EMDR therapy is a type of treatment helping individuals move forward in their lives. Could it do the same for you?
Healing from a traumatic experience can be extremely difficult for a variety of reasons. As a result, you may find yourself stuck in anger, grief, or heartache rather than healing. Perhaps you have an acquaintance who had a positive experience with EMDR and recommended you try it. If so, you may have a myriad of questions you want answered before you open yourself up in such a vulnerable way. If you're ready to learn more, we're here to help.
The effects of trauma can be debilitating and interfere with your everyday life. So, if you're looking to learn more about EMDR, you're in the right place. We're going to provide you with the ins and outs of this highly effective form of therapy.
EMDR therapy is also known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy. This evidence-based method is highly effective in treating those living with psychological distress. Likewise, it's becoming one of the most effective methods for treating trauma worldwide.
Research and studies show it to be an effective form of treatment for a variety of mental health issues. Examples include:
EMDR can help you get to the root of the problem. For example, through the process, you're able to access memories that may be frozen in your mind. Likewise, you'll identify and reprocess negative core beliefs and install positive, empowering thoughts. In this regard, EMDR therapy can be life-changing.
Another great thing about this approach to healing is that it doesn't require you to dive into the deep details of a traumatic experience. You will address and identify troubling memories, which can be uncomfortable or distressing. However, you remain in control of the direction of the session. Likewise, your therapist will be with you to help ensure you don't leave the session completely overwhelmed by trauma triggers.
There are some side effects that you may experience during or after an EMDR session. For example, some experience headaches. Medical News Today highlights the following side effects:
Medical News Today notes that the adverse side effects tend to be less than those of certain prescription medications. Likewise, the effectiveness of therapy tends to continue beyond treatment.
Suppose you're interested in EMDR therapy in the Centennial, CO, or Boca Raton, FL, area. If so, we may be able to help. At 11th Hour Trauma Retreat, we specialize in EMDR therapy and treatments for first responders. Likewise, we understand the power that resides in such an effective form of therapy.
To learn more, please visit our website, schedule a FREE consultation today! We look forward to talking to you.
Self-care includes taking care of your body inside and out. Likewise, it involves self-awareness of both your mental and physical health. For example, it includes healthy eating and good sleep habits along with meditation and mindfulness. Research is revealing how inextricably connected the mind and body are. As you strive to heal from trauma, self-care becomes more crucial than ever.
We know proper nutrition can improve mental health, especially during stressful times. As a result, it becomes vital when living with trauma. Your body and mind may be working overtime to keep you running on all four cylinders. Now, more than ever, self-care could be the difference in the intensity of your symptoms and your ability to manage your thoughts and emotions.
Let's talk more about the crucial connection between healing from trauma and self-care.
Did you know traumatic experiences can lead to symptoms similar to PTSD? It's true; trauma is real and can make everyday life much more difficult to wade through.
It can be troubling to imagine the distant future. Yet, symptoms developed from unresolved trauma can flip a person's reality upside-down quicker than a rollercoaster ride. For an example, a situation, smell, or sound may trigger a first responder with trauma. Likewise, it could cause them to freeze in critical moments. Placing themselves, their colleagues, and those they're trying to keep safe in danger. However, through intentional efforts of self-care, you may be able to find your feet faster.
As you begin to heal, self-care is a vital component that can make a world of difference in the process. Self-care is the opposite of being selfish. Instead, it's doing all the things that help you be more present in every detail of your day.
Let's discuss the best tips for first responders regarding proper self-care.
Proper nutrition. Emotionally your body may be starving for something positive. As a result, good nutrition may take a nosedive as you reach for foods that bring comfort. However, poor nutrition doesn't feed your brain or help you think clearly. So, although now may feel like the worst time to abandon your party-size bag of chocolate candy, it may be for the better. Likewise, anxiety and stress can impact your digestive tract. So, be intentional in your efforts to incorporate proper nutrition into your daily routine. This is also true if you feel too sick to eat. Remember that your body needs fuel, especially when dealing with trauma.
