When Trauma Defines You: Moving Beyond Over-Identification for Mental Liberation
This article ventures into the complexities of trauma over-identification, offering understanding, strategies, and hope
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Trauma & PTSD
Treatment
Comprehensive Healing Starts Here
Adult Prevalence of Mental Illness (AMI) in 2022
Over 19%
of adults are experiencing a mental illness
Source mhanational.org
North American have a lifetime prevalence of
60-75%
experiencing a traumatic event
Source medicalnewstoday.com
Children who Experience Trauma are
Over 3x
more likely to develop Anxiety Disorders
Source focusforhealth.org
The Chateau Recovery Solution
Chateau Recovery offers a range of trauma and PTSD (PTS) treatment services at our Utah facility. We are here to help you or your loved ones struggling with trauma and any co-occurring disorders.
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Committing to Change
Acknowledging the Problem
Being willing to ask for and get help takes courage. Fully committing to the process is key to meaningful change.
We work with a mature population (26+) who actively dedicate themselves to living a healthier, more balanced life focused on hope & healing.
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Evidence Based
Therapy Modalities
Our Master's Level Clinicians & trauma trained staff are experts in diagnosing and treating depression, anxiety & other mood disorders.
We provide a range of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy & Neurofeedback.
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Holistic Approach
Treating the Whole Self
We offer a holistic approach to treatment and healing with Dual Diagnosis to address co-existing mental illness & substance abuse.
We treat trauma and PTSD and co-occurring disorders through a multi-dimensional approach to wellness.
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Alumni Resources
Ongoing Support Network
Our commitment to wellness goes beyond residential treatment. Continued support is key to ongoing mental and physical health.
We understand your post treatment journey is critical to maintaining wellness. Our alumni network aims transform lives through education.
Trauma & PTSD Education
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What is Trauma?
Trauma can be caused by an overwhelmingly negative event that causes a lasting impact on the victim's mental and emotional stability.
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Trauma Causes
Trauma can be caused by an overwhelmingly negative event that causes a lasting impact on a victim's mental and emotional stability.
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Childhood Trauma
The experience of an event by a child that is emotionally painful or distressful, which often results in lasting mental and physical effects.
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Trauma Symptoms
Traumatic reactions can include a variety of responses, such as intense and ongoing emotional upset and depressive symptoms.
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Post Traumatic Stress
An anxiety disorder that develops in reaction to physical injury or severe mental or emotional distress, such as military combat or assault.
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Treatment Options
Trauma-focused Psychotherapies are the most highly recommended type of treatment to help you process your traumatic experience.
You're Not Alone
Trauma & PTSD are more common than you think
Trauma and PTS can affect anyone regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, religion/spirituality, nationality and socioeconomic status.
Construction & Laborers
We appreciate the need for skilled labor more than ever. However, the public can miss an important aspect of these professions. Hard work can be dangerous. Despite training and regulations, injuries can happen. The threat of accidents are ever-present fear and traumatic experiences can affect productivity, and overall health.
Doctors & Surgeons
Places of healing like hospitals can be a source of trauma for patients and healthcare workers (HCW). HCWs have experienced the highest levels of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being exposed to tragedy regularly as part of their job can trigger all types of trauma including secondary traumatic stress (STS).
Family Members
A vast majority of people experience trauma at some point. A significant minority of cases, though, can develop into symptoms of PTSD. Knowing how PTSD affects people may help you understand what your loved one is going through. The more you know, the better your relationships can grow.
Nurses & PAs
The American Nurses Association (ANA) conducted a study in December 2020 and found that nurses had reported feeling weary (72%), overwhelmed (64%), irritated (57%). In addition, professionals rarely get to properly debrief from traumatic experiences. HCWs use so much time and energy taking care of others that they may neglect themselves.
Legal Professionals
Lawyers have a difficult job. Their clients may have experienced one of the worst times in their lives. Lawyers tackles these subjects, often involving death, neglect, abuse, and sexual assault. However, when the case is over, memories may not fade as quickly. Legal professionals are considered an at-risk population for PTS(D).
