Self-care during these unusual times is a high priority, and it's important to remember mental health is as important as physical health. Forest View Hospital's team of medical specialists is around to help 24/7 when there's a traumatic experience, like a global pandemic.
Alyssa Smith, the Trauma Program Coordinator for Forest View Hospital, explains how to spot the signs of trauma, and how their assessment team can help.
Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, physical injury, natural disaster, or even (like COVID-19). There are many responses that someone might have after trauma including shock, denial, strained relationships, and even a few physical symptoms.
Currently, adolescents may be going through trauma because of the changes from the “normal” back-to-school schedule. Students are having to adapt to a new approach and grieving what they lost from previous years. It is important to talk to adolescents and work to help them through this time.
Adults may experience trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic due to job loss, financial hardship, the feeling of uncertainty, or the loss of social connection. It is important that we are validating what we are feeling and learning effective coping skills to work through this trauma.
Forest View Hospital has a dedicated trauma program that helps patients work through their traumatic experience and psychological challenges by learning to experience and regulate their emotions. Patients learn health attachment patterns and practice reducing shame-based cognitive thinking. Their trained staff help individuals work through the grief/loss that comes from the past traumatic event.
If you or a loved one is in need of additional mental health services, call 1-800-949-8439 or visit forestviewhospital.com. the Forest View Hospital assessment and referral team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
