Have You Found Practicing Self-defense Or Firearm Shooting Classes Helpful For Your Ptsd?

[Seasounds]

Much to my surprise, after strong triggering events, (and after a couple of months have past from those events), I've found self-defense classes-that allow me to win a fight, and firearm safety shooting-at a shooting range, help me re-establish a sense of psychic and physical boundaries, and give be a sense of being in control, after feeling violated.

From such a violent childhood and from being an introvert, I really had be prodded to be so outwardly assertive, by my therapist. I had to move through the memories of the abusive use of physical power and firearm shooting.

In the end, in addition to therapy, these assertive actions really helped to turn things around; symbolically and literally being in the position of power; putting me back into my body, into my center.

I'm about to jump in, once again, after a strong triggering event occurred where my life was threatened. I thought I must not be alone on this; interested to find out.

 

[Eagle3]

I sure did! I have advanced belts in two Martial Art styles, am about to start on my third, and have taught firearms basics to traumatized women on several occasions. As long as I'm not in a suicidal place, shooting is a great exercise for me! My last MA instructor was too abusive and triggered me terribly, which is why I had to switch styles again, but my new instructor is also my therapist and the style is the absolute OPPOSITE of what I'm used to practicing, so I'm getting lots of new experiences and ways of handling things. This is a great activity to be involved in, but do your research before choosing who will teach you...lots of a-holes in the MA world, but also lots of sweet people.

 

[Ronin]

It sure does.

The title made me smile.

When I hear 'self defense', I first think 'keeping verbal' 'knowing when to smile and when not to', 'evading', things like that.

Usually, I combine. Communication & diplomacy & boundary setting are three areas I need to pick up following trauma the most.

Everything else, my body will ease in to & guide me toward. Trusting verbalness is a whole different nut to crack.

 

[ShodokanJenn]

I study traditional martial arts. I have a 2nd degree black belt. We put a LOT of emphasis on self defense and how to neutralize opponents. It has been life-saving for me. When I can't practice, PTSD takes over and I decline rapidly.

 

[Freedomfighter]

Much to my surprise, after strong triggering events, (and after a couple of months have past from those...

These classes are helpful but I have often noticed that I am moving away from anything that suggests physical violence. Once someone experiences any kind of violence it is tough to find the correct way of putting it back into perspective.

 

[Friday]

I miss both, a lot. Bliss. Über helpful.

 

[heyheyhey]

Thanks everyone for your replies!! I've been meaning to go with my friend who has PTSD. I was a bit worried it might trigger me but I'm so excited to start!! I've ALWAYS wanted to learn a martial art or kick box. Can't wait :)!

 

[Evelyn Q]

I learned to shoot! It made me feel powerful, I was good at it, it's a way of taking my body back for myself.
That being said, I see it as a one-off experience and I have no interest in continuing to use guns or purchasing one for myself.