Trauma is the unspoken pain of a terrible experience. While not everyone who witnesses a stressful or terrible event develops trauma, the chances of developing symptoms are high. Some people’s symptoms ease after a few weeks, while others are stuck with these symptoms for the rest of their lives. Trauma is an emotional wound from a stressful event. It could be losing a loved one, an accident, abuse, a natural disaster, or a significant life failure. The National Institutes of Health revealed that 70.4% of respondents in a survey conducted by WMH experienced lifetime traumas. The World Health Organization estimates that one in four people experience trauma, highlighting its widespread nature.
This psychological response can cause various symptoms but can be addressed effectively with treatment and other constructive ways. This blog delves into mental health and trauma, its symptoms, impact, and available treatment.
Trauma Defined
Trauma is an emotional response to an unpleasant experience. Sometimes, people’s reactions to traumatic events differ. What you find physically or emotionally harmful may be considered differently by others. While a singular event might not result in the signs of trauma for a person, a profoundly distressing experience can engulf a person’s capability to cope. For example, suppose the affected person experiences the loss of an only child, sibling, or friend they treat as family. In that case, the ability to cope may be lost with the event, given the closeness. The individual will feel lost, shocked, angry, depressed, anxious, numb, guilty, afraid, confused, and helpless. Traumatic events can be evident in abuse, accidents, natural disasters, etc.
The duration of the effects is typically long-term. If the severity continues, it’s not trauma but Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Trauma comes in five different classes, such as:
● Physical trauma: This happens due to physical harm, such as accidents or acts of violence. It can result in emotional distress and pain.
● Psychological trauma: Psychological trauma stems from one’s inability to cope emotionally. These situations could be the loss of a loved one or abuse. Emotional trauma can manifest as depression and PTSD.
● Complex trauma refers to extended exposure to multiple events that occur primarily in childhood or adolescence. These disturbing events can have a long-term effect on the individual’s social and emotional well-being. These disturbing experiences include growing up in a ghetto or a worn-torn zone, child abuse, and chronic neglect.
● Chronic trauma: This trauma is similar to complex trauma but milder. This trauma results from a singular, stressful event. The event may have happened during childhood or a long time ago, but you’re still haunted by what transpired.
● Vicarious trauma: Also known as secondary or contagious trauma, people with this trauma aren’t affected directly. They relive the same experiences learned from people who witnessed a traumatic event. Doctors, healthcare workers, and therapists are at risk of this trauma because they’re exposed to the traumatic experiences of their patients.
Signs of trauma
Knowing the symptoms of trauma is vital for early intervention. However, the symptoms vary from one individual to the other. Below are noticeable indications:
● Frequent flashbacks: Trauma patients experience disturbing thoughts related to the traumatic event.
● Numbling: They are emotionally numb, blocking anything that reminds them of the event. The person can be socially and emotionally detached.
● Sharp mental alertness: The individual quickly becomes startled and highly alert. They feel they’re about to experience another Deja Vu. It keeps them from sleeping.
● Emotional disturbance: Mood swings, depression, and irrational behaviors are common signs.
Impact of Trauma
The impact of trauma far exceeds the initial experience. It affects mental and physical health, resulting in severe body pains and chronic health conditions. The person develops heightened depression and anxiety levels, often diagnosable as a disorder. The effect can push the individual to substance abuse to cope with the experience. Furthermore, trauma may affect a person’s ability to love, trust, and handle the hustle and bustle of life.
Treatment Options
Healing from trauma is a long process, but the individual improves over time. The most essential thing is to start as soon as possible. That’s why recognizing the early signs is fundamental. Below are treatment options for trauma;
- Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy and EMDR can help individuals recover from traumatic experiences.
- Medication: Medications are used with therapy in extreme cases. They are prescribed to aid sleep and reduce anxiety.
- Holistic Approaches: Alternative therapies like yoga and acupuncture can complement conventional treatments to quicken recovery.
Satori Health Can Help
Trauma can have a long-lasting effect on an individual. That’s why early treatment is essential. By understanding the signs and their impact, you’re one step closer to recovery. Take that step and free yourself from the trauma of the past. At Satori Health, we can help you on your healing journey. We understand what it takes to suffer from trauma. That leaves us in the best position to help you navigate the hurdles. Contact us for specialized and professional help to help you heal correctly.