Men and women respond to trauma differently, which is why many treatment centers actually offer gender-specific treatment programs. At Zelus Recovery, the men’s trauma treatment program is designed with the unique needs of men in mind. The treatment experience works to help men develop coping strategies for dealing with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in their lives.
Gender-specific treatment has proven to be highly effective, plus being among peers who are sharing a similar experience provides a more comfortable environment in which to heal. A caring and compassionate treatment team helps patients deal with the stigmas associated with mental health conditions and helps them build a toolbox of skills they can take with them into their everyday lives. For help finding a PTSD treatment program in Idaho, call on Zelus Recovery for guidance.
What is PTSD?
Before understanding how men deal with PTSD differently than women, it’s important to understand what PTSD is. PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that occurs in people after they have experienced a traumatic event. In fact, PTSD can cause thoughts and feelings—such as flashbacks or nightmares—as disturbing as the trauma itself, that can last long after the event has happened.
PTSD symptoms in men
The PTSD symptoms that men experience can be different from those experienced by women. Men may become numb to emotions altogether, become very irritable or angry, and even turn to substance use as a way to cope. Women, on the other hand, tend to exhibit signs of depression and anxiety as their primary symptoms of PTSD, in addition to emotional numbing.
Additional symptoms of PTSD that men may experience include:
- Fight or flight response
- Negative thoughts and feelings about themselves
- Blaming themselves for their trauma
- Depressive thoughts
- Substance misuse
- Thoughts of suicide
- Risky behavior
No matter the symptoms being experienced, it’s important for men to seek professional help for their PTSD as soon as possible.
PTSD treatment for men
Trauma is not just a negative experience that happens to someone. The lasting effects of the trauma can be just as traumatic as the event itself. Symptoms of PTSD can make it feel like one is re-living the trauma over and over again. PTSD treatment focuses on minimizing these symptoms and learning ways to better manage triggers and symptoms when they arise.
Many men may stay silent about the effects of their trauma because of the stigma surrounding mental health. Their mental health not only suffers, but their physical health and everyday life as well.
Opening up and talking about the trauma can be difficult for men. A men’s treatment program, where patients are surrounded by other men going through a similar experience, can make men feel more comfortable opening up about their struggles. Removing the fear of shame and judgment makes getting treatment that much easier. Through a variety of therapies, men can address the issues surrounding their trauma and develop effective ways to cope, communicate, and build healthy relationships.
Contact Zelus Recovery today to enroll in a PTSD treatment program in Idaho
June is PTSD Awareness Month—there’s no better time to begin your path to recovery.
Seeking help for PTSD is a sign of strength, not weakness. Unfortunately, stigma around mental health often leads men to hide their symptoms and avoid treatment, which can worsen the condition over time.
If you’re ready to take the first step, Zelus Recovery is here to help. Our professional team offers specialized PTSD treatment for men near Boise, ID. To get started, fill out our online contact form or call 208.518.0797 to speak with a team member about how treatment can help you live a healthier, more productive life.
