Perhaps you don’t even realize how many traumatic experiences you have weathered in your life. Like the rings of a tree, they are imprinted into our souls as we grow, hidden deep within the core. It could be the death of a loved one, or a car wreck that left you shaken. No matter the experience, most of these “small t” traumatic events allow us to continue life as normal. We process the experience and continue to live the rest of their life normally.
Some, however, experience situations that the mind struggles to comprehend – and the body struggles to heal from. Whether a “small t” or “big T” trauma, these events can leave people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. According to the American Psychiatric Association, PTSD occurs in people who saw or experienced a traumatic event or series of events, such as war, sexual assault, natural disasters, or accidents. These events cause a psychic ripple effect that can turn into a maelstrom of emotions and symptoms.
In 2020, about 13 million Americans suffered from PTSD, according to the Veterans Affairs department, and roughly 5% of the American population has PTSD in any given year. Women are more likely than men to develop PTSD, and veterans are also more likely than civilians to experience symptoms of PTSD.
But, you do not have to be part of the statistics.
No matter how bad it may seem, though, there is a way out from underneath PTSD. There are treatment options, including therapy, and true healing is possible. Just don’t give up hope.
PTSD Therapy
Therapy for PTSD can help people regain work through their emotions and understand the traumatic event, according to the Mayo Clinic. Therapy also can help a person move forward after trauma, by teaching skills to address triggers, teaching you how to cope when symptoms do appear, and by treating any other conditions along with PTSD, such as mental health conditions or substance use. Talk therapy alone is usually not enough to create lasting healing from PTSD, however.
Other innovative modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) can help those suffering from PTSD heal from the roots.
Wellness treatments – like the yoga and mindfulness therapies at Longbranch – can also introduce a new level of peace. In fact, a study at our residential program showed that vets who went through our wellness program in residential treatment saw significant healing. After one year and 92 clients, we have seen:
- Our clients’ anxiety levels have dropped 5 points in their time with us.
- Their depression levels have dropped 6.3 points.
- PTSD side effects have gone down 14 points — comparable to the VA’s preferred model of prolonged exposure.
- Psychological flexibility went up by 1.2 points.
- Sense of meaning and purpose went up by 3.69 points.
Start Your PTSD Treatment
It’s never too late to heal your mind, body, spirit, and family from the effects of a traumatic experience. Furthermore, it’s important to remember that even the “smaller” traumas can leave lasting scars. Everyone deserves help.
Reach out to our staff at Longbranch Recovery to talk about your PTSD and the symptoms you are experiencing. Our professionals can also talk to you about therapy for PTSD and how you can start your healing.
