Can Residential Treatment Help Treat Trauma or PTSD Symptoms?

Girl counselor with PTSD client

Skilled Counselors Save Lives

Everyone experiences hardship in life at one time or another, and every difficult experience can leave cause trauma to “echo” in the mind of the survivor. The way we process traumatic events is different for everybody. For some people, there are acute, but painful, symptoms of trauma that gradually fade over time. Other people experience long-term effects of unresolved trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD

Sometimes people who experience the effects of trauma may not even realize the impact it has on their behavior in their everyday life. Loved ones may struggle with how to support a survivor of trauma, and may feel confused, hurt or rejected as they helplessly watch the person they love seem to fade away under the pain.

Unresolved trauma can manifest in our lives in many painful and self-destructive ways. Many people with unresolved PTSD or trauma participate in self-harm, develop eating disorders, or develop other compulsive behaviors such as “workaholism,” substance abuse disorders, or even compulsive gambling.

PTSD Is More Prevalent than Previously Thought

Contrary to what’s portrayed in the media, PTSD is not limited to soldiers who go to war or earthquake victims.1 The effects of trauma can create emotional wounds that develop over time in long-lasting events. Some people may not be able to pin down a specific event that triggered their symptoms. Instead, many people with PTSD describe recurring abandonment, repeated times of neglect, emotional or physical abuse.

There are reputable trauma and PTSD treatment programs out there that are designed to meet the needs of people who have survived trauma and still experience its effects. Working with a trained professional staff  can help survivors of traumatic events to learn new coping skills to use in everyday life.

Understanding Trauma and PTSD

In the mental health field, it is often said that PTSD is a “normal reaction to a very abnormal situation.”2 As humans, when we experience an event that makes us feel extremely frightened, threatened, or hurt, that psychological wound often leaves an invisible scar.

While many people are able to overcome these wounds, or manage the symptoms of having lived through them, others struggle with the effects.  Some don’t have the support network or environment in place that offers the safety to heal. Or perhaps the trauma was simply extreme and debilitating.  They carry the trauma within them, and whether they realize it or not, it affects nearly every aspect of their lives.

Often, survivors of trauma feel very alone. The aftereffects of trauma can lead to an increasing inability to cope and function areas of daily living. Survivors may isolate themselves and feel as if nobody can understand how they feel. Again, this is a normal reaction to trauma. Unfortunately, it can lead to isolation and depression. It may be hard to climb out of these states on your own.

You may feel like you’re trapped with no way out of the intense feelings you’re experiencing. You may feel emotionally numb. Or, you might feel emotionally frail, overreacting easily to small hurts or minor disappointments.

There is no “normal” way to react to trauma – every person is different. What is important to know is that there is hope for a better life. Mental health professionals can help you learn to cope with the effects of what happened to you and process your feelings in a safe, supportive environment.

Getting Help for Trauma or PTSD

We have some good news for you – you survived. And now that you’ve survived, you don’t have to deal with the pain of past trauma alone. Trauma informed treatment is available and we can here to help you find someone who can help you work through the pain of trauma and reclaim your life.

Everyone who seeks professional help should be treated as an  individual with unique needs. As you get acquainted with your therapists and counselors, they will help you begin to the journey to finding peace and hope in your life, one day at a time. Quality providers will help you find the treatment options that are most appropriate for your unique needs, and also should involve your loved ones in your recovery. You will be shown coping skills such self-care and assertive communication..

You don’t have to suffer in silence. You deserve to feel better and make positive choices that help you in your healing journey.

If you’re looking for help, you’re in the right place. We can answer any questions you have about available programs and confronting your trauma or PTSD. Please give us a 100% confidential call today and we’ll discuss the treatment options that are available to you.

References
1.PTSD is not just for veterans, it’s a trauma disorder that affects millions, available here.
2.Understanding the Impact of Trauma, available here.