PTSD & Trauma
PACE’s master’s- and doctoral-level trauma therapists provide empathetic, effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and related conditions.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is any experience or event that is physically or psychologically overwhelming, and it’s more common than many people realize. In fact, about 60% of men and 50% of women will experience at least one traumatic event in their lives. Traumatic events include:
- Accidents or natural disasters.
- Physical abuse or assault.
- Sexual abuse or assault.
- Child abuse.
- Emotional abuse.
- Violence.
- War.
- Witnessing trauma, such as death or injury.
What Causes PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that is triggered by a disturbing event – either by experiencing it or witnessing it. Men who are diagnosed with PTSD have difficulty coping with trauma after it has occurred, but with proper treatment, it is possible for them to overcome their past to create a brighter future.
Trauma can take many forms. Many men falsely believe that only individuals in the military or dangerous professions suffer from PTSD. They may avoid seeking treatment because they think their own experiences do not qualify as traumatic. In reality, any sudden event or ongoing mistreatment can result in lifelong trauma. Such catalysts include abuse, neglect, sexual assault, witnessing violence or abuse, natural disasters, car accidents, the loss of a loved one, and being the victim of a crime.
Symptoms of PTSD
If any of these things have happened to you, you may not have had issues for a long time after the event, only for them to develop later in life. It’s possible to experience a traumatic event and not display symptoms of PTSD for weeks, months, or years after the fact. However, regardless of when these signs emerge, trauma will always have a negative effect on a person’s life and relationships.
It is vital to recognize the signs of PTSD as early as possible, because men who have undergone traumatic events are more likely than their peers to experience depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts. Symptoms include…
- Avoiding reminders of the event
- Detachment from friends and family
- Flashbacks and intrusive thoughts
- Nightmares and difficulty sleeping
- Feelings of fear, shame, and anger
- Self-destructive and reckless behavior
- Substance abuse
- Exaggerated startle response
- Difficulty concentrating
- Outbursts of anger and irritability
Treatment for Trauma + Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Getting timely help and support can help an individual to manage their PTSD. Since 2012, PACE Recovery’s clinicians have provided evidence-based trauma treatment rooted in proven modalities like EMDR, CBT and Somatic Experiencing. We are equipped to treat individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders, mood disorders, or other concerns. To learn more about our residential and outpatient programs, please contact PACE Recovery today.