First Responders
Given the high frequency and severity of traumatic exposures, it is not surprising that first responders are at an elevated risk for developing PTSD. They may be more susceptible to acquiring PTSD due to severe stress and many job-related risk factors - such as cumulative exposure to traumatic events, regular stress, lack of support, and the accompanying experience of discrimination or stigmatization.
Chateau Mission
To empower & equip those who strive for hope, health, and a new mindset in recovery.
At Chateau Recovery, our treatment mission is to create a safe environment for healing and treatment.
We treat the physical and emotional symptoms of trauma. We have a multifaceted approach, bringing together the methods proven effective by decades of science and research to improve the lives of our clients.
Chateau Approach
Chateau Recovery looks beyond just identifying and adjusting behaviors.
Our approach combines medical, psychological, and holistic elements to treat each person as a whole. We explore the core reasons impacting your mindset, behaviors, and environment. We utilize comprehensive evidence based therapies like the Arbinger Outward Mindset and Dharma Recovery.
Chateau Recovery Solution
You're Not Alone
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Committing to Change
Acknowledging the Problem
Chateau Treats a Mature Population
We believe it takes courage to ask for and willingly get help. Being committed to the process is key to successful change.
Treating individuals 26+ ensures that you are going through treatment with peers & individuals in a similar phase of life.
Learn More - The Importance of Finding a Specialized Program >
Focused on Hope & Healing
Accepting help requires willingness disregard the idea of that one is a "burden".
Accepting help can bring out a caring response in others and lead to a deeper emotional closeness.
Learn More - Faith, Hope, and Resilience Are Key to Your Recovery >
Committing to Change
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Holistic Approach
Healing the Whole Self
Understanding Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis is the condition of suffering from a mental illness and a substance use disorder by addressing underlying issues. Many times depression and/or anxiety occur with alcohol or substance use.
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Comprehensive Assessments and Testing
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Substance Abuse & Mental Health Education
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Trauma & Development Focused Treatment
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Neurofeedback - Brain Training
Addressing Dimensions of Wellness
At Chateau Recovery, we believe all dimensions of your wellbeing need to be examined in order to heal. We address Daily, Physical, and Spiritual Health, Mental & Emotional Health & Family Systems and Relationship Health.
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Reconnecting with Family & Values
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Comprehensive Aftercare Planning
Learn More - About '6 Dimensions of Wellness' >
Holistic Approach
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Evidence Based
Therapy Modalities
We provide a range of modalities to help address and process your concerns including:
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Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprogramming (EMDR)
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Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
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Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Brainspotting & Neurofeedback
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Motivational Interviewing (MI)
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Individual & Group Therapy
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Rehabilitation Nutritional
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Family Systems Therapy
In addition, we utilize PGx Genetic Testing to better identify medication and treatment.
Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing is a type of genetic test that assesses a patient's risk of an adverse response or likelihood to respond to a given drug, informing drug selection and dosing.
Evidence Based Therapy Modalities
What is Trauma?
Defining and Understanding Trauma
Psychological trauma is a response to an event that a person finds highly stressful. Examples include being in a war zone, a natural disaster, or an accident. Trauma can cause a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), trauma is “an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster.”
However, a person may experience trauma as a response to any event they find physically or emotionally threatening or harmful.
A traumatized person can feel a range of emotions both immediately after the event and in the long term. They may feel overwhelmed, helpless, shocked, or have difficulty processing their experiences. Trauma can also cause physical symptoms.
Trauma can have long-term effects on the person’s well-being. If symptoms persist and do not decrease in severity, it can indicate that the trauma has developed into a mental health disorder called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The 3 Types of Trauma
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Acute Trauma (Single Events)
The DSM-5 describes acute stress disorder as the development of specific fear behaviors that last from 3 days to 1 month after a traumatic event. These symptoms always occur after the patient has experienced or witnessed death or threat of death, serious injury or sexual assault.
