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How Do I Heal From Family Trauma in a Treatment Program?

How Do I Heal From Family Trauma in a Treatment Program?

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Trauma is an umbrella term that describes lasting symptoms of a problematic event, circumstance, or set of circumstances that occur over time. Unfortunately, we are all at risk of experiencing traumatic events throughout our lives. A particularly uncommon experience that individuals must process, navigate, and overcome is family trauma. If you are looking to heal from family trauma, Alter Behavioral Health is here to help. 

Understanding Family Trauma

“Family trauma” is an umbrella term that encompasses all types of traumatic events that impact an entire family unit. It is important to understand that family trauma may or may not occur within the home environment, consist of all family members, or affect all members in the same way. Still, understanding family trauma and the influence that it has on the development of mental health disorders, substance use disorder (SUD), and other mental health problems is necessary for preventing such consequences and establishing healing for all family members. 

Lasting Consequences of Family Trauma

According to a publication by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network titled “Trauma and Families: Fact Sheet for Providers,” “Traumas can cause traumatic stress responses in family members with consequences that ripple through family relationships and impede optimal family functioning.” Some common consequences of untreated family trauma include:

  • Feeling neglected and misunderstood
  • Lacking self-worth and neglecting personal self-care
  • Worsening family dysfunction and impaired family relationships
  • Issues with identifying, expressing, and managing emotions properly
  • Increased likelihood of internalized or severely externalized stress reactions toward family members
  • Fearing repeated traumatic experiences

Such consequences also place family members at greater risk of:

  • Using alcohol and other drugs to self-medicate
  • Isolation
  • Risk-taking behavior
  • Mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression
  • Suicidal ideation
  • Impaired attachment

Every type of traumatic event affects the family unit, as well as each family member, differently. Factors such as age, culture, knowledge of trauma, social support system, and relationship with family members can all impact whether or not you develop lasting symptoms of family trauma. 

Regardless of how symptoms of family trauma may present themself, it is necessary that you and your family work to heal from family trauma. It will reduce the risk of SUD and mental health disorders for you and your family members and ensure that traumatic experiences are properly integrated into your life for lasting wellness.

Heal From Family Trauma With Professional Treatment

Working to heal from family trauma is a process that takes time. This process will likely involve the professional aid of a mental health therapist, as there are many obstacles that are likely to surface over the course of treatment and recovery. For example, a common obstacle that you may face is having family members who are unwilling to participate in treatment. There is no doubt that you can work to heal from family trauma alone. However, to ensure lasting healing for your entire family, it is necessary that all members are willing to be vulnerable and engage in treatment together. 

As researchers continue to acknowledge the impact of trauma on the family unit, more treatment facilities are beginning to offer services for the entire family. Each family member can consider participating in individual, trauma-informed therapy sessions in addition to family services, increasing the potential for lasting recovery for the whole family unit. Some examples of family services to help you heal from family trauma include group psychoeducation, group and family therapy, and family support groups. 

Benefits of Family Therapy

According to a publication by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Research suggests that behavioral health treatment that includes family therapy works better than treatment that does not.” Some specific benefits of family therapy include:

  • Medication adherence (when members are prescribed mental health medications)
  • Reduced rates of substance use and relapse
  • Stress reduction
  • Reduced psychiatric symptoms
  • Encouraged treatment entry for members with addiction or SUD
  • Improved family dynamics
  • Reduced burden of stress on other family members

What to Expect From a Treatment Program

Although you have likely grasped the value of family services in healing from family trauma, you may still wonder what to expect from treatment. More than likely, you will be recommended to participate in individual therapy sessions in addition to family and group therapy. 

In individual sessions, you will work with a therapist to identify and overcome the root causes of your mental health distress and lasting symptoms of trauma. A variety of therapeutic approaches may be utilized to instill new coping skills and reduce any potential for re-traumatization. Some approaches we utilize at Alter Behavioral Health include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Prolonged exposure therapy
  • Cognitive processing therapy
  • Stress inoculation therapy
  • Mindfulness strategies, such as meditation 

These approaches may also be utilized by the therapist leading your family therapy sessions. In these sessions, you will work with your family members to develop a variety of new communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Depending on the unique needs of your family members, the therapist may also utilize trauma-informed approaches to help your family work through past trauma together. 

Family trauma poses complex challenges that can be effectively navigated with the help of professional treatment. As you work to heal from family trauma, it can be beneficial for your family members to participate in family treatment services, including family therapy. This ensures that all family members have the best chance at securing lasting recovery from family trauma. At Alter Behavioral Health, we offer a number of mental health treatment programs for individuals as well as their families. We are passionate about helping you uncover the root causes of your family trauma and supporting you as you integrate those experiences into your life. To get connected with trauma treatment, call us today at (866) 691-4386.

