Understanding PTSD: Maryvale's Commitment to Trauma-Informed Care

June is recognized as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for those impacted by PTSD. At Maryvale, we are committed to providing comprehensive services to children and families battling with the effects of trauma. Our approach, deeply rooted in Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), ensures that we meet each person's unique needs with empathy and professionalism.

What Is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. While PTSD is often associated with veterans, it affects individuals of all ages, including children and teens.

The Impact of PTSD on Children and Teens

Children and teens are particularly vulnerable to PTSD due to their developing brains and emotional regulation systems. According to the National Center for PTSD, around 15% to 43% of girls and 14% to 43% of boys go through at least one trauma in their lives. Of these children, 3% to 15% of girls and 1% to 6% of boys develop PTSD.

Additionally, it is estimated that up to 20% of adolescents who have experienced trauma develop PTSD, with symptoms persisting for at least one month.

PTSD in children and teens can manifest differently than in adults. Common signs include:

• Re-experiencing Symptoms:
  • Flashbacks or reliving the trauma
  • Nightmares
  • Severe emotional distress when reminded of the trauma
• Avoidance Symptoms:
  • Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind them of the trauma
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms:
  • Easily startled
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Irritability or angry outbursts
• Cognition and Mood Symptoms:
  • Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
  • Persistent feelings of guilt or blame
  • Difficulty remembering key aspects of the traumatic event

The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is an approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery. 

Critical Principles of Trauma-Informed Care

• Safety: Ensuring physical and emotional safety for all.
• Trustworthiness and Transparency: Building and maintaining trust through clear and open communication.
• Peer Support: Promoting mutual self-help and support.
• Collaboration and Mutuality: Valuing and building on everyone's strengths.
• Voice and Choice: Prioritizing the importance of each person's voice.
• Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues: Acknowledging and addressing cultural, historical, and gender considerations.

Maryvale's Commitment to Trauma-Informed Care

At Maryvale, our mission is to provide hope and a path to a more fulfilling life for children and families facing significant challenges. Our approach to addressing PTSD is rooted in Trauma-Informed Care (TIC). TIC involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma. By integrating this approach into our services, we ensure that our care is sensitive to the needs of those we serve.

The Impact of Maryvale's Services

Maryvale's dedication to trauma-informed care profoundly impacts the lives of those we help. Our services help children and families heal from trauma, build resilience, and move toward a brighter future. By addressing the unique needs of each individual and family, we create a supportive environment where healing and growth are possible.

How We Do It

• Individual Counseling: Our counseling services are tailored to the needs of each child, with active involvement from their parents. This family-centered approach ensures that the entire family unit is supported and that treatment goals are collaboratively established and reviewed.
• Family Counseling: Family therapy services at Maryvale aim to strengthen family dynamics, improve overall functioning, and teach coping skills. By addressing the effects of trauma within the family context, we help families build resilience and better support one another.
• Therapeutic Groups: We offer therapeutic group sessions that focus on specific life challenges. These sessions provide a supportive environment where individuals can share experiences, learn from each other, and develop coping strategies.
• Life Skills for Teens & Adults: Maryvale offers programs that build essential life skills for teens and adults, including workforce development, employment readiness, computer skills, and financial literacy. These programs empower individuals to achieve greater independence and success.
• Wraparound Services: Our wraparound services provide intensive, multi-disciplinary therapeutic alternatives for children and families involved with the Department of Children and Family Services and the Department of Probation. These services are designed to keep families together and support children in their natural environments.
• Information & Referrals: In addition to direct services, Maryvale's Family Resource Center provides information and referrals for various needs, such as mental health services, basic needs resources, utility assistance, job training, legal assistance, substance abuse services, and parenting resources.

Why PTSD Awareness Matters

Raising awareness about PTSD is crucial for reducing stigma and encouraging those affected to seek help. Here are some important statistics:

According to the American Psychological Association, PTSD affects 3.5% of U.S. adults every year.

A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that an estimated 5% of adolescents aged 13-18 have PTSD.

Research also shows that children exposed to violence in their families show the same pattern of brain activity as soldiers exposed to combat.

These statistics underscore the need for effective trauma-informed care and the importance of organizations like Maryvale in providing essential support.

How Maryvale Supports PTSD Awareness Month

During PTSD Awareness Month, Maryvale engages in various activities to raise awareness about PTSD and the importance of TIC:

• Workshops and Training: Providing training sessions for parents, caregivers, and educators on how to support children with PTSD.
• Community Outreach: Hosting events to raise awareness and provide resources to those in need.
• Social Media Campaigns: Utilizing platforms to share information and stories about PTSD to increase understanding and reduce stigma.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention is critical in addressing PTSD, especially in children and teens. The sooner a child receives help, the better their chances of managing symptoms and leading a healthy, productive life. Maryvale's mental health services are designed to offer immediate and effective support, ensuring that no child has to face PTSD alone.

How You Can Help

Supporting organizations like Maryvale is essential in ensuring that children and families affected by PTSD receive the care they need. Here are some ways you can help:

• Donate: Financial contributions help sustain and expand our programs and services.
• Volunteer: Your time and skills can significantly impact the lives of those we serve.
• Spread Awareness: Share information about PTSD and Maryvale's work with your network.

Moving Forward with Hope

PTSD Awareness Month is a vital moment to recognize the challenges faced by those with PTSD and to advocate for better understanding and support. Maryvale is dedicated to providing compassionate, effective care through our Trauma-Informed Care approach. We aspire to help children and families heal and succeed by raising awareness and offering a wide range of services.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and teens affected by PTSD, working to give them the hope and tools they need for a brighter future.