Nikki Dalhamer | CPTSDfoundation.org https://cptsdfoundation.org The Foundation for Post-Traumatic Healing and Complex Trauma Research Fri, 03 May 2024 16:39:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://cptsdfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/cropped-Daily-Recovery-Support-Globe-iPad-Fav-32x32.png Nikki Dalhamer | CPTSDfoundation.org https://cptsdfoundation.org 32 32 Understanding and Addressing Common Trauma Responses for Improved Well-Being https://cptsdfoundation.org/2024/05/15/understanding-and-addressing-common-trauma-responses-for-improved-well-being/ https://cptsdfoundation.org/2024/05/15/understanding-and-addressing-common-trauma-responses-for-improved-well-being/#respond Wed, 15 May 2024 09:34:42 +0000 https://cptsdfoundation.org/?p=987489105

Trauma can be defined as any event that is deeply distressing to you, causing a significant impact on your emotional and mental well-being. While the experience of trauma is subjective and unique to each individual, there are common responses that can affect one’s quality of life. In this blog post, we explore four of the most common trauma responses and offer insights on how to address them for improved well-being.

1. Overthinking: Overthinking, or obsessively dwelling on past events or worrying about the future, can exacerbate feelings of depression and anxiety. By identifying triggers and practicing grounding techniques, individuals can learn to manage overthinking and regain control over their thoughts.

2. Over-apologizing: Excessive apologizing is often linked to low self-worth or a desire to please others, stemming from past trauma. Recognizing triggers and setting boundaries are crucial steps in breaking the cycle of over-apologizing and fostering self-compassion.

3. Oversharing: Sharing too much personal information, especially related to trauma, can strain relationships and create unhealthy dynamics. Setting boundaries and being mindful of what and how much to disclose can help individuals maintain healthier connections with others.

4. Overwhelm: Feeling constantly overwhelmed by emotions or stress may indicate unprocessed trauma. Seeking support from a trauma-informed therapist and prioritizing self-care are essential in managing overwhelm and promoting emotional well-being.

Practicing self-compassion is also key in the healing process

Recognizing these common trauma responses is the first step towards healing and improving overall well-being. It is important to remember that healing from trauma is a personal journey that may require professional support. Working with a therapist who specializes in trauma can help individuals process their emotions and experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

Practicing self-compassion is also key in the healing process. Engaging in activities such as journaling, getting quality sleep, adjusting schedules as needed, and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals can aid in the healing journey.

Remember, you are not alone in your healing process. By acknowledging and addressing common trauma responses, individuals can take proactive steps toward healing and reclaiming their well-being. Be kind to yourself, seek support when needed, and know that healing is possible.

Photo by Brandy Kennedy on Unsplash

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]]> https://cptsdfoundation.org/2024/05/15/understanding-and-addressing-common-trauma-responses-for-improved-well-being/feed/ 0 Being “Trauma-Informed” in a World Full of Pain and Chaos https://cptsdfoundation.org/2023/12/19/being-trauma-informed-in-a-world-full-of-pain-and-chaos/ https://cptsdfoundation.org/2023/12/19/being-trauma-informed-in-a-world-full-of-pain-and-chaos/#respond Tue, 19 Dec 2023 10:19:43 +0000 https://cptsdfoundation.org/?p=250445

This approach involves sensitivity to trauma’s effects, creating a safe environment, and tailoring treatment to consider the individual’s unique experiences and needs related to their trauma

“Trauma-informed” care refers to an approach that acknowledges the prevalence and impact of trauma on an individual’s mental health. When addressing anxiety and depression through a trauma-informed lens, the focus is on understanding how past traumatic experiences might be contributing to or exacerbating these conditions. This approach involves sensitivity to trauma’s effects, creating a safe environment, and tailoring treatment to consider the individual’s unique experiences and needs related to their trauma. Integrating trauma-informed strategies into therapy can help in managing anxiety and depression more effectively. Individuals who have experienced trauma are more susceptible to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other trauma-related disorders. If you or someone you know is struggling with these issues, seeking support from a mental health professional experienced in trauma-informed care could be beneficial.

Substance use can sometimes be a way for individuals to self-medicate in an attempt to cope with past trauma or emotional distress. Trauma, such as adverse experiences or unresolved issues, can lead some individuals to turn to substances as a way to manage overwhelming feelings or memories. This self-medication often becomes a cycle, as substance use might temporarily alleviate symptoms but can eventually lead to further problems, including addiction and compounded mental health issues.

