It could be said that anyone can accomplish anything. In fact, such a sentiment is said too often, in poor taste, in the wrong context. For example, when someone has sustained significant physical trauma, or any other kind of trauma which may not be physical, they are prone to hear something like “You’ll get over it” or “You just need to let it go” or “You’ll move past this.” Though these sentiments are true when proper treatment and well supported recovery is involved, it is almost never true for someone who doesn’t have support- internally with themselves or externally with a support system. If we believe we can do something, like “get over” trauma, we have a start. Recovery, whether it be from trauma, addictions, or other mental health issues, cannot rely solely on faith, belief, or even motivation. We have to have a structured system of support from our clinical team in a treatment program to our familial team to the fellowship of recovery of our choosing.
There are, unfortunately, other elements which are beyond our control or choosing which can influence our ability to recover longterm. They aren’t fair, and they aren’t consistent. However, according to the findings of study utilizing the FORTE project, the Functional Outcomes and Recovery after Trauma Emergencies, published in Annals of Surgery, females and those with lower levels of education, have decreased long-term recovery from physical traumas. More than 1700 patients were followed up with for over 30 months to “determine functional, physical, and mental health consequences” of physical trauma, as reported by Science Daily. Findings reveal that long term manifestations of trauma in the form of other medical conditions or diseases are highly occurring. Moreover, interestingly, the ability to recover from trauma is affected by gender and education.
Data collected from institutional trauma registries and self-reported outcome measures, as well as interviews and follow ups, found that 20 percent of patients were positively screened for PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, the data showed that having a female gender was a predictor for “decreased long-term functional and physical health.” As well, level of education also was a predictor for long-term functional and physical health, in addition to mental health.
The study emphasizes to us two things. One, recovery from trauma is simply not as easy as “getting over it”. Second, there is a need for support, in particular for specific sociodemographic factors. Lastly, the study shows us that our need to research the effects of trauma long-term are critically important. Everyone has a story which needs healing. Everyone deserves treatment.
You can walk through your trauma. The Guest House Ocala offers residential treatment programming for trauma, addictions, and related mental health issues. Call us today for information on our customized programs and availability: 1-855-483-7800