Vigorous Physical Activity PTSD Worksheet

What is Trauma and PTSD?

Trauma refers to experiences that deeply impact individuals, making it difficult for them to cope effectively. Events such as abuse, violence, natural disasters, and accidents can be traumatic. Witnessing them can also have the same effect. 

Witnessing or experiencing traumatic events can lead to developing PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Symptoms of PTSD include intrusive thoughts, avoiding trauma-related situations, heightened vigilance, nightmares, and negative changes in mood and thinking. These symptoms can affect and significantly disrupt daily functioning immediately and long after the actual trauma occurs. 

PTSD can have various causes. It can differ from person to person, even if they share the same traumatic experience. Factors like genetics, previous exposure to trauma, lack of social support, and imbalances in brain chemistry can contribute to the development of PTSD. 

Treatment for PTSD typically involves a combination of medication and therapies, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These interventions aim to manage symptoms, process traumatic experiences, and develop effective coping strategies.

How to use the Vigorous Physical Activity PTSD Worksheet:

Step One. Access and Download the Template

To access and download a printable and digital copy of the “Vigorous Physical Activity PTSD Worksheet” by doing either of the following:

• Clicking the “Use Template” or “Download Template”
• Searching “Vigorous Physical Activity” in Carepatron’s template library’s search bar on the app or website

Step Two. Follow the Instructions and Fill the Template

Provide your client with a copy of the template. And though instructions are written on the template, if the client feels stuck or needs clarification with a particular part, you may explain how to fill it up in your own words or use a visual aid like our provided sample template. Afterward, you can give them the time and space to do the exercise and fill out the template.

Step Three. Discuss the Template

During the next session, you may discuss the template with your client to assess whether the recommended approach is effective.

Step Four. Securely Store the Template

Whether or not the exercise is effective, you must store the template at a secure physical location or on Carepatron, a secure HIPAA-compliant clinical documentation software, to ensure that only relevant parties can access the filled-out template when needed.

When would you use this Vigorous Physical Activity PTSD Worksheet?

Health professionals who are licensed and experienced, like psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, can use the “Vigorous Physical Activity PTSD Worksheet” when the client often experiences depersonalization symptoms like:

• Feeling disconnected and detached from one’s body or thoughts, like they are an outside observer
• Feeling physically and emotionally numb
• Not trusting one’s memories
• Feeling mechanical or robotic

What are the benefits of using this Vigorous Physical Activity PTSD Worksheet?

Self-Awareness

In the worksheet, the client will be asked to check and write down what they are feeling and thinking, as well as describe how their body is feeling. To write down answers useful to them and the referring physician, they must practice self-awareness and apply it as they reflect. 

Positive Habit-Forming

The worksheet encourages the client to do vigorous exercises every other day for ten days or at least until they’ve accomplished five until it becomes second nature. This consistent action can be considered positive habit-forming, especially if the exercise is effective in helping the patient deal with their depersonalization. 

Tracking Progress

In some cases, utility and effectivity won’t be seen until after a few tries. The client and the referring physician can use the template to track the progress in doing vigorous physical activity to deal with depersonalization. 

Digitally Accessible 

This free Vigorous Physical Activity PTSD Worksheet isn’t only printable but also digitally accessible, customizable, and fillable on Carepatron or any PDF editor on any gadget you have on hand.

Also, adopting this PTSD worksheet template can refine your practice and improve client success.