Solstice East Observes PTSD Awareness Month

Solstice East, a residential treatment center for teen girls ages 14-17, supports PTSD Awareness Month by providing information about symptoms and treatments associated with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and trauma in teens. For years, therapists at Solstice East have utilized their expertise to help hundreds of teen girls struggling with trauma.

"Raising awareness for PTSD is extremely important because PTSD symptoms in teens can be easily confused with symptoms of other struggles such as ADHD or defiance," says Dan Hadley, MS, LMFT, Director of Clinical Services at Solstice East. "A misdiagnosis can lead to actions that are counterproductive. Parents should be aware of the signs of PTSD."

According to Solstice East, symptoms of PTSD in teens include:

A consistent state of fear or anxiety: Sometimes traumatic events cause the brain to be constantly on the alert for future threats in order to prevent additional traumas. This can make teens feel like they are permanently in a state of fear and anxiety.
Having trouble focusing: Teens struggling with PTSD may find it difficult to stay focused and alert.
Struggling academically: Teens with PTSD may have difficulties paying attention in school because their brains are on overdrive due to their trauma.
Zoning out: One symptom of PTSD in teens is dissociation. Teens may zone out from conversation and not be "all there" at times.
Difficulties sleeping: PTSD in teens can cause insomnia and nightmares.
Depression: Teens may feel unmotivated and lethargic. Depressive symptoms may be caused by teens wanting to stay in their comfort zone in order to protect themselves from potential threats.
Flashbacks: Teens experiencing flashbacks will feel as though they are experiencing the trauma over again.
Intrusive memories: Teens may remember aspects of the event throughout the day, which may interrupt daily life. Intrusive memories are less intense than flashbacks.

"Teen brains are not fully developed, which means that they may act out and behave more impulsively than an adult struggling with PTSD would," comments Hadley.

According to Hadley, if teens believe they have experienced some sort of trauma it is important for parents to believe and trust their teen.

"If your teen has undergone a traumatic experience, you should not personalize their experiences," says Hadley. "Often, parents feel extremely guilty about their child's trauma, even if they have nothing to do with the event. Parents should deal with their own guilt separately from their child so that the child doesn't inappropriately take responsibility for their parent's guilt. That can just make the situation worse."

Solstice East suggests parents seek treatment for their child if they believe their child is experiencing symptoms of PTSD. Treatments for PTSD include: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (TF-EAP). These therapeutic methods have been effective for thousands of teens affected by PTSD.

At Solstice East, TF-CBT, TF-EAP, and EMDR are utilized in individual and group therapy settings to help teens work through symptoms associated with PTSD. Solstice East offers expertise and programming specifically designed to help teens struggling with PTSD and trauma.

About Solstice East
Solstice East, located just outside of Asheville, North Carolina, is a residential treatment center that has helped hundreds of struggling teens on their journey to solving issues like depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma and associated symptoms, drug abuse/addiction, and behavioral problems. Solstice East offers specialized, clinically intensive programs based on the specific needs of young women. At Solstice East, young women discover their full potential.