Trauma

What causes trauma?

Trauma is something terrifying and/or life-changing that has lasting effects and can cause psychological harm. Examples include:

• Childhood neglect
• Severe bullying
• Personal assault or rape
• Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
• Witnessing or experiencing domestic violence
• Losing someone you love
• Natural disasters
• Air, sea, road, and rail disasters
• Gun and knife violence
• Armed conflict
• Terrorist attacks

Trauma can leave people in shock, causing nightmares, anxiety, and physical symptoms like nausea and shaking. The effects should gradually fade if you get the proper support and process your experience. 

However, some people cannot move on from trauma and develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unresolved trauma can cause PTSD to develop months, even years after the event. 

People who experience trauma over many years can develop severe psychological problems that affect them for the rest of their lives.

What effects might trauma have on me?

Trauma affects people differently depending on their psychological makeup, the event they experience, and what help they receive afterward. For example, losing a child can trigger major depressive disorder (MDD). Or an individual might experience severe anxiety about being alone following an assault.

Time and care help heal the effects of trauma, but if you don’t start feeling better after several weeks or months, you could have PTSD. 

Symptoms indicating PTSD include:

• Flashbacks where you relive the trauma
• Frequent nightmares
• Panic attacks
• Irritability and anger
• Startling easily
• Social withdrawal
• Decline in school or work performance
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Negative thinking
• Loss of interest in things you enjoy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Disturbed sleep or insomnia

You might try to avoid places and people that remind you of your trauma because the feelings are so distressing. People often refuse to discuss their experiences, trying to suppress the memories instead. Some people start drinking heavily or using illegal drugs to numb their emotions, leading to substance abuse.

What can I do to overcome trauma?

Infinity Care offers psychotherapy (talk therapy) to help patients manage trauma and overcome experiences. 

The dedicated team of mental health, behavioral health, and substance abuse specialists creates a safe space where you can work through trauma’s effects and reduce its burden on your mind. They can also prescribe medication for symptoms like depression and anxiety.

With their help, you can face the most horrifying memories and emerge with greatly improved mental health.

Call Infinity Care to schedule an appointment or book one online for first-class trauma-informed care.