Understanding the Difference Between PTSD and Trauma

Understanding the Difference Between PTSD and Trauma

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The American Psychological Association (APA) defines trauma as “an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster.” It often results in anxiety, dread, and tension. Whether witnessing or personally experiencing it, these reactions are normal. Circumstances that can cause the response of trauma can be a single event or multiple incidents over an extended period.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states, “[R]esponses to trauma can last for weeks to months before people start to feel normal again.” Most of the time, these responses gradually lessen and ultimately disappear altogether. It can persist, however, and progress as time passes. When this happens, it can evolve into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How PTSD Is Related to Trauma

The CDC defines PTSD as “an intense physical and emotional response to thoughts and reminders of the event that last for many weeks or months after the traumatic event.” PTSD and trauma are closely related, but they are not the same thing. Where trauma is the emotional response to a terrible event, PTSD is a far more severe disorder surrounding the event. 

Untreated trauma can progress into PTSD. However, proper guidance and care can help to minimize its effects and overall impact. PTSD does not exist without it. The word “post” in “post-traumatic” means after trauma. On the other hand, trauma can and does exist without ever developing into more serious conditions like PTSD.

Comparing the Symptoms

We’ve established that trauma and PTSD are closely connected. Now, let’s take a look at the symptoms associated with each. Both concerns have associated fear and anxiety. However, the symptoms are quite different between the two. 

The Effects of Trauma

Trauma’s effects can be divided into two categories: initial and delayed. The initial side effects include but are not limited to, the following:

  • Exhaustion 
  • Confusion 
  • Sorrow
  • Anxiety
  • Feeling on-edge
  • Numb to your surroundings/emotions
  • Dissociation 
  • Confusion 

The delayed symptoms of trauma often involve relentless exhaustion, nightmares, flashbacks, depression, and avoidance tendencies. This leads to avoiding anything related to the traumatic event, such as the feelings surrounding it or similar circumstances. 

The Effects of PTSD

Although PTSD is the result of trauma, the symptoms involved differ significantly. While trauma symptoms can be organized into two groups, the symptoms of PTSD are divided into the following four categories:

  1. Re-experiencing: These symptoms include flashbacks (reliving the trauma repeatedly), nightmares, and frightening thoughts
  2. Avoidance: This group includes avoiding areas, circumstances, etc., that remind the individual of the traumatic event and evading the thoughts/emotions that surround it
  3. Arousal/Reactivity: These include difficulties falling asleep, having trouble calming down, being easily frightened, and experiencing episodes of intense anger
  4. Cognition and Mood: This group includes difficulties remembering details about the trauma, a negative view of oneself, and a lack of interest in previously pleasurable hobbies

Treatment Options Available

Psychotherapy is the number one treatment used for any mental health disorder. A very successful branch of therapy used in trauma cases is trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). This subbranch of CBT was developed specifically for people who have endured a traumatic event. It takes place in a positive and safe environment while promoting healing and growth. 

Medication is another effective treatment method available. Prescriptions often include anti-anxiety medications that target anxiety which is a main side effect of trauma-related conditions. Additionally, antidepressants may be administered due to depression being a common side effect. In some cases, sleep aids can help when insomnia and nightmares persist. 

Trauma Recovery Programs

Medication and psychotherapy can be found in any recovery program. The programs available for trauma-related conditions come in two forms: inpatient and outpatient. Both options include the same high-quality, effective treatment, and the need for one over the other is dependent on your own personal circumstances. 

Inpatient

Inpatient programs are especially helpful in severe trauma cases. They feature 24/7 access to healthcare professionals in a comfortable home-like environment. This allows individuals to escape from reality and put all of their energy into healing and recovery. 

Outpatient

These programs offer the same excellent treatment as the inpatient options while affording individuals full flexibility in their schedules. They are perfect for the working adult who is unable to put life on hold for treatment while still leading to a successful recovery. 

Healthy Healing

This face-paced world brings a lot of stress, and life can get in the way sometimes. When someone is facing the challenges of trauma in addition to still functioning in daily life, it can be challenging to keep everything together. However, it doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. There is more to life than just surviving.

With treatment, you have a whole new world of possibilities at your fingertips. You can thrive in ways you maybe didn’t think you could. Trauma doesn’t define who you are. You are a strong and capable individual who will get through this. You deserve to thrive and live life to the fullest. Trauma recovery can be yours. 

The challenges of trauma can be debilitating and take over your life. You don’t have to face them alone. At Alter Behavioral Health, we don’t just understand trauma and PTSD; we understand you. We care about you and your future, and it is our promise to you to walk with you every step of the way to recovery. You can overcome these obstacles and become a happier and stronger version of yourself. Trauma isn’t easy, but we make treatment easy and, more importantly, effective. Let’s walk this path together so you can enjoy the wonderful life that you deserve to live. Call us today at (866) 691-4386 for more information and to get started on a better, brighter future.  

How Do I Handle Trauma?

How Do I Handle Trauma?

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Experiencing trauma at any stage in life often comes with stress, fear, and anxiety. These are entirely normal reactions from the body as a response to trauma. However, many people ignore the symptoms caused by traumatic events. When trauma is ignored or left untreated, it can wreak havoc on an individual’s mental health. In fact, a few serious mental health disorders are associated with untreated trauma.

What Disorders Can Trauma Cause?

