Support
When to Seek Additional Support?
While the initial stress response following a traumatic event is normal, sometimes these experiences get stuck in our bodies and minds.
When we have trouble moving past our traumatic experiences, things like stress disorders may occur. Stress disorders such as acute stress disorder (ASD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are very common in people who survive trauma. These occur when there are ongoing stress response symptoms that are affecting your everyday life. Again, this is a normal response. However, when the symptoms start to interfere with your day to day life, it might be time to seek additional support if you haven’t already.
Ongoing stress response symptoms may include:
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Ongoing feelings of guilt or shame
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Difficulty concentrating and functioning at work or home
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Feeling disconnected or numb
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Experiencing anxiety or fear that are affecting your day to day activities
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Having troubles sleeping including nightmares or insomnia
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Noticing problems with relationships
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Finding yourself feeling angry or losing your temper at things more often
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Avoiding people, places, or things that remind you of the trauma
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Using drugs or alcohol to mask feelings or make yourself feel better
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Feeling like life isn’t worth living
Different Types of Support
There are different types of counselling that have shown to work well for traumatic events. The two most suggested methods are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). However, what is most important is that you resonate with the counsellor (it is called the therapeutic relationship). While these two methods are the most scientifically studied, some people find that more alternative methods such as yoga, mindfulness meditation, and acupuncture have helped them.
For some people medications might be helpful in relieving the symptoms of trauma. Your regular healthcare provider such as your doctor or nurse practitioner is another support person you can access.
If at any time you feel like hurting yourself or someone else, please call the crisis line at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or dial 9-1-1 in Canada or the US.
Find a Counsellor
Research has shown the sooner you seek support, the quicker you will be able to move through and process the trauma.
Trauma can get stuck in our bodies. Counselling can help you process it in order to move through the healing process. A common question is what treatment method is best? It really depends on each individual person. There are many types of counselling that have shown to work well for traumatic events. The two most suggested methods are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
When considering a counsellor and treatment style, it may be helpful to look for a counsellor that specializes in trauma. This is usually listed in their bio. When you reach out to a counsellor, they will often do an intake, meaning they spend 15-20 minutes on the phone with you (free of charge). This is an opportunity for you to see if this person is someone you think you can relate to. One of the most important things is that you have a good connection with the counsellor and feel safe. This is called the therapeutic relationship. Click here to search for a counsellor near you.
We believe that everyone should have access to support following traumatic events in the mountains. We are working on developing a program to offer financial subsidies and assistance to ensure that everyone has access to the support they need. Contact Us for more information, or Donate to today to help people in your communities.