Addressing trauma and its relationship to substance use requires a comprehensive approach that involves understanding the root causes, seeking trauma-informed therapy, and potentially substance use treatment or counseling to address both issues simultaneously. It’s essential to seek professional help to break this cycle and develop healthier coping mechanisms to manage trauma and its effects without relying on substances.

Substance use disorder often becomes a way for individuals to cope with the distress and pain caused by trauma or underlying mental health conditions. People may turn to substances as a form of self-medication to alleviate emotional distress or to escape from traumatic memories. Unfortunately, this can lead to the development of addiction as a person increasingly relies on substances to manage their psychological pain.

The link between trauma, mental health, and substance use disorder is complex and interconnected. Trauma, such as physical or emotional abuse, neglect, accidents, violence, or other adverse experiences, can significantly impact mental health.

The cycle of trauma, mental health issues, and substance use disorder can become self-perpetuating: substance use might provide temporary relief but ultimately worsens mental health problems and can further compound the effects of trauma. This intertwining relationship often requires comprehensive and integrated treatment approaches addressing all aspects simultaneously.

Effective treatment involves trauma-informed care, recognizing the impact of trauma on mental health and addiction. Therapy or counseling tailored to address both trauma and substance use can assist individuals in developing healthier coping mechanisms, resolving underlying trauma, managing mental health symptoms, and breaking the cycle of addiction. A holistic approach is necessary to address the interplay between these issues and promote long-term recovery.

 

Guest Post Disclaimer: Any and all information shared in this guest blog post is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing in this blog post, nor any content on CPTSDfoundation.org, is a supplement for or supersedes the relationship and direction of your medical or mental health providers. Thoughts, ideas, or opinions expressed by the writer of this guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of CPTSD Foundation. For more information, see our Privacy Policy and Full Disclaimer.

]]> https://cptsdfoundation.org/2023/12/19/being-trauma-informed-in-a-world-full-of-pain-and-chaos/feed/ 0 The Link Between Trauma, Mental Health, & SUD https://cptsdfoundation.org/2023/10/10/the-link-between-trauma-mental-health-sud/ https://cptsdfoundation.org/2023/10/10/the-link-between-trauma-mental-health-sud/#respond Tue, 10 Oct 2023 09:19:58 +0000 https://cptsdfoundation.org/?p=249929

In order to “heal” from any number of diagnoses – first, you must process your trauma

My name is Nikki Dalhamer and I specialize in trauma-informed mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) coaching & consulting for adolescents ages 13-18 and adults with primary mental health and possible secondary substance use diagnoses. I believe that TRAUMA is the real gateway drug. Trauma is the root cause of most pain in those suffering from mental health and SUD diagnoses. In order to “heal” from any number of diagnoses – first, you must process your trauma. Once you can acknowledge that pain/TRAUMA is present, admit that you need guidance, in order to process it, and open your mind and heart to the idea of healing (most likely without formal closure/a formal apology from those who have hurt you) – you can begin to take back your power and find your voice again. You will begin to be able to advocate for yourself and put boundaries in place that will allow you to continue to grow and learn how to manage your pain and emotions in a safe and productive way. However, in order to process your trauma you must first define it – you must put a name to the face.

Trauma is an experience that was and continues to be deeply distressing to you, but what is deeply distressing to one person might not be to someone else. Trauma is NOT a competition and healing is not linear, meaning that healing does not look the same for everyone. There are peaks and valleys – there are good days and bad – there is progress and regression. Trauma is a physiological, visceral memory, almost like muscle memory. Even if your brain does not produce a visual memory of the event, your body keeps score. Your body remembers the feeling of distress that was present at the time the trauma initially occurred. Therefore, when a similar event occurs in the future, your body immediately returns to fight or flight mode. You immediately go back to the time and place where the initial trauma occurred, despite the fact that trauma may not actually be present at that current moment. 

Typically, you cannot escape your “triggers” permanently. Trauma healing is not meant to erase those events and feelings from your mind completely, nor “fix” you. Trauma healing is meant to allow you to process your body’s memories/trauma, provide you with validation and hope, and offer you healthy coping skills that will hopefully allow you to live a safe, productive, and meaningful life.

 

Guest Post Disclaimer: Any and all information shared in this guest blog post is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing in this blog post, nor any content on CPTSDfoundation.org, is a supplement for or supersedes the relationship and direction of your medical or mental health providers. Thoughts, ideas, or opinions expressed by the writer of this guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of CPTSD Foundation. For more information, see our Privacy Policy and Full Disclaimer.

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