Learning About PTSD and Managing Trauma
Issues of managing trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are much more common than many people may think. According to the peer-reviewed journal Psychological Medicine, “General population studies have shown that a large proportion of people in developed countries have been exposed to at least one TE [traumatic event] in their lifetime (estimates from 28 to 90%), with the most common events being the unexpected death of a loved one, motor vehicle accidents and being mugged.” Also, “Another important issue is that many people with a history of TE exposure have been exposed to multiple TEs.”
The same is true regarding PTSD. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the National Center for PTSD, “About 6 out of every 100 people (or 6% of the U.S. population) will have PTSD at some point in their lives.” Also, “About 5 out of every 100 adults (or 5%) in the U.S. has PTSD in any given year. In 2020, about 13 million Americans had PTSD.” The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities for managing PTSD and other trauma-related issues.
Trauma-Informed Care at Alpha Behavioral Health
Underlying issues of trauma must be addressed if one is to experience the type of recovery that is both fulfilling and long-lasting. Trauma-informed care (TIC) offers the opportunity to address these complex underlying core issues while also addressing related co-occurring disorders such as alcohol and/or substance use disorder.
The term “trauma-informed care” is often bandied about in the public sphere without any specifics on what it actually entails. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “In the past 15 years, there have been many definitions of TIC and various models for incorporating it across organizations… [T]his type of care [involves] these key elements: (1) realizing the prevalence of trauma; (2) recognizing how trauma affects all individuals involved with the program, organization, or system, including its own workforce; and (3) responding by putting this knowledge into practice.”
Trauma Impacts the Quality of Life
The fact of the matter is that trauma can significantly affect one’s quality of life. It can compromise personal goals and destroy personal relationships. Not to mention, it also takes significant physical tolls on one’s well-being (disrupting sleep cycles, causing disordered eating, and creating otherwise unexplained cognitive disruptions, to name but a few).
Managing Trauma Is Possible
However, managing trauma is no longer an unattainable action. Trauma management has become evermore possible with the help of modalities like group therapy sessions, mindfulness and meditation practices, individual counseling, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This last treatment of CBT is often an essential foundational component of any effective trauma-based recovery plan.
CBT is particularly effective at treating issues of trauma and PTSD because it gets to those crucial underlying issues that were previously mentioned. It also focuses on changing the negative way that one thinks of oneself and the world around them by making them active participants in their recovery.
According to the peer-reviewed journal Cognitive Therapy and Research, “Consistent with the medical model of psychiatry, the overall goal of treatment is symptom reduction, improvement in functioning, and remission of the disorder. To achieve this goal, the patient becomes an active participant in a collaborative problem-solving process to test and challenge the validity of maladaptive cognitions and to modify maladaptive behavioral patterns.” With this foundational therapy in place, the chances for healthy trauma management go up exponentially.
Managing Trauma: Creating a Safe Space
There is little doubt that individuals affected by trauma need to feel safe and secure in order to begin the journey of recovery. Trauma-informed care offers this essential security by offering a safe, judgment-free arena for individuals to work through their issues in a healthy and balanced manner. This space also allows for other issues (such as addiction or co-occurring mental illnesses) to be addressed, mitigated, and managed.
Managing Trauma: Holistic Approaches
The holistic approach to recovery is all about focusing on the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and soul. To heal holistically, one must heal all components of the “Self.” This includes all physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual components.
Alongside more Western evidence-based modalities, holistic healing methods can be essential supplemental means for recovery at the “molecular level.” This includes holistic modalities such as art and music therapy, mindfulness meditation practices, nutritional therapy and counseling, outdoor adventure therapy (also known as nature immersion therapy), and yoga and movement classes.
Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years. Yet, it has only been relatively recently that it entered the recovery realm. The benefits of yoga therapy are vast and varied. According to the International Journal of Yoga (IJOY), “Yoga therapy involves instruction in yogic practices and teachings to prevent, reduce, or alleviate structural, physiological, emotional, and spiritual pain, suffering, or limitations.
