Author: Alex Thompson

What is Trauma? Types, Treatment, and More

At present, there is not as much evidence to prove the effectiveness of somatic therapies as there is for CBT and EDMR. Researchers note that more data on these methods will help to determine how they work. Several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that EMDR is an effective treatment for PTSD. People recover from trauma every day and lead happy, productive lives. As you seek to identify, define, and explore what trauma means, remember to have self-compassion because learning about trauma can be a challenging process. Treatment plans for those with PTSD regularly include medications to help with mood and sleep.

Treatment & Support

It is not considered an appropriate mental health intervention in the immediate aftermath of trauma. The amygdala becomes hyperactive, its overreaction to minor perturbations leading to an outpouring of stress hormones. Trauma is an emotional response caused by experiencing a distressing or traumatic event. This emotional response may be present only during and right after a traumatic event, or it could be prolonged. Some traumatic events, such as child abuse, may be ongoing, or a person may experience complex trauma, which is exposure to multiple traumatic events. The emotional response may lead to intense feelings that impact a person’s attitude, behavior, functioning, and view of the world.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  1. It is important to remember that most people will recover from the feelings of distress that typically accompany a traumatic experience.
  2. Professional support from a mental health professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist can help with coping and recovery.
  3. In addition to traditional psychotherapy, expressive arts, such as creative writing or theater, can help heal trauma.
  4. That’s why emotional trauma can stick with us long after a traumatizing event has passed.
  5. Trauma-informed therapists can help with determining the best psychotherapy approaches for your unique symptoms.

If you believe you are living with a trauma-related disorder, talking with a healthcare professional can be a helpful first step in getting support. In general, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is typically the primary method of treating trauma-related disorders. CBT can help you restructure the relationship between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Ultimately, trauma is a multifaceted experience that can be different for each person, even if the traumatic event is the same. “The effects of relationship trauma aren’t going to be clear right away,” she says. “But they can affect your sense of self-worth and what you feel you deserve in future romantic partners.

Health Conditions

In a religious setting, a certain belief system can be used as a form of shaming as well. Sexual assault is likely the first type of sexual trauma that comes to mind. Additionally, any exposure to sexually inappropriate, harmful or violent behavior can cause sexual trauma. Sexual trauma frequently occurs when you don’t (or can’t) give informed consent to a sexual act.

A car crash, physical or sexual assault, the sudden death of a loved one, or even a medical emergency can create acute trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s caused by an extremely stressful or terrifying event — either being part of it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. However, trauma is not limited to specific mental health conditions.

Treatment options for trauma-related disorders

Natural disasters, death, abuse, combat, injury, and assault are all common causes of trauma. Maybe you’re already aware of your trauma and want to take the next step. Or maybe you’re having trouble figuring out the cause of the trauma that’s manifesting in your everyday life. In both cases, a trauma-informed therapist will be your best ally in the healing process. Community is one of the main ways we connect with others — both in childhood and in adulthood. But similar to relationship trauma, trauma can occur if people you once trusted (such as your church community) become manipulative, toxic or abusive.

There are many myths about trauma that impede understanding and care. For example, there is a popular assumption that all childhoods are traumatic, which causes people to mistake ordinary hardship or distress for genuine trauma. Viewing ordinary, if imperfect, childhood experiences as examples of trauma not only misunderstands the nature of experience but misstates the capacity for resilience that most people have. Eating healthy, exercising, avoiding alcohol and drugs, getting enough sleep, seeing loved ones regularly, and engaging in self-care can help relieve trauma symptoms.

News & Events

ACEs typically disrupt the nurturing bond between children and caregivers and can negatively affect the normal course of development; the emotional injury can last long into adulthood. The loss of a parent; neglect; emotional, physical, or sexual abuse; and divorce are among the most common types of adverse childhood experiences. Research has shown that the more ACEs a person experiences, the greater their risk for future mental and physical health problems. Shock, fear, anger, sadness, difficulty concentrating, and a sense of helplessness are common features of the immediate trauma response. Children may suddenly develop behavioral problems and exhibit clinginess.

It’s an experience that can have lasting effects that overlap, affecting mental and physical health. If you’re living with a trauma-related disorder, speaking with a mental health professional who specializes in trauma can help. Trauma-informed therapists can help with determining the best psychotherapy approaches for your unique symptoms. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most well-known trauma-related disorders, but it’s just one of many mental health conditions with potential roots in psychological shock.