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Chronic Trauma (Repeated or Prolonged Events)
Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead the individual to blame himself/herself or others. Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame).
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Complex Trauma (Varied and Multiple Events)
Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, is the result of multiple traumatic events occurring over a period of time, often referred to as "complex trauma". Causes include multiple incidents of child abuse, particularly child physical abuse and child sexual abuse, prolonged domestic violence, concentration camp experiences, torture, slavery, and genocide campaigns.
The disorder is characterized by the core symptoms of PTSD; that is, all diagnostic requirements for PTSD have been met at some point during the course of the disorder. In addition, complex PTSD is characterized by-
Severe and pervasive problems in affect regulation;
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Persistent beliefs about oneself as diminished, defeated or worthless, accompanied by deep and pervasive feelings of shame, guilt or failure related to the stressor; and
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Persistent difficulties in sustaining relationships and in feeling close to others.
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Secondary trauma, or vicarious trauma, is another form of trauma. With this form of trauma, a person develops trauma symptoms from close contact with someone who has experienced a traumatic event.
Family members, mental health professionals, and others who care for those who have experienced a traumatic event are at risk of vicarious trauma. The symptoms often mirror those of PTSD.
Vicarious trauma was a term invented by McCann and Pearlman that is used to describe how working with traumatized clients and the effect it has on trauma therapists. Previously, the phenomenon was referred to as secondary traumatic stress coined by Dr. Charles Figley.
Vicarious trauma is an occupational challenge for people working and volunteering in the fields of victim services, law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire services, and other allied professions, due to their continuous exposure to victims of trauma and violence.
Who Is at Risk of Being Affected by Vicarious Trauma?
Anyone working with survivors of trauma and violence is at risk of being negatively impacted by the varied effects of vicarious trauma. Factors that may make employees or volunteers more vulnerable to this occupational risk include:
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prior traumatic experiences
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social isolation, both on and off the job
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a tendency to avoid feelings, withdraw, or assign blame to others
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difficulty expressing feelings
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lack of preparation, orientation, training, and supervision in their jobs
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constant and intense exposure to trauma with little or no variation in work tasks
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lack of an effective and supportive process for discussing traumatic content of the work
What is Trauma?
Symptoms & Causes of Trauma
Symptoms
The symptoms of trauma range from mild to severe. Many factors determine how a traumatic event affects a person, including:
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their characteristics
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the presence of other mental health conditions
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previous exposure to traumatic events
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the type and characteristics of the event or events
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their background and approach to handling emotions
Emotional and psychological responses
A person who has experienced trauma may feel:
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denial, irritability, anger or confusion
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fear, sadness, or shame
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numbness, hopelessness, or guilt
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difficulty concentrating
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nightmares
They may have emotional outbursts, find it difficult to cope with how they feel, or withdraw from others. Flashbacks, where a person relives the traumatic event in their mind, are common, as are nightmares.
Physical responses
Along with an emotional reaction, trauma can cause physical symptoms such as:
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headaches
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digestive symptoms
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fatigue
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racing heart
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sweating
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feeling jumpy
Sometimes, a person will also experience hyperarousal, or when someone feels as though they are in a constant state of alertness. This may make it difficult to sleep.
Individuals may also go on to develop other mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse problems.
Causes of Traumatic Experiences
Some research estimates that 60–75% of people in North America experience a traumatic event at some point. The charity Mind in the United Kingdom lists the following as potential causes of trauma:
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bullying
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harassment
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physical, psychological, or sexual abuse
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sexual assault
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traffic collisions
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childbirth
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life threatening illnesses
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sudden loss of a loved one
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being attacked
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being kidnapped
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acts of terrorism
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natural disasters
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war
Traumatic events can be isolated or repeated, ongoing events. A person can also experience trauma after witnessing something traumatic happening to someone else.
People have different reactions to traumatic events. For example, those who live through the same natural disaster can respond very differently despite experiencing the same event.
