benefits from people who have practised TRE around the world: