Trauma is far more common than you might think, with the vast majority (70%) of people experiencing at least one traumatic event during their lifetimes.
The effects of trauma, especially without the right support, can feel earth-shattering. Trauma has the potential to shift your worldview, sense of self, and relationships. It can also lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a clinical mental health diagnosis.
Trauma & PTSD can be overcome. Talk to us now if you feel yourself or someone you love is experiencing the effects of trauma.
Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, crime, natural disaster, physical or emotional abuse, neglect, experiencing or witnessing violence, death of a loved one, war, and more.
Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea.
While these feelings are normal, some people have difficulty moving on with their lives.
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may develop when someone lives through or witnesses an event in which they believe that there is a threat to life or physical integrity and safety and experiences fear, terror, or helplessness.
People with PTSD may relive the trauma in painful recollections, flashbacks, or recurrent dreams or nightmares.
They may avoid activities or places that recall the traumatic event; or experience physiological arousal, leading to symptoms such as an exaggerated startle response, disturbed sleep, difficulty in concentrating or remembering, and guilt about surviving the trauma when others did not.
A single distressing incident.
Example: Surviving a Hate Crime.
Prolonged, repeated experiences.
Example: Financial abuse that unfolds over years.
Multiple distressing events that are interpersonal and invasive in nature.
Example: Ongoing child abuse; intimate partner violence.
Mistreatment from another person or persons.
Example: Abuse; combat; assault; discrimination.
Highly distressing experiences that do not originate from human behavior.
Example: Medical diagnoses; natural disasters.
A major event experienced by a group of individuals or within a community.
Example: Historical trauma; the COVID-19 pandemic.
To stop trauma from progressing to PTSD, early care and support after traumatic events is crucial. And knowing the warning signs of PTSD can go a long way in recognizing when support is needed. Here they are:
Trauma treatment typically involves medication, psychotherapy, or both.
If these treatments do not reduce symptoms, brain stimulation therapy and/or Ketamine Assisted therapy may be other effective treatment options.
Our dedicated program team is committed to offering you a comprehensive array of specialized, evidence-based interventions tailored to your unique needs.
These include Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive method that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain.
Ketamine assisted therapy, which has shown promise for rapid symptom relief in treatment-resistant depression and trauma.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a talk therapy that aims to modify negative thought patterns and behaviours.
Nutritional counsel;ing, to support mental health through dietary adjustments; and a variety of other therapeutic approaches.
These treatments can be administered individually or in synergy, depending on what is most effective for your situation.
Ketamine is a medication used as an adjunct treatment for PTSD.
It is a non-opioid anesthetic, which works by blocking the activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain, in the same way as certain antidepressants. By blocking the NMDA receptors, ketamine helps reduce the symptoms of PTSD. These symptoms can include intrusive thoughts, avoidance of situations that bring trauma-related memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and other forms of sensory overload and emotional problems.
Ketamine also works to reduce inflammation and anxiety, which can contribute to PTSD. The drug has been found to reduce levels of fear and distress and increase serotonin levels in the brain, leading to improved mood and behaviour. Additionally, it has been observed to repair the brain’s neural pathways, allowing for better communication amongst neurons. This can help to reduce episodes of intense emotions and panic attacks, which can come with PTSD.
For individuals who are dealing with trauma or PTSD, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers a non-invasive alternative treatment.
This treatment involves the use of magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, often requiring a period to demonstrate effectiveness, akin to antidepressants.
TMS has emerged as a viable option for those with trauma and PTSD, where traditional medications have not yielded significant improvement. By directly targeting specific areas of the brain associated with mood regulation, TMS can provide rapid relief from PTSD symptoms.
Alongside TMS, continuing with oral antidepressants or incorporating additional treatments like ketamine can further optimize the management of trauma and PTSD.
Also known as talk therapy or counselling, offers individuals PTSD strategies for altering their thoughts, behaviours, and routines that fuel their condition, as well as dealing with the actual traumatic situation(s) that caused the trauma in the first place.
Conducted by licensed professionals either one-on-one or in groups, key approaches like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT) are particularly effective.
CBT aids in addressing negative thought patterns and behaviours to mitigate depression and anxiety, incorporating modern techniques such as mindfulness and therapies for specific symptoms like insomnia.
Conversely, CPT centers on the interplay between personal relationships, life events, and mood, aiming to enhance communication skills, build social support, and set realistic expectations to navigate and alleviate trauma-contributing factors.
Successful treatment of your trauma or PTSD can be great increased with the use of alternative treatments such as ketamine therapy or/or deep TMS treatments alongside your psychotherapy treatments.
Medications like antidepressants are key in treating trauma and PTSD, usually taking 4 to 8 weeks to show effects, with early improvements in sleep, appetite, and concentration.
For those not responding to two types of antidepressants, treatment-resistant depression options include ketamine therapy and Deep TMS.
To maintain improvements, oral antidepressants are often continued. Adding medications such as antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, or the distinct antidepressant bupropion can also enhance treatment efficacy for resistant depression.
When it comes to trauma and PTSD, there are many sources of healing.
If you’re hesitant about trying the therapies and treatments mentioned earlier, it’s still crucial to find ways to manage your trauma or PTSD.
Here are five at-home treatments you can consider.
As with any tips for improving your mental well-being, the key is to discover what works best for you. If none of these options resonate with you, try to get creative and find something that does.
While the coping strategies mentioned above may sound effective in theory, obstacles can sometimes hinder their practice. Here are some common roadblocks to using coping skills and ways to overcome them.
Addressing these roadblocks is often the first step toward healing from trauma and PTSD.
Guilt cane be a very complex emotion. It often comes from the feeling that we’ve hurt someone.
It may help to talk to someone you trust, or journal about your feelings. You could realize what you’ve been telling yourself only hurts yourself.
After experiencing trauma, it’s normal to fear places or things that remind you of your experience(s). That’s your mind trying to protect you.
It may help to reach out to a professional to assist you in dealing with these feelings.
If you don’t feel like you have a trusted love one to talk to, there are plenty of other options to connect.
Try looking into options for support groups hosted by communities, churches and hospitals.
Therapy can be a great way to process traumatic events. But not everyone has access to a therapist for numerous reasons.
You may be able to find low cost services in your area, but there are also numerous resources online that can assist you with what you’re going through.
It is very common for those that have experienced trauma to blame themselves…but remember, it’s not your fault.
Imagine this happened to a loved one – would you speak to them the way you speak to yourself?
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