Trauma Symptoms & Causes
Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD / PTS)
Post Traumatic Stress
What is PTSD / PTS?
PTSD was first named in the 1980s and classified as an anxiety disorder by the American Psychiatric Association. The most recent revision of the DSM-5 removes PTSD from the anxiety disorders category and places it in a new diagnostic category called “Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders,” since the symptoms of PTSD also include guilt, shame and anger.
It is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, or rape or who have been threatened with death, sexual violence or serious injury.
PTSD has been known by many names in the past, such as “shell shock” during the years of World War I and “combat fatigue” after World War II, but PTSD does not just happen to combat veterans. PTSD can occur in all people, of any ethnicity, nationality or culture, and at any age.
PTSD or PTS - Which is it?
While PTSD remains the official diagnostic term for this condition, notable figures in mental health and champions for veterans mental health have consistently referred to PTSD as PTS in the news and across social media platforms. As the George W. Bush website states, “PTS is an injury, it’s not a disorder.” The goal behind the PTSD name change is to encourage veterans to feel more comfortable opening up about their experiences and seek help sooner.
One key issue in changing the name to PTS involves health care coverage. Veterans are not able to receive benefits or health care coverage with the diagnosis of PTS. However, since PTSD is included in the DSM-5, this diagnosis qualifies veterans for benefits and even disability payments. It’s clear that the name and diagnosis of PTS don’t carry the same weight as PTSD in the medical and insurance world, but some view it as a start for change in opening the conversation for more to seek help.
Differences between PTSD and Complex PTSD
Causes
PTS(D) is common among those who work in high-stress occupations, like the armed forces or emergency medics, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)Trusted Source. Some people develop PTSD if they work in a field that regularly exposes them to other people’s trauma, like a crisis counselor.
C-PTSD is caused by ongoing trauma that lasts months or years, often in childhood. C-PTSD can also occur when the trauma was caused by a parent or caregiver.
Events that can cause C-PTSD include:
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abuse, neglect, or abandonment
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domestic violence or ongoing abuse
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being tortured or kidnapped
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living through a war for a long time
C-PTSD Symtoms
With C-PTSD, you may experience some of the same symptoms of PTSD, like hypervigilance or feeling like the whole world is a dangerous “bad” place. You may also have distorted negative feelings about yourself.
Common symptoms of C-PTSD may also include:
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difficulties managing emotions, like anger or intense sadness
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persistent feelings of emptiness or hopelessness
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relationship challenges, such as trust issues, avoiding others, or participating in unhealthy dynamics
Treatments for each
Treatments for PTSD and C-PTSD are similar. The main treatments are psychotherapy, medication, or a combo of both.
Therapy for PTSD and C-PTSD can help you learn more about your trauma and how it affects you. Therapy can also help you develop coping skills for triggers and give you tools to manage your symptoms.
For some, medication such as antidepressants may also be helpful to manage symptoms.
One difference between the two mental health conditions is that those living with C-PTSD may need long-term therapy and support to recover. There’s also an emphasis on forming a strong therapeutic alliance.
Franco, F. Understanding and Treating C-PTSD. J Health Serv Psychol 47, 85–93 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42843-021-00038-1
PTSD and Hypervigilance
Hypervigilance is one of the central features of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also occur with other anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
Symptoms
Hypervigilance can be characterized by four common features.
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Overestimation of a threat: Hypervigilant people will be on the lookout for threats that are either unlikely or exaggerated. This may include shutting themselves in to avoid an attack, sitting near an exit so that they can escape quickly, or sitting with their back to the wall so that no one can sneak behind them.
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Obsessive avoidance of perceived threats: This includes avoiding everyday situations where dangers may lurk, including public gatherings and unpopulated public spaces (like garages). In extreme cases, a person may develop agoraphobia (anxiety about being in places where escape might be difficult).
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Increased startle reflex: This is an abnormal response in which a person jumps at any sudden noise, movement, or surprise, even in the middle of the night. Being in a new or uncomfortable environment might further exacerbate the response.
