While all genders can be traumatized, research has shown that trauma affects women’s mental health in specific ways. Women who have experienced trauma are more likely than men to experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They are also more likely to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance use, in an attempt to deal with their trauma.
Trauma can have a lasting impact on a woman’s mental health. It is important for women who have experienced trauma to seek professional help in order to heal and recover. The mental health treatment at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® can help. If you or a loved one is struggling, contact us at 855.773.0614 today.
How Trauma and Mental Health Intertwine
Trauma and mental health are intrinsically linked. Experiencing trauma can lead to the development of mental health issues, and having a mental health disorder can make a person more susceptible to trauma.
Women are more likely than men to experience trauma, and they are also more likely to develop mental health issues as a result of that trauma. In fact, research has shown that 70% of women will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetimes, and up to 20% of women will develop PTSD as a result.
Many different types of trauma can impact women’s mental health. Some common examples include:
- Sexual abuse or assault
- Domestic violence
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Witnessing violence
- The death of a loved one
- A natural disaster
- Being the victim of a crime
3 Ways Trauma Impacts Women’s Mental Health
Trauma negatively affects mental health, and women are particularly vulnerable to the effects of trauma. Here are three ways that trauma can impact women’s mental health:
1. Increased risk of developing mental health disorders
Trauma can lead to the development of mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Women who have experienced trauma are more likely to develop these disorders than men.
2. Difficulty coping with trauma
Women often have difficulty coping with trauma. They may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance use disorder, in an attempt to deal with their trauma.
3. Increased risk of re-experiencing trauma
Women who have experienced trauma are at an increased risk of re-experiencing that trauma. This can happen through flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts. Re-experiencing trauma can be highly distressing and lead to further mental health issues.
Mental Health Treatment at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®
The mental health treatment at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® can help women who have experienced trauma. We can provide treatment for a variety of mental health issues, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- PTSD
- Disordered eating
- Substance use
We offer mental health treatment that focuses on trauma-informed care. Our treatment is designed to specifically address the needs of women who have experienced trauma. We provide a safe and supportive environment where women can heal from their trauma and learn healthy coping mechanisms. Among the treatment we offer, we provide:
- Women’s family therapy program
- Experiential therapy for women
- Recreational therapy for women
- Group therapy program
- Individual therapy program
- Equine therapy
- Adventure therapy
- Hiking therapy
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Art therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Emdr therapy
- Meditation therapy
If you or a loved one is struggling with trauma and mental health issues, The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® can help. Contact us today at 855.773.0614 or by using our online form to learn more about our mental health treatment program.
The Willows at Red Oak Recovery® is a premier women’s mental health treatment center in the Asheville, NC, area. We offer comprehensive mental health treatment for women struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, disordered eating, and substance use.
