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Trauma and ACEs

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Trauma and ACEs

What is trauma? When many people think of and conceptualize trauma, they may immediately think of trauma as an event that occurs; for example, one may explain a near-death experience as trauma. However, such situations are traumatic events. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years) and may include experiencing violence, abuse or neglect, violence in the home or community, or having a family member attempt or die by suicide; aspects of a child’s environment that can undermine perceived safety are also included on this list, specifically environments riddled with substance abuse problems, mental health problems, and instability due to parental separation or household members being incarcerated (CDC, 2021). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) describes a traumatic event as requiring actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence (APA, 2013). Trauma is a response to a deeply distressing or …

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10 Group Therapy Activities for Adults

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Participants completing group therapy activities

Group therapy activities are designed for a small group of people with similar issues. A licensed mental health therapist leads the group with special training in the issues shared by participants. For example, an alcohol use disorder group may be led by a certified drug and alcohol counselor. Therapists use various methods to help group members learn new skills while also learning more about themselves and others. Group therapy is a safe place where participants can share personal information without being judged or worried about confidentiality. It also helps everyone know they are not alone and that many others can relate to their circumstances. Types of Group Therapy Because everyone has different learning styles, it’s essential to have options for finding the right type of group therapy to attend. The four most common types of group therapy include: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is talk therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns to positive …

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Self-Harm Awareness Month

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Self-Harm Awareness Month

What is Self-Harm Awareness Month? Self-Harm Awareness Month spans the month of March with the purpose of spreading awareness, breaking the stigma, and providing support and hope to those who have or currently self-harm. Self-Harm Awareness month is observed in the United States, Canada, and parts of Western Europe.  What is self-harm? Self-harm is also known as nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Self-harm describes the act of purposely harming oneself; this act is often done by burning, cutting, pulling out hair, or picking at wounds to prevent healing. Self-harm indicates emotional distress and can lead to injury as severe as broken bones (NAMI, 2021). Self-harm urges a need for healthier coping skills for emotional distress, and though it isn’t a mental illness in and of itself, self-harm is often associated with mental illness such as depression, trauma-related disorders, and borderline personality disorder (NAMI, 2021). It is also imporant to note that self-harm …

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War Trauma, Anxiety, and Mental Health Solutions

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War Trauma

War-related Trauma and Anxiety. In light of the current events unfolding with Russia and Ukraine, we see it as being critically important to highlight the mental health ramifications associated with war-related trauma and anxiety. To start, a traumatic event is one marked with feelings of helplessness, horror, serious injury, or the threat of serious injury of death; a traumatic event can cause physical, emotional, spiritual, and/or psychological harm. Examples of traumatic events include: serious illness, witnessing a death, domestic abuse, rape, incarceration within the criminal justice system, terrorism, and of course, war. Trauma describes the response to a traumatic event and can be marked by impairing anxiety, hypervigilance, and flashbacks.  Many but not all people who experience traumatic events can go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, women are more likely to experience sexual assault and child sexual abuse while men …

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What Causes an Eating Disorder (and How Treatment Can Help)?

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what causes an eating disorder

What causes an eating disorder? Anyone can develop an eating disorder. You are susceptible no matter your race, gender, culture, or age. Nearly 29 million Americans have an eating disorder, with over 10,000 dying each year. Eating disorders are mental health disorders that are treatable and can be overcome with the right help. When trying to understand why some people develop an eating disorder and some don’t, you quickly realize how complex the disorder can be. Two people can grow up in the same household, with the same parents, structure, rules, discipline, and more, yet one may have an eating disorder, and the other may not ever have a mental health diagnosis. What Causes an Eating Disorder? Researchers believe multiple risk factors contribute to someone developing an eating disorder. Someone may experience more than one risk factor at a time. If you or someone you love experiences one or more …

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