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Category: Mental Health Awareness Month

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DVAM Mental Health Awareness Month PTSD Awareness Month PTSD Awareness Month Blog Header

Understanding the Link Between Domestic Violence Trauma and PTSD: Self-Care Tips for Healing

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide, leaving long-lasting physical, emotional, and psychological scars. Among the various consequences survivors may face, one often overlooked but significant outcome is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This article aims to shed light on the relationship between domestic violence trauma (DV) and PTSD, exploring its impact and providing practical self-care tips to support survivors on their healing journey.

There is a complex connection between DV and PTSD. Domestic violence encompasses a range of abusive behaviors that one person uses to exert power and control over another in an intimate relationship. These traumatic experiences can deeply affect survivors, leading to the development of PTSD. The connection between DV and PTSD lies in the enduring sense of fear, helplessness, and ongoing exposure to psychological, emotional, and physical harm.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex condition that arises from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Survivors of domestic violence often exhibit symptoms consistent with PTSD, including:

  • Intrusive Memories: Vivid flashbacks, nightmares, or distressing thoughts that recur unexpectedly, reminding survivors of traumatic experiences.
  • Avoidance and Numbing: A tendency to avoid places, people, or activities that may trigger memories of trauma, coupled with emotional detachment and loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities.
  • Hyperarousal and Hypervigilance: Heightened anxiety, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and an ongoing state of alertness, as if anticipating danger.
  • Negative Cognition and Mood: Persistent negative thoughts, self-blame, guilt, feelings of shame, and a distorted sense of self-worth.

While seeking professional help is crucial for survivors of domestic violence, integrating self-care practices into their healing journey can play a significant role in rebuilding their lives. Here are some self-care tips to consider:

  • Prioritize Safety: Ensure physical and emotional safety by creating a safe environment, developing a safety plan, and establishing a support network of trusted individuals.
  • Seek Professional Support: Connect with mental health professionals specializing in trauma and domestic violence to guide you through the healing process and provide evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Neurofeedback.
  • Practice Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques: Engage in activities that help you stay present, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or grounding techniques like focusing on the senses or repeating affirmations.
  • Engage in Self-Compassion: Cultivate self-compassion by treating yourself with kindness, acknowledging your strength and resilience, and practicing self-acceptance.
  • Establish Healthy Boundaries: Set clear boundaries in your relationships and learn to say no when necessary. Prioritize your needs and create a sense of empowerment and control over your life.
  • Engage in Supportive Communities: Connect with support groups, online forums, or local organizations that provide a safe space to share experiences, gain support, and build a sense of community with fellow survivors.
  • Engage in Self-Expression: Explore creative outlets such as writing, art, or music to express and process your emotions in a healthy and constructive manner.

The journey of healing from domestic violence trauma and managing PTSD can be arduous, but it is not one survivors must face alone. By understanding the connection between domestic violence trauma and PTSD and implementing self-care practices, survivors can begin reclaiming their lives and nurturing their well-being. It is essential to be patient and compassionate with oneself throughout the process. By prioritizing safety, seeking professional support, practicing mindfulness, establishing healthy boundaries, engaging in supportive communities, and embracing self-expression, survivors can take important steps toward healing and nurturing resilience. Remember, you are not defined by the trauma you have experienced. With time, support, and self-care, it is possible to reclaim your sense of self and move forward on a path of healing, growth, and empowerment.

About the Author

Rebecca Councill, Manager of Communications and Operations

Manager of Communications and Operations of HCDVCC,

Rebecca Councill

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Mental Health Awareness Month PTSD Awareness Month

June is PTSD Awareness Month – What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a specific condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This article will attempt to delve into what it is, discuss common symptoms, and emphasize the importance of seeking help if you suspect you may be experiencing PTSD.

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. These events might include natural disasters, physical or sexual assault, combat exposure, accidents, or the sudden loss of a loved one. PTSD can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and its impact can be long-lasting.

Recognizing Symptoms
Symptoms of PTSD can manifest in various ways, affecting a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience with PTSD is unique, but some common symptoms include:

  • Intrusive Memories: Flashbacks, nightmares, or distressing thoughts related to the traumatic event that seem to invade one’s mind.
  • Avoidance: Avoiding people, places, activities, or conversations that remind the individual of a traumatic event.
  • Negative Thoughts and Mood: Persistent negative thoughts, feelings of guilt or shame, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, or emotional numbness.
  • Hyperarousal: Feeling constantly on edge, being easily startled, having trouble sleeping or concentrating, and engaging in heightened vigilance.

Seeking Help and Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Recognizing the signs and taking action can be the first step toward healing and recovery. Here are a few steps you can take:

  • Reach Out: Speak with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, who can assess your symptoms, provide an accurate diagnosis, and offer appropriate treatment options.
  • Therapy: Different therapeutic approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or Neurofeedback can be effective in treating PTSD. These therapies help individuals process traumatic memories and develop coping mechanisms.
  • Support Systems: Surround yourself with a network of supportive friends, family, or support groups. Sharing your experiences and feelings with others who understand can provide comfort and validation.
  • Self-Care: Engage in self-care practices that promote physical and emotional well-being. Regular exercise, sufficient sleep, balanced nutrition, and stress reduction techniques like meditation or mindfulness can contribute to overall recovery.

