Trauma & psychiatric medication

Trauma-Informed Practice

As a practice, we pride ourselves on being trauma-informed. We are trauma-informed because more than 80% of the clients who visit our practice have experienced some trauma. Therefore, we often collaborate with you to increase your sense of safety and provide you with the best option to manage and heal from your experience of trauma. For example, while our therapists offer talk therapy, we might collaborate with a psychiatrist who might assess, diagnose, and sometimes prescribe medication.

Medication and Stigma

In Barbados and the rest of the Caribbean, there is a fair amount of stigma against medication use, particularly psychotropic medications. However, many of our clients who have been prescribed medication experience relief of symptoms associated with their trauma experience. Trauma symptoms can sometimes block you from stabilising and recovering from your traumatic experiences.

How can Medication Help?

Symptoms like depression, anxiety, insomnia, and flashbacks are commonly associated with trauma. Medication can help in several different ways

For example:

• Antidepressants might be used to manage your depressive symptoms, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

• Anti-anxiety medications can be utilised to manage panic, anxiety, and hypervigilance.

• Mood stabilisers may help you manage mood swings and emotional dysregulation.

Medications don’t necessarily “cure” trauma, but they can help alleviate the symptoms often associated with your trauma, making it easier to engage in therapy and live life. Please contact us if you want more information on our practice and how we collaborate with local and regional psychiatrists to help you tackle trauma.