Reference: Ramon, A. E., Possemato, K., & Bergen-Cico, D. (2021). Relationship of rumination and self-compassion to posttraumatic stress symptoms among Veterans. Military psychology: the official journal of the Division of Military Psychology, American Psychological Association, 34(1), 121–128. https://doi.org/10.1080/08995605.2021.1976040 If you have post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD, does how you treat yourself impact your symptom of disturbing thoughts, feelings, or dreams related to the traumatic event? Psychologists studied the interaction between PTSD, self-compassion, and rumination (repeatedly focusing on negative feelings of distress). Participants included 52 U.S. military veterans (72% male) who completed questionnaires at a PTSD support program. Results? Ruminating on negative feelings like regrets and anger at oneself is associated with higher PTSD scores. But those accepting themselves and having self-compassion for their mistakes, had lower PTSD scores! Thus, to reduce PTSD symptoms of ruminating or dwelling on negative thinking, practice self-compassion, such as, “Let me focus on my strengths, my kind acts, successes, how I am helpful to others as well as myself, and realize everyone makes mistakes. I did what I thought to do at that time. I can learn from mistakes, even find humor in them.” Intervention studies show that Self-compassion training holds promise in reducing PTSD symptoms, bringing happiness. Everyone! Let’s offer compassion to our veterans by being mindful of what their human experiences may have been and show them acts of kindness helping reduce their stress, thus teaching compassion!

Written by Kristin M. Harris, Ph.D.