PTSD is a complex condition that requires understanding, empathy, and appropriate support. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking help is crucial for healing and moving forward. Remember, you are not alone, and there is no shame in seeking assistance. Mental health professionals are there to provide guidance, understanding, and effective treatment. Let us embark on this journey together, fostering compassion and hope for those affected by PTSD.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical or mental health advice. If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD, please consult a qualified healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and personalized guidance.

About the Author

Rebecca Councill, Manager of Communications and Operations

Manager of Communications and Operations of HCDVCC,

Rebecca Councill

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Mental Health Awareness Month Op-eds

Mental Health Awareness Month and IPV

For Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s discuss the connection between people experiencing intimate partner violence and mental illness. Did you know that people who are victim survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) have higher rates of experiencing mental health issues, like PTSD, anxiety, and depression? Some research suggests 3 times more likely. And did you know that people with chronic mental health conditions are at higher risk for experiencing intimate partner violence? Some research has reported that 30-60% of women with mental health diagnoses will experience IPV.

On a personal note, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, have helped many others through mental health crises, processing trauma, and am as much of an expert as one can be on most things interpersonal violence. I am also a victim survivor of dating violence myself and struggle daily with symptoms of anxiety and depression. It‘s been over 25 years since experiencing abuse, and then I went through therapy, focused on healing, and made a career of helping others, and it still impacts me. I hope this illustrates the power that abuse has over our mental health. Of course, other stressors have popped up over the years, even some traumatic experiences, but this violence I experienced early in life started my brain on the path of trying to constantly remain in survival mode to protect me, and it has never been the same.

We don’t have to be experts on the brain to understand how the brain responds to and is impacted by trauma. The bottom line is that when we experience things that make us feel like our lives are in danger, chemicals flood our brains in response to the threat. The harm does not have to literally be a life or death situation, as long as we are feeling overwhelmed, out of control, and scared. The more we experience this harm, the more challenging it is to get our brains back to functioning like before when we felt safe. This can make life very difficult. These changes can create triggers, impact our memory and executive functioning, tell us not to trust others, make us question everything, and put us in a near constant state of reactivity. Our brains want us to be prepared for trauma if it happens again. This can lead to chronic symptoms of mental illness.

Now that we understand how experiencing abuse can increase our chances of facing mental health challenges, let’s also explore why those already suffering with mental illness are at a higher risk. Unfortunately, many people who suffer with mental illness can struggle with functioning at work, in relationships, carrying out daily household tasks, etc. They can try to cope with symptoms through isolating themselves, disconnecting from their support system, changing jobs and housing often, and can have lower self esteem than those who do not experience these symptoms. A lack of self-worth and a lack of stability and resources can place us in a position of great vulnerability. Vulnerability in a person can be an abuser’s most formidable tool to obtain power and control over them.

I have been provided with empathy and support over the years and have learned how to carry my trauma in a way that empowers me now. Luckily, most days, my brain follows my lead. The greatest gift that you can give a victim survivor who is struggling with their mental health is to educate yourself about these topics and provide them with radical empathy. This is true of those who are dealing with mental health diagnoses as well. Too often in our society, both these groups are victim-blamed, not believed, ignored, and told that they need to “get over it”. Changing this narrative within the communities and groups that we engage with is a powerful first step to making lasting change.

About the Author

Cathryn Councill Headshot

Cathryn Councill is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is the Director of The SAFE Office at Rice University.

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Community Share Mental Health Awareness Month Op-eds

Understanding and Promoting Black Mental Health

Understanding and Promoting Black Mental Health blog header
Understanding and Promoting Black Mental Health blog header

Racism has been embedded within American culture for centuries and in turn the U.S. healthcare system. This has led to mental health inequities in the African American community over time. Despite the current popularization of addressing individual mental well-being, the African American population continues to suffer. Mental health remains less researched, resourced, and advocated for equitably within the African American community.

The healthcare system in the United States of America has often engaged with members of the African American community as experimental subjects rather than as patients deserving of respect and quality care. US history is littered with examples of this racist-driven treatment. From the utilization of involuntary institutionalization as a form of punishment to the Tuskegee experiment in 1932, the healthcare system has been another avenue through which African Americans have been oppressed. During slavery, mental health as an aspect of the African American population’s health was often denied or misused to justify further subjugation (“The Historical Roots of Racial Disparities in the Mental Health System.” Counseling Today, 2020.) Following the abolition of slavery, the provision of equitable health services (including mental health) for African Americans was not deemed a priority. This led to less research, advocacy, overall investment, and corresponding healthcare policies being enacted. All these factors could have helped address pre-existing and emerging mental health inequities. Today, we can observe the results of that neglect when peering at the lack of quality healthcare providers/facilities situated in communities with many African American residents, insufficient cultural competency training for future health care providers, etc.