Schedule Daily Relaxation. You're going through a lot. Therefore, you deserve some time to recharge. This can look different for everyone and could include a few minutes of daily meditation to quiet your mind. Pick any healthy activity that helps you unwind, not numb out.
Exercise. This doesn't have to be a time to hit the gym. However, engaging in active movement can release those feel-good endorphins your body craves. Likewise, we know exercise can help prevent or reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Sleep. trauma can wreak havoc on sleep routines. However, it doesn't diminish the importance of quality sleep. Therefore, establish a daily routine to help quiet your mind and rest your body at the end of your day. For example, create your sleep space to be a place of peace. You can diffuse essential oils and use white noise to help quiet your thoughts.
Mindfulness. Mindfulness keeps you present and in the moment. Keeping your thoughts out of the past or future can be such a gift as you work through healing from trauma.
Healing after trauma often takes more than just time. If you're experiencing symptoms that are interfering with your everyday life, therapy may be the next step to help you heal.
Having support and a safe sounding board can help you process everything you're experiencing. Likewise, a therapist can help you acquire tools in many areas to embolden your inner strength and abilities.
Self-care is a great addition to therapy. It's important to recognize you are worth caring for. Consistency in meeting your body's physical and emotional needs sets you up for success. After all, there's reason to believe the day is coming when trauma will be part of your story rather than the weight of your day.
At 11th Hour Trauma Retreat, we understand the complexities of trauma. We have both experience and expertise in trauma treatment. Likewise, we believe self-care plays a significant role in the healing process. We'd love to help you.
To our first responders, "Thank you!"
Dealing with traumatic and life-threatening events is part of the job description of a first responder. Yet, frequent and constant exposure can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The events of Covid-19 are perfect conditions for PTSD to form. So how can we help our heroes avoid suffering in silence?
A first responder's job affects them both mentally and physically. When disasters hit, they may not recognize the adverse effects they're experiencing. As a result, it is common for first responders to experience depression, anxiety, and PTSD (psychologytoday.com.
However, some may not recognize the signs of PTSD. Others may not know where or how to get help. Furthermore, many deny there is an issue. As a result, our first responders often suffer in silence. Some are turning to substance abuse or trying to deal with a chemical imbalance on their own. However, there is a way to help first responders heal their trauma. It may require working with a therapist (Bloomforwomen.com).
In this article, we'll show you warning signs to look for, which may indicate your first responder may be suffering in silence.
Trauma can form after a person experiences an intensely stressful or life-threatening event. The event can leave severe emotional, physical, or psychological wounds behind.
An estimated 30% of our first responders develop conditions that severely impact their way of life. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD are common conditions they develop. However, they don't have to live with the debilitating effects of PTSD forever.
With help from 11th Hour Trauma Retreat LLC, first responders can begin to live life as they once knew it. Through the steps of recovery, 11th Hour Trauma Retreat helps to create awareness of their psychological responses. The process of healing allows them to move past their traumas.
Most people are surprised to hear the first responder they love is suffering. According to a recent study, 44.5% of first responders report they suffer from at least one mental disorder (Goodtherapy.com). The good news is, your loved one doesn't need to suffer in silence. You can help. It all starts with awareness.
In 2017, a study by the Ruderman Family Foundation, found more first responders die by suicide than they do on the job. The study results also show depression and PTSD can be nearly five times higher in first responders, than the general public.
The study also shows many first responders are likely to resist seeking mental health care due to stigmatization. Likewise, many first responders deny there is even a problem. Consequently, the denial or resistance is likely connected to a fear of being discriminated against. As a result, first responders often suffer in silence.
If you notice your first responder family and home life, they may be feeling the effects of their demanding job. Voicing your concern may help them recognize they may need help.
Once you recognize there is a problem, coming up with a plan together may be helpful. Communicating your concern may validate what they are feeling.
First responders are essential workers. As such, helping them heal from their trauma is also essential. At 11th Hour Trauma Retreat, we are working hard to help our first responders heal and continue doing the job they love.
