Untreated Trauma is a Recipe for Relapse
Untreated trauma is a recipe for relapse. We can have all the coping skills, support teams, and relapse prevention plans at our disposal. But if we are getting to the root of it, if we aren’t talking about those incredibly hard to talk about things, relapse is pretty much inevitable. Go as slow as you need but also give yourself the gift of true recovery and do the work.
The most common ways past trauma can lead to relapse is if you attempt to fight your addiction without professional help. Most treatment programs involve a certain degree of cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling that address your personal history and underlying emotions that may prevent recovery. PTSD can be difficult to treat, when left untreated, the mental health condition can cause significant psychological, physical, and social issues. Not only are veterans with PTSD at risk of suffering emotionally, but the condition puts them at an increased risk for severe life-threatening conditions.
Therapy can support anyone who has experiences trauma, no matter how bigger or how small you think it may be. Therapy can help you:
- Develop New Coping Skills
Limit Negative Thoughts- Sleep Better
- Put Feeling into Words
- Decrease Anxiety
- Limit Depression
- Improve Relationships
The effects of trauma do not have to last a lifetime. At BCA Therapy, we are here to help. BCA Therapy is located in Wayne, PA and Yardley, PA. We want to help you treat your untreated trauma.
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Self-Injury Awareness Day
Self-Injury Awareness Day, or SIAD, is a global awareness event celebrated on March 1. It draws attention to self-harm in the hope of helping people who practice it. Almost two million Americans engage in self-harm.
About 17% of people will self-harm during their lifetime
How do you observe Self-Injury Awareness Day?
- Check up on a friend: Use Self-Injury Awareness Day to check up on a friend who might be struggling. Remind them that you are there for them and act as a support system for them.
- Wear an orange ribbon: Show your support for the cause and signify that you are a safe person for them to talk to.
- Speak to a professional: Get help from a certified professional.
You’re not alone!
Help is available-
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-8255
If Recovery Was Easy, Everyone Would Do It!
If recovery was easy, everyone would do it! Recovery from anything – abuse of alcohol and drugs, trauma, mental illness, parental neglect, intimate partner violence, simply not feeling good enough. Recovery from any of these is not easy.
Recovery takes us to a deep place, an often-lonely place, a place of such truth and vulnerability from which we rise with clarity, honesty, and conviction. Not easy work at all. Recovery is incredibly uncomfortable which is why it is so powerful! No one said it would be easy. No one said it would feel good. No one said it wouldn’t hurt. But it sure is worth it!
“I am not defined by my relapses, but my decision to remain in recover despite them.” – Anonymous
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Setting Boundaries Are Hard!
Setting boundaries is really hard!
And here’s why: we hold expectations and those are really just our attempts at controlling things. No one else is you. No one owes you anything. Your boundaries are yours to own, set, and maintain based on what is most healthy for YOU.
Recovery from anything is possible when you have honesty, boundaries, self-love, and balance.
Compassion Does Not Equate to Poor Boundaries
Yes, it is ABSOLUTELY possible to have both!!
Yes, you can be a compassionate person AND have healthy boundaries!!
Remember, putting on your oxygen mask first will then allow you to more effectively assist those around you. Do you get it?
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Anywhere, Anytime Coping Skills
A limit to some commonly used coping skills is that they can’t be used anywhere or at any time. You can’t whip out your journal in a board meeting or even begin to stretch and breathe deeply while giving a presentation.
Here are two anywhere anytime coping skills to add to your tool box. Use these when you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, nervous, or unsure of yourself.
1. Color game – choose a color and count how many objects are within your eyesight that are that color. Ideally, pick a calming color like blue or green.
2. The five senses – connect to your sense of taste, touch, see, smell, and hear. Can you rub a soft or rough spot on your clothing? Can you hear the sound of laughter or music? Can you divert your attention to something pleasing?
Why do these work? Both of these skills keep us grounded and in the moment. We are increasing our awareness of our environment, slowing down our thought process, and regaining control over our breathing and central nervous system simply by having a narrow focus.
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