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Epinephrine-induced physiological symptoms: Epinephrine (adrenaline) is one of two stress hormones associated with the fight-or-flight reflex (the other being cortisol). People with PTSD-associated hypervigilance will often have a sustained epinephrine response, manifesting with dilated pupils, an increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure.
Childhood Trauma
Source: Take The ACE Quiz - And Learn What it Does And Doesn't Mean
Research indicates that children are especially vulnerable to trauma because their brains are still developing.
Children experience a heightened state of stress during terrible events, and their bodies release hormones related to stress and fear.
This type of developmental trauma can disrupt normal brain development. As a result, trauma, especially ongoing trauma, can significantly affect a child’s long-term emotional development, mental health, physical health, and behavior.
The sense of fear and helplessness may persist into adulthood. It leaves the person at a significantly higher risk of the effects of future trauma.
Take The ACE Quiz — And Learn What It Does And Doesn't Mean
An ACE score is a tally of different types of abuse, neglect, and other hallmarks of a rough childhood. According to the Adverse Childhood Experiences study, the rougher your childhood, the higher your score is likely to be and the higher your risk for later health problems. You can take the test below:
So, you've got your score. Now what?
First, remember that the ACE score isn't a crystal ball; it's just meant as guidance. It tells you about one type of risk factor among many. It doesn't directly take into account your diet or genes, or whether you smoke or drink excessively — to name just a few of the other major influences on health.
To learn more, check the CDC's ACE Study website. You'll find, among other things, a list of studies that explore the ways adverse childhood experiences have been linked to a variety of adult conditions, ranging from increased headaches to depression to heart disease.
Remember this, too: ACE scores don't tally the positive experiences in early life that can help build resilience and protect a child from the effects of trauma. Having a grandparent who loves you, a teacher who understands and believes in you, or a trusted friend you can confide in may mitigate the long-term effects of early trauma, psychologists say.
ACEs Increase
Health Risks
According to the Adverse Childhood Experiences study, the rougher your childhood, the higher your score is likely to be and the higher your risk for various health problems later.
We first examined whether ACE scores were associated with risk of health problems in the population. Like in the original ACE Study, we found that groups of children with higher ACE scores had a greater risk of mental and physical health problems later in life.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Credit: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Childhood Trauma
Treatment for PTSD & Trauma
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprogramming (EMDR)
One of the leading therapies for Trauma and PTSD, based on scientific data, is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Often people who have experienced trauma struggle to comprehend what occurred in the aftermath.
Using EMDR, distressing memories, thoughts, and emotions related to the trauma can be eliminated. Traumatic memories may become hyperactive and challenging to comprehend without external inputs. A back-and-forth movement or sound pattern is used in conjunction with a traumatic memory to modify your perception of it. It transforms traumatic memories into typical memories that no longer intrude on daily life.
EMDR has four main parts:
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Education about PTSD, trauma, and EMDR
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Coping skills
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Processing
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Positive view of the self moving forward
Most adults with trauma and PTSD who undergo EMDR treatment for 3 - 4 months to see significant improvement in their symptoms. After a few sessions, many individuals begin to see results.
Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a state-of-the-art psychotherapy technique that integrates brain function to assuage adverse reactions to traumatic memories. It is based on years of scientific observation that the body's activation can be traced back to a visual resonant spot when describing a traumatic event. Focusing on that specific area of the brain, the traumatic experience may be processed until the body's activity has subsided. Therapy is client-centered and uses attunement to measure progress.
This therapeutic innovation in treating the residuals of traumatic events is based on testable theories. According to the basic theory, the brain regions – medial pulvinar, anterior and posterior cortices, and the intraparietal sulcus – are all connected to the insula through a retinocollicular route and are all implicated in the effect of hyper-focusing on the brainspot. Research shows that the ability to mend the changed sense of self is happening in the midbrain at the level of the superior colliculi and the periaqueductal gray area.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Accelerated resolution therapy (ART) is a therapeutic approach that seeks to reduce the effects of trauma and psychological stressors. What’s unique about this therapy method is that, for many, it is time-efficient. ART requires fewer sessions than other conventional therapies, usually around one to five sessions.
