Finding treatment for trauma can sometimes be intimidating for those who have never sought treatment before. This is especially true for those who have never had treatment for any other mental illness or mental health disorder. Our society doesn't often teach people what to do when they are in crisis, and there can be confusion about what to do next. Luckily, mental health care facilities such as Pathways Wellness Center offer treatment for trauma.
Before we can discuss where to find treatment, we must first understand why we need treatment for trauma in the first place.
Trauma is the negative result of someone experiencing a dangerous or scary event. Many events can be traumatizing, but the most common triggering events for trauma are:
Anyone can be traumatized at any time during their lives. When people become traumatized, they can experience persistent symptoms. Examples of such symptoms include:
Sometimes after a traumatic event, someone's nervous system becomes overreactive as it prepares itself to face danger, real or perceived. This usually develops into an anxiety disorder, the most well-known of these being post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD and other anxiety disorders can be difficult for people to deal with on their own, and sometimes they turn to self-medication to ease their symptoms. Self-medication is when someone consumes a drug or substance without a doctor's oversight to treat the symptoms they feel. This often leads to substance use disorder (SUD) as a person relies more and more on a substance to feel "normal." More often than not, this turns into a substance addiction.
Seeking treatment before symptoms become overwhelming is ideal, but not everyone knows where to go once they notice they need help. It's sad, but society often shames the idea of needing mental health help. However, finding trauma treatment can be an empowering experience. By seeking treatment, you take back control over your life.
As mentioned, trauma is treated at mental health care facilities. These are places that employ accredited mental health care professionals. It's not only just therapists that work at a mental health care facility. Depending on the type of facility, you will also find psychiatrists, social workers, and other trained professionals dedicated to helping people heal and recover.
Not all facilities are equipped to treat trauma and trauma-based disorders. Some facilities are specialized in treating specific disorders or mental health issues. For example, Pathways Wellness Center focuses on treating addiction and its co-occurring mental health disorders. This includes trauma-based disorders, as many people who struggle with these disorders also struggle with addiction.
In the age of the internet, it's easy to find professional mental health care treatment close to you. SAMHSA offers a search engine where you can anonymously find treatment near you for a mental health disorder or addiction. Once you have narrowed down facilities close to you, you will need to contact them. Look for the facility's official website for contact information. Many people have phone anxiety or may have difficulties hearing and speaking. Because of this, many facilities have an email, website form, or web chat feature alongside a phone number so anyone can get in contact in a way that makes them comfortable.
Once you have found the right mental health care facility for you, you can begin treatment for your trauma. All treatment begins with a discussion with your treatment providers. This will help them know what goals you are looking to accomplish and inform you of your rights.
Most trauma is addressed by using psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. This type of therapy helps someone deconstruct their trauma and work through it. Clients then learn healthy coping skills to help them live life without constantly being afraid and nervous.
Sometimes a person may need medication to treat symptoms of their anxiety, especially if it is causing their nervous system to overreact. Examples of this are heart palpitations, tremors, and difficulties relaxing. For this, you will speak with a psychiatrist, who will help monitor your medical needs during treatment. Not everyone needs medication, and it's important to never start or stop medication without the oversight of a doctor.
The best thing about trauma treatment is that you don't have to do it alone. You have a team of compassionate individuals who want to see you succeed and will encourage you to never give up. Support and care are waiting for those who need it; you just need to reach out first.
When someone experiences a traumatic event, it can sometimes cause lifelong symptoms. Some of these symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, and phobia development. When people live with trauma, they can sometimes be tempted to soothe their symptoms by self-medicating. This can often be a source of addiction and substance use disorder (SUD). Here at Pathways Wellness Center in Azusa and Glendora, California, we help those struggling with trauma and addiction find the treatment they need to heal. By providing a safe and healthy environment, our clients can focus on their recovery. You and those you love deserve compassionate treatment, so don't wait to get help. To learn more, call (888) 771-0966 today.
