In our residential school for teen girls, we often help girls work through traumatic experiences and post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). We’re also very familiar with the stigma and misunderstandings attached to issues like PTSD. Unless you’ve hidden from the news lately, you’ve probably heard something about Lady Gaga admitting to the world that she struggles with PTSD. This was a huge moment for mental health awareness, but as one reads articles about it, it’s nearly impossible to ignore the comments claiming there’s no way someone like Lady Gaga could have PTSD–which is very, very wrong.
We’d like to clear up some common myths associated with trauma and PTSD in the hopes of spreading awareness about mental health issues and how they work.
Busting myths about trauma & PTSD
- Only Soldiers Can Have PTSD. This is one of the biggest misconceptions about PTSD. Yes, soldiers are often the ones that suffer from PTSD, but many, many other people struggle with it that have never set foot in a warzone. In Lady Gaga’s case, she experienced a very traumatic event when she was a teenager and it’s haunted her ever since through PTSD. With the right care–such as from a residential school for teen girls–individuals can move forward with their PTSD.
- Flashbacks Are Like They Are in Movies. In movies, flashbacks are usually depicted as these dramatic, intense, crazy experiences–but they aren’t always that way. A flashback doesn’t always make someone feel as if they’re back in that moment, it can be as if they’ve just drifted or separated from the current moment–it can cause a person to have a physical response, such as sweating or an increased heart rate, though.
- Trauma Is Just the Fear After an Event. This is also a common myth. Many think that being in shock after a traumatic event is “trauma” or “PTSD” but it’s not even close. PTSD is categorized into 4 categories: avoidance behavior, mood change, hyperarousal, and intrusive memories or thoughts. These behaviors have to last a month or more to be considered PTSD–which is significantly different than the aftershock of an event.
- Trauma Will Disappear with Time. This is probably the most dangerous misconception around. As a residential school for teen girls, we are very familiar with this thought process. Many people believe that if they just wait long enough, things will fix themselves–but that doesn’t always happen and it can lead to even worse issues down the line if you’re not treated properly.
Solstice East is a residential school for teen girls
Solstice East is a residential school for teen girls, ages 14 to 18. Our girls often grapple with depression, PTSD, low self-esteem, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and other emotional or behavioral problems when they come to us. In our residential school for teen girls, we strive to help students develop healthy habits and lead themselves back onto a path of success and happiness.
For more information about how residential school for teen girls at Solstice East can help your daughter, please contact us at 828-484-9946.