Women have unique experiences with mental health issues apart from men. In spite of physiology, they also experience hormonal shifts due to the ability to get pregnant, carry a baby, and give birth. These are difficult experiences for some women. If trauma from the past is involved, it can bring up difficult emotions or even trigger symptoms of PTSD. Lots of women experience past trauma, abuse, and neglect but never get help for it. Whether or not they have children, they may struggle with depression, anxiety, or other issues along with addiction just to cope. Learn some tips that may help a loved one who is struggling with trauma and PTSD symptoms.
Dealing with PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is a reaction to a traumatic event. This may include nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, traumatic re-imagining of the events from the past, and is a driver for other issues including depression, negative emotions, and more. There are two types of PTSD:
- Complex: exposure to traumatic circumstances, not always one event, but repeated exposure which takes away a person’s sense of safety in the world. The experiences are personal and begin in childhood. Symptoms include aggression and avoidance of reminders about the events and not wanting to be near or around where things took place
- Simple: traumatic event, like an earthquake or car accident, which occurs only once but has a lasting impact on the person’s psyche. May result in chronic health problems, memory issues, and mental health concerns
Helping Women with PTSD
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that originates as a protective mechanism to keep a person from being harmed further. The nervous system becomes hyper-vigilant to its surroundings. Women are more likely to experience it as a result of past abuse, trauma, or neglect in childhood, but it may also occur as an adult if they are in a bad relationship or a continuation of negative behaviors towards them which started in childhood and continue as an adult. Women in recovery from addiction with PTSD symptoms need medical attention and mental health support. Co-occurring diagnosis is important, along with a trained therapist working from a trauma-informed lens. Loved ones should support them in a way that is healthy to allow them to be vulnerable while supporting their healing journey. Some key things to note about getting help:
- Check into dual diagnosis support for both addiction and mental health issues
- Focus on holistic practices for mind, body, and spirit
- Find a supportive community of people who are sober and clean, including people who have been down the
- path further and may offer support
Helping a woman who has PTSD and addiction is not easy. It takes perseverance, dedication, and a focus on healing. Everyone in her life needs to be invested in helping her get well. The more people who are invested, the better off she will be in the long run.
The Guest House Ocala welcomes women who are struggling with symptoms of PTSD and addiction. We are here to help you get diagnosed and assessed so you can create an individualized, trauma-informed plan that will work for your healing now and in recovery down the road. Let us help you get started: 1-855-483-7800