I looked at my calendar to see what special days will be coming up in May and here are a few that I thought we could take a deeper look at today:
Red Cross Day is May 8th
Mother’s Day is the 9th
Mental Health Action Day is the 18th
National Holocaust Remembrance Day is also the 18th
And Memorial Day is the 29th
There are lots of others, but these, especially, have quite a bit in common. The Red Cross helps people who are suffering from wars, natural disasters, and other tragic events. Mental Health Action Day reminds us to take action in helping those who are suffering mentally and emotionally. National Holocaust Remembrance is a reminder of a human tragedy that we hope is NEVER repeated. On Memorial Day we remember all those who gave their lives in previous wars and all those who have lost spouses, parents, children, siblings, etc., in wars and “conflicts.”
Traumatic events can lead to physical and mental disorders such as: chemical or food addictions, PTSD, suicide, and others.
For the first time ever, there are many different types of trauma-informed treatments for those who need help. Medication can help, but has so many side effects that people often end up taking several medications to help the side effects! Below are some different choices that you may not know about:
EFT (Emotional Freedom Tapping) uses the principles of acupuncture in a much gentler way. EFT focuses on tapping with your fingers on nine meridian points (energy points) of the body to relieve symptoms of trauma. The Veteran’s Administration has approved EFT for vets suffering from PTSD. According to the American Psychological Association’s (APA) validated treatment standards, EFT has demonstrated efficacy for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and phobias. Here is a documentary about treating vets with PTSD.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a mental health therapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress resulting from trauma. EMDR is best known for its role in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but its use is expanding to include treatment of many other conditions. There are many therapists now who are trained EMDR practitioners and some insurances cover the treatment sessions.
Regenerating Images in Memory (RIM) “Neuroscience findings support the efficacy of RIM by explaining that the brain and nervous system is “plastic” or changeable.” In 2000, a researcher at the College of William and Mary discovered that recalling a memory biochemically destabilizes it, so it can be recreated in an affirming way. This is a process that changes the emotional reaction to a past trauma. The memory itself cannot be changed, but our reaction to it can be altered. I have personally experienced a profound release of anxiety through a session with Dr. Deb Sandella, and a former client of mine said that the one session of RIM that I did with her helped her more than three years of psychotherapy.
These are three treatments that have helped thousands of people live healthier, happier lives. If you are looking for non-medication treatments for any trauma symptoms that you are experiencing, please check these out.
If you’d like to try EFT or RIM, I have some room in my schedule for private sessions. Click here for more information!
Best of Health,
Kathi
