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Trauma is a reoccurring theme among people living with alcohol, substance use, and mental health disorders. When people lack the tools to cope with the symptoms of the trauma they are apt to make unhealthy choices and are susceptible to mental illness.
Research links Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to various forms of substance abuse and impulse control disorders, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that about two-thirds of all addicts previously experienced some type of trauma during childhood.
Traumatic events can come in several shapes and forms. An experience that is challenging for one person may not be for others. But, each person is different; environmental and genetic factors play a role in how an individual can cope.
What’s more, trauma can play a causal role in the development of various forms of mental health disorders. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety are a few conditions that people who undergo significant hardships can face later in life.
It’s safe to say that parental loss is one of the most challenging things a child can face. For most children, their entire world revolves around their mother or father; losing one or the other is an earth-shattering experience. It is paramount that those who experience loss have access to support so that they can learn to process their trauma in healthy ways.
The Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex are two young men who had to deal with traumatic loss at a young age and had to do so in the international spotlight. So it is not surprising that Prince William and Prince Harry are using their status to help others who struggle with mental health problems.
New Documentary Series about Mental Health
An announcement came last week that Prince Harry and Oprah Winfrey are working together to create a multi-part series on the subject of mental health and wellbeing. The show, scheduled for release next year, will handle “both mental illness and mental wellness, inspiring viewers to have an honest conversation about the challenges each of us faces, and how to equip ourselves with the tools to not simply survive, but to thrive.”
Prince Harry spoke with The Telegraph a couple of years ago how he ignored his trauma and mental health for nearly two decades. The result of neglecting his mental wellbeing for so long was both anger and anxiety. He told the publication that he was “very close to a complete breakdown on numerous occasions.”
At the age of 28, The Duke began receiving counseling to help him process his grief.
Harry was 12 when his mother died tragically in a hospital following a catastrophic car wreck. Twenty-two years later the mental health advocate is doing his part to break the stigma of mental illness and encouraging people to seek help.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex launched a campaign about mental well-being in 2016 called Heads Together. It is a mental health initiative tackling stigma and changing the conversation on mental health.
Regarding his collaboration with Oprah, The Duke of Sussex says:
“I truly believe that good mental health – mental fitness – is the key to powerful leadership, productive communities and a purpose-driven self. It is a huge responsibility to get this right as we bring you the facts, the science and the awareness of a subject that is so relevant during these times. Our hope is that this series will be positive, enlightening and inclusive – sharing global stories of unparalleled human spirit fighting back from the darkest places, and the opportunity for us to understand ourselves and those around us better. I am incredibly proud to be working alongside Oprah on this vital series.”
The series will premiere on Apple’s new streaming service, Apple TV+ next year.
Trauma and Addiction Recovery
At Hemet Valley Recovery Center & Sage Retreat, we understand the relationship between trauma and addiction. We offer a specialty track for individuals who work in fields that often carry the risk of injury or witnessing horrific events. First responders and military personnel take significant risks and can suffer as a result.
Those who lack sufficient coping mechanisms or access to support to learn such skills, often turn to drugs and alcohol to manage their symptoms. PTSD can be a catalyst for the formation of addictive disorders. It is crucial that men and women who struggle with trauma or addiction seek help immediately.
Please contact HVRC if you or someone you love is struggling. With the help of our highly trained staff, healing and recovery are possible.