Different Treatment Options to Help a Loved One Overcome Trauma

Trauma can be very difficult to live with. When left untreated, it generally results in anxiety and fear. These responses to trauma are expected from the body. While they are typical, the effects of trauma should not be ignored. When left untreated, the associated anxiety, fear, and stress can escalate drastically, taking over a person’s life. 

Seeking help is essential to achieving a healthy recovery. Treatment addresses the numerous concerns that accompany trauma, helping to promote positive mental health habits and alleviate anxiousness and fearfulness. Evaluating the options available to your loved one facing the effects of trauma can help you to make the best choice in how to help. 

Therapy for Trauma

Psychotherapy is widely used for treating several mental health concerns. The American Psychological Association (APA) describes the psychotherapy process as “a psychologist providing a supportive environment that allows patients to talk openly with someone objective, neutral, and nonjudgmental.” Generally, this therapy is one-on-one but sometimes involves couples, families, and groups.

When treating trauma, the most common method is a subbranch of psychotherapy called trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). This therapy method is evidence-based and geared toward people dealing with trauma and trauma-related conditions. TF-CBT is highly effective in combatting the effects of trauma and ultimately achieving recovery. 

Medication Options

Treating trauma is best done with therapy. However, the side effects of trauma can be effectively treated with medication. Anxiety and fear from enduring trauma or trauma-related conditions can be difficult to handle. Prescription medications can assist in relieving these symptoms. In addition to fear and anxiety, depression and insomnia are common side effects of trauma.

Prescribed drugs may include antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs), anti-anxiety medications, and sleep aids. SSRIs assist depressive symptoms by boosting serotonin levels, which helps regulate mood and appetite, and in some individuals, can promote sleep. In addition to antidepressants, anti-anxiety prescriptions help alleviate the effects of trauma-induced fear and anxiety, and sleep aids help to combat insomnia. 

Trauma Recovery Programs

Therapy and medication are both found in any trauma treatment plan. When helping your loved one get through such a difficult time in their life, understanding the options available is key to choosing the best fit. Programs for trauma-centered care are geared specifically to help people overcome trauma and trauma-related conditions. These come in two options, as listed below.

Inpatient Programs

Inpatient programs are also referred to as residential treatment. In residential programs, individuals receive professional treatment available at all hours of the day. These programs take place in a home-like residential setting making individuals feel comfortable and welcome. Camaraderie is another great aspect of inpatient programs due to living amongst other individuals with similar stories.

In severe trauma cases, inpatient programs are often essential for successful recovery. The ability to focus solely on healing and mental health is a critical factor in residential care. Individuals can detach from their real-life problems and concerns for optimal results. This distinguishing factor makes inpatient treatment a perfect match for severe cases of trauma.

Outpatient Programs

If you feel like residential care isn’t a good fit for your loved one, outpatient programs are also an option. These programs are just as effective for treating trauma and its related conditions, except without the home-like setting. They consist of all of the same methods (therapies and medications) and provide significantly more flexibility than inpatient programs. 

Outpatient programs are an excellent choice if your loved one has responsibilities and work that cannot be set aside for residential treatment. These programs give individuals full flexibility to maintain employment duties, care for tasks at home, and any other life responsibilities. If your loved one needs flexible options in their treatment plan, then an outpatient program can help. 

When to Step In

Watching someone, you care deeply for going through something as difficult and life-altering as trauma is hard. Knowing how to help or even when to help can be challenging. Life in the aftermath of trauma isn’t easy for anyone. You can help save a life by guiding your loved one to treatment so that they can properly manage and cope with the effects of the trauma they currently face. 

There is a beautiful life ahead of them where family functions and outings can become enjoyable again. Where they smile like they used to and can truly enjoy all that life has to offer. A person who goes through trauma doesn’t stop living afterward. They have an opportunity for metamorphosis. 

This rainy season is only the beginning of a big bright future. After treatment, your loved one will shed their cacoon, spread their wings, and fly as a new, even more, beautiful being. This transformation starts with one simple step. Help your loved one by connecting them with a facility that cares and specializes in trauma-related conditions. 

Watching someone near and dear to your heart struggle with the challenges of trauma is heartbreaking. There are things you can do to help, though. At Alter Behavioral Health, we specialize in trauma and trauma-related conditions. We help people recover from trauma and thrive in the ways they were always meant to. Connect with us, and we can help guide your loved one down the right path that leads to recovery and joy. Positive mental health is essential to achieving a fulfilled, happy life free of the effects of trauma. Call us today at (866) 691-4386 for more information and to get your loved one started on their journey to healing from trauma.