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HEALTH MATTERS: Specialized program helps men suffering from trauma

By Lorna M. Stanley, M.D. Special to The Packet
    Experiencing a traumatic event can affect your general sense of well-being and impact your overall ability to function in daily life. This is as true for men as it is for women, but too often men try to shoulder the burden alone, unsure of where to turn.
    At Princeton House Behavioral Health, men who have experienced trauma now have access to a treatment program designed exclusively for them. The Men’s Program at Princeton House is one of the first programs in the region focused specifically on the unique needs of men.
    About 60 percent of men will experience some sort of traumatic event in their lifetime, according to the National Center for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These events can range from childhood abuse to military combat to serious accidents.
    Many trauma survivors experience common reactions that include shock, anger, nervousness, fear, and even guilt. For most people, these reactions may last for several days or even weeks, but they gradually improve with time and healthy coping methods. For a person with PTSD, however, these symptoms may last for months or even years. In these cases, post- traumatic stress disorder treatment can be very effective and help you regain a sense of control over your life.
    Men are more likely to develop PTSD if, according to the National Center for PTSD, they:
    • Were directly exposed to the trauma as a victim or a witness;
    • Were seriously injured or hurt during the event;
    • Went through trauma that was long-lasting or severe;
    • Believed they were in danger;
    • Believed that a family member was in danger, and/ or
    • Had a severe reaction during the event, such as crying, shaking, vomiting or dissociation from the event.
    PTSD is typically diagnosed if symptoms last for at least one month and cause significant disruption to regular life.
    Signs and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder include:
    • Sudden feelings of anxiety or panic.
    • Distressing memories or thoughts.
    • Flashbacks or reliving the traumatic experience in your head.
    • Difficulty sleeping and nightmares related to the trauma.
    • Irritability, anger, and rage.
    • Difficulty concentrating.
    • Trouble maintaining relationships.
    • Low self-esteem.
    • Hyper-vigilance or the feeling the need to be constantly “on guard.”
    In addition, patients with PTSD may also be diagnosed with other conditions including depression, anxiety and/or substance abuse. And in many cases, symptoms of PTSD may not emerge until months or years after the traumatic event.
    It’s not uncommon for men to wait to talk about their symptoms, believing they will work themselves out on their own or that if they ignore them they will go away. For men with PTSD, early treatment can help reduce the severity of symptoms. There is guidance and support available to help you recover and improve your overall well-being.
    The Men’s Program at Princeton House Behavioral Health offers men an opportunity to undergo treatment in a supportive setting where they are more comfortable discussing their past trauma and its impact on their relationships, self-esteem, and ability to manage stress.
    Everyone entering the program undergoes a comprehensive mental health evaluation that is used to develop an individualized recovery plan. Each patient receives group and individual therapy, coping and life skills training, and education on maintaining his physical and emotional health.
    Group sessions are especially helpful in enabling men to open up and communicate freely with other trauma survivors, who can relate to their experiences. Treatment also includes dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), which helps patients regulate their emotions and behavior and exert greater control over their actions.
    Through DBT, men:
    • Learn how to develop a sense of mindfulness that helps them live in the present — not the past or the future.
    • Begin to understand their emotions and their reactions to emotional stressors so they can better handle emotional situations.
    • Develop interpersonal skills that enable them to communicate better in personal and professional relationships.
    • Learn techniques for handling stressful situations. These techniques may include physical activity, breathing exercises, meditation, prayer, listening to soothing music or just taking a time out.
    Post-traumatic stress disorder is a serious mental health condition that does not simply go away on its own. If you or someone you love exhibits signs of PTSD, talk to your doctor or contact a mental health professional to get help and support. With therapy, you can address your symptoms and reclaim your life.
    The Men’s Program at Princeton House Behavioral Health is offered as either a partial-hospital program — six-hour day treatment sessions, five days a week — or an intensive outpatient program, three-hour treatment sessions, three days per week.
    For more information about the Men’s Program at Princeton House Behavioral Health or to schedule an appointment, call 609-497-3343.
Lorna M. Stanley, M.D., is board-certified in psychiatry and is the medical director for the Princeton House Behavioral Health Mt. Lucas site. Princeton House Behavioral Health is a unit of Princeton HealthCare System.