What is trauma?

Trauma refers to the emotional response you have after going through a terrifying event, such as an accident or natural disaster. These events take away your sense of security, causing you to feel more vulnerable and unsafe.

Your trauma may cause a wide array of emotions, or you may even go into a state of shock and denial. 

Though many people experience trauma from a one-time event, you may also develop the emotional reaction when in a situation that causes ongoing or relentless stress, such as child abuse or domestic violence.

You may also experience trauma after the loss of a loved one or the ending of a relationship.

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What are the symptoms of trauma?

Trauma symptoms vary from person to person. There is no right or wrong way to think or feel after going through a traumatic event. Common signs and symptoms of trauma include:

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• Denial or disbelief

• Difficulty concentrating

• Irritability

• Anxiety

• Mood swings

• Feeling sad or hopeless

• Guilt and self-blame

• Withdrawing from friends and family

• Fatigue

• Insomnia

• Racing heartbeat

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Trauma symptoms may last a few days or a few weeks. With the right support, you can heal from your trauma.

However, when your trauma symptoms last more than a month and get worse instead of better, then you may be struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

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When should I seek help for trauma?

You should seek help from the compassionate providers at Strategies for Success for trauma if you’re having a hard time understanding or managing how it makes you feel, think, or behave. The psychiatric clinic also recommends professional help for anyone with PTSD. 

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How is trauma treated?

Strategies for Success takes a collaborative approach to care, and the providers work together to develop a care plan that helps you achieve your health and wellness goals. They customize your trauma treatment plan based on your diagnosis and the severity of symptoms.

Treatment may include:

• Individual therapy

• Group therapy

• Medication management

• Mindfulness training

• Neurofeedback

 

For patients with PTSD, Strategies for Success may recommend:

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Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a structured form of therapy in which your provider has you focus on images related to your trauma while engaging in eye movement activities. This therapy helps decrease the emotions related to the trauma.

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Accelerated response therapy (ART)

ART is a form of therapy that focuses on changing how your brain stores distressing memories and images to reduce the emotional reaction. Everyone responds to trauma in their own way.

 

For compassionate care, call Strategies for Success, or schedule an appointment online today.