While not everyone who experiences or witnesses a traumatic event develops PTSD, about 7% of American adults struggle with PTSD. PTSD can interfere with your daily life and cause you to avoid situations that remind you of your trauma. A trauma therapy program can provide you with the skills, tools, and guidance you need to learn how to manage your symptoms.

Mental health disorders impact tens of millions of Americans annually. Mental health conditions cause changes to your thinking, emotions, and behaviors. Unfortunately, mental health conditions like anxiety and PTSD are chronic and incurable. Mental health symptoms can become disabling and continue to worsen without treatment.

Trauma and PTSD

Trauma-related disorders occur when you experience negative symptoms after you are exposed to a violent or traumatizing event. Most people who experience a traumatic event don’t develop PTSD. Some types of trauma, such as interpersonal traumas like sexual violence, are more likely to result in PTSD. Women are also more likely to develop PTSD following a traumatic experience than men. However, men are more likely to experience a traumatic event than women.

Signs and symptoms of PTSD include:

• Having night terrors or nightmares
• Experiencing flashbacks to the traumatic event
• Triggers, such as noises or environments, that cause symptoms to worsen
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Poor sleep

Nightmares and night terrors can make it difficult to sleep. Triggers, which include people, places or things that remind you about your trauma and worsen symptoms, can make it difficult to cope without help from a trauma therapy program. Intense symptoms make you more likely to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol.

Sometimes, multiple people can experience the same traumatic event but only a few develop PTSD. It is unknown why some people develop PTSD while others don’t, early treatment is important to ensure symptoms don’t become disabling.

Trauma Therapy Program

A trauma therapy program in Northern, Il offers has both inpatient and outpatient treatment options. If you have a substance abuse problem and a trauma-related disorder, an inpatient dual diagnosis program can ensure that both of your co-occurring conditions are treated side-by-side. A trauma therapy program utilizes evidence-based and holistic treatments, such as:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Dialectical behavior therapy
• Individual counseling
• Medication therapy management
• Exposure therapy
• Family and marital counseling

A cognitive-behavioral therapy program helps you identify and change negative thinking patterns, emotions and actions. During a trauma therapy program, you will also learn about healthy coping skills which can help you control and manage your symptoms better.

PTSD can continue to cause symptoms throughout your recovery. Triggers, like major life changes and negative emotions, can increase your chances of relapsing. Some examples of healthy coping skills you can learn at a trauma therapy program are:

• Deep breathing
• Mindfulness exercises
• Meditation
• Walking
• Nature therapy

Stress management is another important part of a trauma therapy program. Stress is a common trigger and can lead to anxiety and depression. Finding healthy ways to combat negative emotions is an important skill taught at trauma therapy programs.

Outpatient programs, like partial hospitalization programs, allow you to return home each night while having regular access to your treatment team. A trauma therapy program can also make sure that you maintain regular visits to your psychiatrist.

Finding Help Today

When you are struggling with trauma or PTSD, you can feel overwhelmed, frustrated and alone. An inpatient or outpatient trauma therapy program can provide you with the support, understanding, and tools you need to recover. Reaching out for help is the first step in achieving recovery. Call us today at 855.786.1978 to learn more about our programs.