SEEKING HELP
Just as every person’s experience with trauma is unique, the journey to heal is different for everyone. There is no single solution, but there is one universal truth: a first step toward healing is understanding who can provide support and how to reach them.
STARTING YOUR JOURNEY TO HEAL
Peer support
Trauma-informed peer support is based on the belief that people who have experienced trauma can offer mutual support in a safe, respectful environment. The idea isn’t to try to “fix” people but rather to help them be seen and heard and their truth acknowledged.1,2 Groups are often led by trauma survivors and meet in person or provide online support.2
Need help finding a group? Check out the advocacy groups listed below for one that relates to the trauma you experienced.
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Anxiety and Depression Association of America offers a list of support groups across the country.
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Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance offers both in-person and online support groups to help you find support near you.
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National Alliance on Mental Illness offers a helpline that provides support, referrals, and information on mental illness care.
Psychotherapy (often called talk therapy) provides individuals who have experienced trauma with interventions that are tailored to their needs and designed to nurture healing.3 Trauma-focused psychotherapy uses cognitive, emotional, or behavioral techniques to help process a traumatic event.4
- The National Center for PTSD has an overview to help you understand how each type of therapy works Learn more
- There are many types of professionals who offer psychotherapy, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and psychiatric nurses. The National Institute of Mental Health provides guidance on what to look for in a therapist Learn more
- To find a psychologist, start by asking your doctor or another health professional. You can also contact your local psychological association, ask family and friends, reach out to your community mental health center, or use the American Psychological Association's resources Learn more
Psychiatrists are trained to diagnose and address psychological issues. They use a variety of treatments, including talk therapy and medication when necessary, depending on the needs of the patients.5
- To find a psychiatrist, ask for recommendations from others, just as you would for finding a psychotherapist. You can also check with medical centers or online directories, such as the American Psychiatric Association Learn more
Need Support Now?
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
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References:
1.Mental Health America. CPS blog: trauma-informed peer support. Accessed October 12, 2023. https://www.mhanational.org/cps-blog-trauma-informed-peer-support
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2.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. PTSD: National Center for PTSD. Peer support groups. Accessed October 12, 2023. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/gethelp/peer_support.asp
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3.
National Institute of Mental Health. Psychotherapies. Accessed October 12, 2023. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/
psychotherapies -
4.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. PTSD: National Center for PTSD. Overview of psychotherapy for PTSD. Accessed October 12, 2023. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/overview_therapy.asp
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5.
American Psychiatric Association. What is psychiatry? Accessed October 12, 2023. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-psychiatry