Navigating PTSD: How Free Online Courses Can Be a Lifeline

Approximately 9.2% of Canadians will experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives. Despite this alarming statistic, the majority of Canadians, young and old, are misinformed about how PTSD works. Many assume PTSD is an experience exclusive to military veterans, but PTSD can take a variety of forms, all of which are equally as complex as the next. If an individual or someone they know experiences PTSD, it’s vital to become more informed and educated on how it works to begin the journey toward healing. Free online courses can be a step in the right direction, allowing individuals to become educated about the impact of PTSD and how to cope with its symptoms. In this article, we’ll explore free online courses available for those willing to learn more about PTSD, as well as other online resources for continued learning and healing. 

Understanding PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder known to occur after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. There traumatic event can be anything that severely affected the individual, but some common examples include physical assault, sexual assault, or natural disasters. 

PTSD was first known as ‘shell-shock’ during and after World War I, and was perceived as an experience exclusive to soldiers in-combat. Initially thought to be caused by a physical injury to the brain, PTSD was formally recognized as a psychological disorder years after World War I in 1980. PTSD is now known to be triggered by a wide variety of traumatizing experiences, and is not exclusive to combat. 

Symptoms of PTSD are divided into four main categories, which include:

• Re-experiencing
• Continuous nightmares and flashbacks of the traumatic event
• Unwanted intrusive thoughts about the event
• Strong emotional and/or physical reactions when reminded of the trauma
• Avoidance
• Actively avoiding certain people, places, and activities that trigger thoughts about the event. 
• Avoiding thoughts and feelings related to the event, often causing emotional numbness and detachment. 
• Hyperarousal
• Being constantly alert to potential dangers although there is no immediate threat
• Experiencing increased anger, irritability, and aggression that was previously uncharacteristic of the individual. 
• Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. 
• Thinking and Mood
• Negative beliefs about themselves and others, as well as the world at large.
• Feeling detached or estranged from others
• Losing interest in activities they used to enjoy
• Persistent feelings of guilt or shame

When it comes to recovery, the first key step in the process is learning to acknowledge and address the presence of PTSD symptoms. 

The Role of Online Resources in Managing PTSD

Oftentimes, acquiring professional support to treat symptoms of PTSD is made difficult by various geographical and financial barriers. There are also stigmas associated with various mental health issues, causing individuals to fear scrutiny by seeking out help. Resources such as e-courses and online forums break down these barriers by allowing an accessible, anonymous short-term alternative until individuals can begin seeking professional help. These resources help individuals become more informed about symptoms and triggers while learning about common coping mechanisms. 

Exploring Free Online Resources for PTSD

1. Alison Free Online Courses

Alison offers a wide range of online learning courses to help individuals learn about various career paths. They also have courses for understanding mental illness, including coping with PTSD. 

• Introduction to PTSD: Treating Trauma and Managing Symptoms
• PTSD: Dealing with Shock and Trauma
• Treating Trauma using DBT
• Fundamentals of Trauma Processing
• Treatments for Childhood Traumas

2. Online Therapy and Counseling Platforms

There are some online platforms that offer free or low-cost therapy sessions via chat, video, or phone. These resources can offer tailored mental health solutions for your specific situation. Here are some popular examples:

• 7 Cups is an online emotional health service and therapy provider. They have a network of compassionate listeners who are willing to talk with users about their experiences and coping mechanisms. Users can have 1-on-1 chats with volunteers or pay a low monthly fee for confidential online therapy with a professional. 
• BetterHelp is a paid online therapy service that connects licensed professionals with individuals, couples, and teens through text, phone, and video sessions. Although a paid service, it offers various financial aid options. 

3. Support Groups and Forums

Online communities can be a valuable space that allows individuals to connect with others who have experienced similar symptoms and traumas. Having a space to share your feelings and experiences without judgment is extremely valuable for reducing feelings of isolation and developing a sense of community. Here are some online forums you can access:

• PTSD Forum houses a community of fellow individuals struggling with PTSD. The forum is a great place to share stories, advice, and offer support. 
• Reddit is an anonymous platform that discusses all kinds of topics ranging from politics and finances to even pets and video game content. These topics are divided into what’s known as subreddits. One of these subreddits is r/PTSD, which is a community space for those struggling with PTSD to discuss their experiences. You can find a wide range of topics related to PTSD and even other mental disorders, which will have their own subreddits. 

4. Educational Websites and Articles

You may also be considering resources that are more educational and fact-based. There are a variety of educational resources throughout the web that revolve around researching and writing about PTSD. These resources can help those struggling understand their experiences and emotions from a more factual perspective: 

• National Center for PTSD provides specialized knowledge and resources regarding the symptoms, causes, and effects of PTSD. 
• PsychCentral has a wealth of knowledge regarding numerous psychological disorders and other psychological phenomena. 

Remember…knowledge is power!

4. Mobile Apps for Mental Health

Mobile apps can offer exercises, tools, and track mechanisms to help you better understand and correct the effects of PTSD on your everyday life. They offer on-the-go support, which is perfect for those who may experience PTSD triggers while away from home. Here are some apps that can help those struggling with PTSD symptoms: 

• PTSD Coach is an app developed by the U.S Department of Veteran Affairs to offer tools for managing PTSD symptoms. The app is, as of writing, available in Canada as “PTSD Coach Canada” on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
• Headspace is an all-encompassing app focussed on meditation and mindfulness exercises. Although some lessons are paid, there is a plethora of free content to work with if you are unable to afford the monthly subscription.

5. Crisis and Emergency Resources

If you are currently in distress and need professional intervention, or would like emergency resources in case you need them in the future, there are crisis hotlines and text services available. The people who work in these hotlines are trained to support and help bring users into a better spot mentally. Here are some national emergency services: 

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers 24/7 free and confidential support for those going through a mental health crisis, including a crisis involving PTSD. 
• Crisis Text Line is a text-based support for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis of any kind. It is especially valuable for those who experience phone call anxiety. 

Conclusion

Living with PTSD can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be navigated alone. Free online resources can serve as a lifeline for those struggling, offering much needed support, education, and community. By utilizing these resources, you can begin taking steps in the journey to recovery. Click here to get started.