Yogic practices enhance muscular strength and body flexibility, promote and improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, promote recovery from and treatment of addiction, reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, improve sleep patterns, and enhance overall well-being and quality of life.”
Managing Trauma: Practicing Self-Compassion
Another critical component of recovering from issues of trauma and PTSD is practicing self-compassion.
Treating oneself with kindness and compassion is something that takes time and effort. It also takes rigorous honesty and grace. However, when practiced effectively, self-compassion can shift one’s perspective in a way that will significantly impact their well-being and overall way of life. It will also spill over into their personal and professional relationships.
Managing Trauma: Individualized Treatment Plans
Here at Alpha Behavioral Health, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” We also understand that the industry standard of “one-size-fits-all” recovery rarely works.
That is why a multi-angled approach to recovery that is always individualized is crucial. No one’s experience with trauma is exactly the same. Their recovery plan shouldn’t be either.
Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD and Managing Trauma
Here at Alpha Behavioral Health, we understand that many questions can still remain after reading any article on issues of addiction and mental health. For more information, please reach out to us directly. However, below are also some of the more frequently asked questions about PTSD and managing trauma.
Can PTSD be completely cured?
While PTSD can’t be completely cured in the traditional sense, effective management strategies can significantly improve your quality of life. Through a combination of evidence-based treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and other psychotherapies, you can develop coping skills to manage symptoms and reduce the impact of traumatic memories. This is crucial whether you’re a first responder, a veteran, or someone who has experienced personal trauma, such as an accident, assault, or domestic violence. Medications prescribed by a psychiatrist, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline or paroxetine, can help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Complementary approaches like regular exercise, mindfulness meditation, and a healthy diet can further support mental health. It’s important to remember that recovery is not about erasing the past but learning to live fully in the present despite past experiences.
Quick fixes often advertised online should be approached with caution. Instead, focus on long-term, evidence-based strategies that can help manage PTSD symptoms. Working closely with a mental health professional will provide the support and guidance needed to navigate the complexities of PTSD and achieve a better quality of life. Remember, PTSD treatment is about understanding your vulnerabilities and building resilience so you can lead a fulfilling life despite the challenges you’ve faced.
How do therapists help clients develop coping strategies for trauma?
Therapists assist clients in developing coping strategies for trauma by teaching a variety of techniques tailored to manage the complex effects of traumatic experiences. For those who have PTSD or other trauma-related issues, therapists often employ evidence-based treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and other psychotherapies. Therapists help clients identify and understand the signs and symptoms of traumatic stress, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. Techniques such as grounding exercises are used to help clients stay present during moments of distress, while relaxation methods like deep breathing and meditation can alleviate insomnia and reduce anxiety. These strategies are particularly useful for managing the emotional and psychological impacts of trauma, including anger, fear, and shame.
In therapy, clients explore their vulnerabilities in a safe and supportive environment, gradually building resilience. Therapists also provide education on the role of the brain and body in trauma, explaining how stress hormones like adrenaline and serotonin affect mood and cognition. They may use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose conditions like major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse issues that often co-occur with PTSD. Therapists work closely with clients to develop personalized coping strategies that address specific symptoms and experiences.
This may include mindfulness practices, exposure therapy, and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). For some, medication prescribed by a psychiatrist, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline or paroxetine, can be an important component of treatment.
Therapists encourage clients to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, to support overall mental health. They emphasize the importance of understanding and managing triggers, whether related to past experiences of violence, accidents, or other forms of psychological trauma. Through a comprehensive and compassionate approach, therapists help clients navigate their healing journey, empowering them to regain control over their lives and reduce the impact of traumatic memories.
How do experiences and responses to trauma differ among individuals?
Experiences and responses to trauma can vary widely among individuals due to a complex interplay of factors. Genetics, past experiences, and support systems play a significant role in shaping how a person reacts to traumatic events. For instance, some individuals may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after experiencing a traumatic event like an accident, assault, or violence, while others may not.
