Trauma and PTSD

Trauma is a distressing experience that deeply overwhelms a person’s ability to cope, often leaving long-lasting emotional, mental and even physical scars. Trauma can stem from different events like abuse, violence, accidents or natural disasters.

While everyone processes trauma differently, some people will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a mental health condition arising after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD is characterized by persistent, intrusive memories, flashbacks or nightmares related to trauma, which lead to significant levels of distress and trouble functioning in daily life.

Both trauma and PTSD can significantly affect mental and physical health.

Without proper treatment, trauma and PTSD can be disruptive to relationships, work and overall quality of life.

Despite the intense challenges presented by trauma and PTSD, recovery is possible. Seeking treatment is a critical step toward healing. You can regain control of your life and move forward with the right support.

Understanding Trauma and PTSD

Trauma can arise from a single event or because of ongoing exposure to painful situations, impacting every person differently. Some may naturally recover with time, while others develop lasting issues like PTSD, requiring professional treatment to heal.

Types of trauma include:

• Acute trauma resulting from a single, isolated event like a car accident, sudden death of a loved one or assault. The emotional response is intense but can be short-lived if properly addressed.
• Chronic trauma is ongoing or repeated exposure to distressing situations like long-term abuse, neglect or living in a war zone. Prolonged stress deeply impacts mental health and can make recovery more complicated.
• Complex trauma occurs when someone experiences multiple traumatic events, usually starting in childhood, like abuse or abandonment. Complex trauma can affect relationships and emotional development.

Causes of trauma can include:

• Physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
• Life-threatening accidents or severe injuries.
• Natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes or floods.
• Combat or war experience.
• Sudden loss or bereavement.

Post-traumatic stress disorder develops beyond the initial shock or grief of an event. It involves symptoms that are persistent and long-term.

Not everyone who experiences trauma goes on to develop PTSD. Still, there are factors like the severity of the trauma, having a history of mental health issues, and the presence or absence of a support system that can influence its development.

Signs and Symptoms of Trauma and PTSD

Trauma and PTSD can manifest in different ways, and the symptoms tend to be overwhelming.

Emotionally, trauma and PTSD can create feelings that are intense and hard to predict or control, including:

• Individuals with PTSD often experience flashbacks where they relive the traumatic event as if it’s happening again. Sounds can trigger flashbacks, as can smells or other reminders of the trauma.
• Distressing dreams about the traumatic event can disturb sleep and leave people feeling anxious or shaken even after they wake up.
• Mood swings, including anger, sadness or irritability, can be common when dealing with trauma. Emotional fluctuations make it hard to maintain relationships and function day to day.
• People with PTSD frequently experience fear and irrational guilt or shame. They may blame themselves for the traumatic event.
• Some individuals have emotional detachment or feel disconnected from others and struggle to experience joy or positive emotions.

Trauma and PTSD can significantly affect the body as well because the stress response remains heightened.

Common physical symptoms include:

• There is a constant feeling of being on guard or high alert, like danger is always present, making it hard to feel safe and relaxed.
• Problems falling or staying asleep, often because of a fear of nightmares or reliving the event.
• Unexplained physical pain.
• Increased startle response.

With trauma and PTSD, thought processes can be disrupted, and it makes it hard to focus or think clearly. Cognitive symptoms may include:

• Unwanted, distressing memories of trauma can intrude on daily life.
• Trauma can create a mental fog that makes it hard to focus on anything, even simple tasks.
• Memory issues may make it hard to recall details of the event or, in some cases, aspects of daily life.
• Individuals with PTSD often experience negative thoughts or distorted ways of thinking about themselves or the world. It can lead to a sense of hopelessness. There could be a sense that danger is always lurking.

Trauma-informed and Integrated Care

At Invigorate Behavioral Health Counseling Center, we prioritize a trauma-informed approach to care. We understand that trauma can affect every part of a person’s life. This approach guides how we structure treatment to ensure that every person feels safe, empowered and respected throughout the healing process.

A trauma-informed approach is based on core principles, including:

• Safety: We create a safe, supportive environment where you feel secure sharing experiences without fear of judgment or traumatization.
• Empowerment: Our personalized treatment plans give every person a sense of control over their healing process so they can take an active role in their recovery.
• Collaboration: When appropriate, we work closely with individuals and their families or loved ones to ensure collaborative treatment meets their needs.
• Cultural sensitivity: We honor and respect each person’s background, beliefs and experiences for an inclusive, respectful approach.

By taking these factors into account, we aim to build trust, reduce anxiety and foster a healing environment, acknowledging the complexity of trauma and its effects.

We use evidence-based treatment approaches, including:

• Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
• We can also include somatic experiences and other body-centered treatments to help release physical tension and stress stored in the body.

In some cases, medication may be recommended for managing anxiety, depression or other symptoms associated with trauma. Our team works closely with individuals, ensuring that any medication is used as part of a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan.

Take a First Step Toward Healing

If you or a loved one is struggling with trauma or PTSD, help is available. We’re here to support you with compassionate, trauma-informed care to help you begin the healing process. Contact us today. You don’t have to face trauma alone.