ART uses elements of several therapeutic modalities, including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and brief psychodynamic therapy (BPP). ART uses rapid eye movement, exposure, imagery rescripting, and guided imagery from these modalities. These methods help ART therapists change how stress-inducing images are stored in the brain, reducing their physical and emotional effects. The different elements incorporated into ART also help make the experience personal and treat each person as a whole.
Neurofeedback
Brainwave biofeedback is used in neurofeedback therapies as a form of biofeedback for training the brain to self-regulate to improve everyday functioning. You already know that anxiety, sadness, and trauma may have a negative impact on your quality of life. However, did you know that they can also harm your brain's ability to regulate itself? Mental health disorders, drug misuse, and other problems may all worsen when the brain cannot shift states quickly and adjust levels of arousal correctly.
Using brainwave entrainment is nothing new. Using neurofeedback, individuals may become more aware of their brain activity. An electroencephalograph (EEG) is recorded while a patient receives neurofeedback treatment to help track their progress. Afterward, this is dissected into its component elements and made available to participants through an online feedback loop in voice or video format.
Treatment for Trauma & PTSD
Taking the Next Step
Recognizing, Understanding, and Helping
PTSD in First Responders
First responders are often exposed to traumatic events, including life-threatening circumstances, terrible injuries, and deaths. They must deal with this on a daily basis. First responders are more likely to suffer from PTSD than the general population. They serve as the first line of defense against trauma. Their job is often to defuse and extract people from hazardous situations.
Given the high frequency and severity of traumatic exposures, it is not surprising that first responders are at an elevated risk for developing PTSD. Many job-related risk factors are particular to the workplace, such as cumulative exposure to traumatic events, regular stress, insufficient social support, and discrimination or stigmatization.
Inflammatory and physiological stress responses may be altered, and resilience may be compromised in the face of PTSD risk factors in hostile work situations, including exposure to intense heat, fire, smoke, the danger of repetitive physical damage, and irregular sleep patterns. We encourage all first responders who feel they may be struggling to reach out for help and get evaluated. Seeking help does not mean you cannot perform your duty to the best of your ability.
PTSD in Veterans &
Active Duty Military
One of the highest risk populations for PTSD are veterans and active-duty military. Combatants face an increased danger of death or severe injury. These and other circumstances such as prolonged times away from family can exacerbate PTSD and other mental health disorders.
Additionally, military sexual trauma is a significant source of anxiety (MST). Both men and women might be affected by this. In peacetime, training, or conflict, MST may occur. Chateau Recovery has a mission to offer as much support as possible for these brave individuals who have sacrificed so much for their country. We encourage anyone feeling isolated or unable to find relief once returned to safety to reach out for help.
Helping Someone You Love
Even if you are family or a close friend, it may feel like they are distancing themselves from you. Learn as much as you can about PTSD. Knowing how PTSD affects people may help you understand what your loved one is going through. The more you know, the better your relationships can grow.
Here are some things you can do to help:
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Make an effort to accompany your loved one to health appointments. You can assist keep track of medication and treatment, and you can be there to provide support.
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Learn as much as you can about the elements of the treatment they receive (without intruding) to be supportive.
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Listen and understand if a conversation isn't the appropriate fit for your loved one at this moment.
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Fun outings and events, such as dinner or a movie, can be planned to do as a family.
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Make time for them. A support structure makes it easier for your loved one to cope with stressful situations and transitions.
More information on PTSD and the physical symptoms of PTSD can be found in this article.
Taking the Next Step
Chateau Empowerment
We all have a part to play in reducing the stigma surrounding depression and anxiety and and co-occurring substance use disorders.
This can be done by not perpetuating harmful stereotypes, being open-minded towards people who are recovering from such illnesses or conditions and taking small actions that could make life better for someone you love!
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