Stress and fear are just some of the side effects that can result from trauma. However, more serious mental health concerns can often come when people ignore trauma. Below are just some of the most common disorders associated with trauma.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is considered one of the most severe of the many recognized anxiety disorders. Some possible traumatic experiences that have been associated with PTSD include the following:

  • Near-death experiences such as car accidents or physical assault
  • Sexual assault
  • Exposure to a medical-related traumatic experience or prolonged exposure to traumatic environments
  • Traumatic childbirth or other medical-related circumstances
  • Surviving a natural disaster

A multitude of symptoms can accompany PTSD. These include:

  • Re-experiencing symptoms such as flashbacks (reliving the trauma over and over), bad dreams, and terrifying thoughts
  • Avoidance symptoms including staying away from places, events, or things that are reminders of the traumatic experience, and avoiding thoughts/feelings related to the traumatic event
  • Arousal/reactivity symptoms like being easily startled, tense feelings like being “on edge”, difficulty sleeping, and angry outbursts
  • Cognition and mood symptoms involve memory issues of the trauma, negative self-perception, and loss of interest in enjoyable activities

Dissociation

Long-term exposure to trauma, such as instances of domestic abuse, is the most common cause of dissociation. There are many symptoms involved in an episode of dissociation but can differ depending on the type. Some symptoms include:

  • Experiencing out-of-body situations where individuals may feel like they are watching a movie of themselves
  • Emotionally numb feelings where individuals are detached from personal emotions
  • Depressive symptoms which may develop into major depressive disorder, resulting in even more health concerns
  • Anxiety symptoms or disorders such as general anxiety disorder (GAD)
  • Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or tendencies
  • Significant memory loss due to dissociative episodes
  • Losing a sense of self which can result in a lack of personal identity

Managing trauma-related mental health conditions can help alleviate symptoms and improve one’s overall quality of life.

How Can I Manage the Effects of Trauma?

Recovery from trauma is difficult, but it is available to anyone willing to try. A fulfilled life is worth putting in the effort to overcome trauma. There are many things individuals can do at home to help effectively cope and manage their trauma-related concerns. These are just some of the many beneficial practices that individuals can incorporate into their daily life.

  • Practice calming techniques: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises are ways to get centered and grounded
  • Maintain good hygiene: Taking care of oneself can go a long way toward promoting positive mental health
  • Eat healthily: A healthy diet has been shown to improve depression and anxiety
  • Vocalize your thoughts and emotions: Isolation or bottling things up can make symptoms worse
  • Exercise: Staying active releases endorphins which help improve mood and overall mental health
  • Get on a schedule: A daily routine can help ensure that one gets enough sleep and lessens stress when one knows what to expect each day

If symptoms persist, treatment is an effective step to incorporate in addition to the above methods.

What Does Trauma Treatment Look Like?

Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop conditions like PTSD, dissociation, or resulting anxiety or depressive disorders. However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t treatment available to those who don’t.

Treating trauma, whether it co-occurs with other disorders or not, can help greatly improve quality of life and mental health. Adding professional methods to a self-management plan increases the effectiveness of the things individuals practice at home. When seeking help, it is important to understand the options that are available.

Therapy

Residential (or inpatient) treatment programs have been widely used in treating trauma-related concerns. In such a program, individuals will have access to 24-hour care from healthcare professionals. The benefits of this method include a positive and comfortable home-like environment, full-time access to the best help, and camaraderie. Individuals are able to interact with and enjoy the company of other individuals who are on similar recovery paths. Outpatient therapy offers similar services but is less intensive and allows clients to return home after their treatment hours are complete.

Both inpatient and outpatient trauma recovery plans involve therapy as part of the process. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used therapeutic modality in treating trauma. This form of therapy works as a way to problem solve. It teaches the individual how to identify specific triggers and negative thought patterns. The goal is to learn how to work through these issues independently and ultimately retain the brain to a more positive and productive way of thinking, resulting in more well-adjusted behaviors and fewer negative symptoms.

Medication

Treating trauma and its related issues can also require a form of medication. Prescription drugs may be used to alleviate the side effects that trauma can have on an individual. These include depression, anxiety, or insomnia. Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help by boosting serotonin levels. More serotonin can help regulate mood, appetite, and, in many cases, sleep.

Additionally, antianxiety medications may also be prescribed to aid in reducing anxiety-related symptoms. If insomnia or nightmares persist, prescriptions for sleep can help get individuals back on track for restful nights. Adding treatment to one’s recovery plan is a proactive and effective step toward a life without the challenges of trauma. Finding the right treatment option starts with contacting a mental health facility that specializes in trauma and its effects.

We understand the challenges you face. Trauma isn’t easy and, when ignored or left untreated, it can have serious effects. With the proper treatment, you can overcome your trauma. A bright and happy future is waiting for you on the other side of this difficult phase. Let us help you pull yourself out of and above your trauma so that you can be in control of each and every day. At Alter Behavioral Health, we offer a multitude of options to treat your trauma and related symptoms and conditions effectively and with kindness and care. Call Alter Behavioral Health at (866) 691-4386 for more information about our programs and how they can help.