Now, the signs and symptoms of trauma can include anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional numbness. The brain’s response to trauma often involves alterations in the regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which can affect mood, cognition, and overall mental health. For some, medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline or paroxetine may be prescribed to manage symptoms of PTSD, anxiety disorders, or major depressive disorder. Different coping mechanisms may be effective for different individuals.
Some may find relief through non-pharmacological approaches like meditation, yoga, or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), while others might require more intensive treatments such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) or prolonged exposure therapy. The approach may also depend on the severity and nature of the trauma, whether it involves childhood trauma, domestic violence, or natural disasters.
Therapists and mental health professionals assess each individual’s unique experience, using tools like the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose conditions and tailor treatment plans. They consider factors such as the individual’s medical history, psychological trauma, and potential co-occurring conditions like substance abuse or eating disorders. The therapeutic process may also involve addressing emotions like guilt, anger, and grief, which can manifest as physical symptoms like insomnia, fatigue, or shortness of breath.
In addition to traditional therapy, alternative therapies such as art therapy, music therapy, or virtual reality interventions may also be explored. The goal is to provide a safe space for individuals to process their traumatic memories and build resilience. Involvement of supportive networks, such as family therapy or peer support groups, can also be crucial in the healing process.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating trauma. The effectiveness of different therapies and interventions can vary based on an individual’s specific needs, cultural background, and personal preferences. Understanding the diverse range of responses to trauma helps mental health professionals provide more personalized and effective care, ensuring that each person can find relief and improve their quality of life.
What are grounding techniques, and how do they help with dissociative symptoms?
Grounding techniques are practical strategies used to help individuals reconnect with the present moment, especially when experiencing dissociative symptoms related to psychological trauma, PTSD, or acute stress disorder. These techniques are particularly beneficial for managing the overwhelming sensations that can accompany traumatic stress, such as anxiety, confusion, and emotional numbness.
When experiencing dissociative symptoms, the mind can feel detached from reality, often as a result of traumatic events like an accident, assault, or natural disaster. Grounding techniques work by engaging the senses and redirecting attention away from distressing thoughts or traumatic memories. For instance, touching a textured object, naming items in the environment, or practicing deep breathing can anchor a person in the present, mitigating the effects of dissociation.
These methods are not only effective in the moment but can also complement other treatments for PTSD, such as medication. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like venlafaxine and paroxetine, often prescribed for anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder, help regulate serotonin levels. However, grounding techniques provide an immediate, non-pharmacological way to manage acute symptoms, making them a valuable part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
In addition to pharmacological treatments, grounding techniques can be integrated with various forms of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). These therapies aim to process traumatic memories and alleviate symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and insomnia.
Grounding techniques also play a crucial role in building resilience and coping skills. By regularly practicing these methods, individuals can improve their emotional regulation, reducing the risk of being overwhelmed by dissociative episodes. This proactive approach can enhance overall mental health, helping individuals manage stress, fear, and anger more effectively. Mental health professionals, including therapists and psychiatrists, often teach grounding techniques as part of a holistic treatment plan. This plan may include individual therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes like regular exercise and a healthy diet. In some cases, alternative therapies like yoga, meditation, and art therapy may also be recommended to complement traditional treatments.
Overall, grounding techniques are a vital tool for anyone dealing with the effects of psychological trauma, offering immediate relief and long-term benefits for mental health. Whether used in a clinical setting or as part of self-care, these techniques can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing dissociative symptoms.
Issues of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are much more common in the U.S. than many people may think. Trauma and PTSD are also types of negative agents that can truly take the joy out of living life and reduce the chances for long-term fulfillment. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of trauma, PTSD, or any other issues of addiction and/or mental health, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go on this journey alone. For more information about effective means, methods, and modalities for treating trauma and PTSD, please reach out to Alpha Behavioral Health today at (833) 257-4218.