Inaction and apathy rooted in racism have permitted this inattention to the mental health of African Americans to be observable on all socio-ecological levels. Although rates of mental illnesses in African Americans are similar to those of the general population, disparities exist regarding mental health care services (Primm A, 2010). According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Mental Health Facts for African Americans guide, “African Americans are less likely to receive guideline-consistent care, less frequently included in the research, and more likely to use emergency rooms or primary care (rather than mental health specialists)”. “Which has led to only one-in-three African Americans who need mental health care receives it” (Dalencour M, 2017). Many studies have highlighted how factors like health care provider bias, inequality in healthcare services have driven this health inequity.

Currently, we are experiencing a massive shift in our collective regard for mental well-being. The pandemic and social unrest have thrust our nation into a discourse about our nation’s values. This has included mental health. Many have had to recognize the past and resulting compound, vicarious, historical and, racial trauma experienced by many, particularly the African American populace. Healthcare is a social determinant of health and addressing the widespread health-related inequities plaguing the African American community is imperative. This is inclusive of mental health. To properly address the preexisting and growing psychological needs of African Americans, we must explore current research into innovative and culturally competent therapeutic frameworks and interventions.

One way to support black mental health is promoting access to culturally competent mental health services. This means providing care that is sensitive to the cultural and racial experiences of black individuals and ensuring that black individuals have access to therapists and other mental health professionals who understand and can address their specific needs.

Resources:
• Therapy for Black Girls
• Therapy for Black Men
• Black Men’s Health
• Find a Black Provider

Another way to support black mental health is by fostering safe spaces where individuals can openly discuss their experiences and emotions. This can be achieved through community-based initiatives, support groups, and online forums.

Resources:
• National Alliance of Mental Health
• Black Mental Health Alliance
• Black Millennial Mental Health

It is also important to invest in education and awareness programs that promote mental health literacy and encourage early intervention and treatment. This can include workshops, seminars, and community events that educate individuals on the signs and symptoms of mental illness, and how to access resources and support.

Resources:
• Black Mental Health, 988
• Mental Health First Aid
• Mental Health in the Black Community
• MHA of Greater Houston
• Take a free, confidential mental health screening

By working together, to amplify these spaces and resources we can break down the barriers to mental health care and create a brighter future for black individuals and families.

About the Authors

Sharifa Charles
Nicole Milton

Sharifa Charles, Professional Development Specialist

Nicole Milton, Training Manager

Mental Health America of Greater Houston

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Categories
Community Share Mental Health Awareness Month Op-eds Sexual Assault

Effects that Domestic Violence has on Survivors’ Mental Health

Blog Header for article "effects that domestic violence has on survivors’ mental health".
Blog Header for article "effects that domestic violence has on survivors’ mental health".
As a Lead Trauma Support Partner (TSP) and License Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I wanted to touch on the effects that domestic violence has on survivors’ mental health, since its Mental Health Awareness Month. We know from research that domestic violence (whether you’ve endured it personally or witnessed it as a child) increases one’s risk of experiencing depression, anxiety, substance use, suicidal behaviors and PTSD. But what do these “labels” actually look like in the day to day? People think depression is “feeling down or hopeless” and while that’s true for a lot of people, depression can also look like irritability, increased or decreased appetite, need for sleep, and /or interest in sex. It can also look like someone no longer doing the things that they used to enjoy like connecting with friends or family, participating in a hobby or pleasurable activities. Similarly, people think anxiety is “intense worrying’ but anxiety can also look like increased irritability, difficulty concentrating or restlessness (feeling like you always have to be doing something) or feeling like something bad is going to happen. Maybe you’re short tempered with your kids or peers. Maybe you’re on edge all the time. These are all symptoms of anxiety. Lastly, people think PTSD is “flashbacks and hypervigilance” and again that is true, but PTSD can also look like difficulty concentrating, memory problems or forgetfulness, impaired functioning at home, school or work, feeling numb, wanting to be alone, engaging in risky behaviors and difficulty falling asleep. Its important to recognize these “other” symptoms so that you can get help (if you’re the trauma survivor) or you can adjust your interventions (if you’re the advocate). If you’re the trauma survivor and you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to someone – a trusted medical or mental health professional, a clergy member, a family elder, a friend or call 988 – the national crisis line if you’re in a mental health crisis. If you’re an advocate, ask the right questions, connect your client to services, be patient and understanding and most importantly, educate your clients about these other less common symptoms because it just might be what they needed to hear to seek out support. With so many service options (in-person, via tele-health and even text messaging), it’s never been more accessible to get the help you need. Join me this month as we work towards bringing awareness to mental health.

About the Author

Profile Picture for Desiré Martinez, LCSW-S Lead Trauma Support Partner

Desiré Martinez, LCSW-S is a Lead Trauma Support Partner for HCDVCC.