It is estimated that 70% of adults will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Traumatic events, such as accidents, violent crimes, abuse and neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, or natural disasters, can have a lasting effect on a person’s mental health. While many people will only experience short-term responses and can recover with the support of family and friends, approximately 20% of individuals who experience a traumatic event may develop long-term symptoms that impact their daily lives and could lead to mental health diagnoses such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Symptoms of Trauma and PTSD
Symptoms of trauma and PTSD can vary from person to person and change over time.
- Flashbacks, reliving aspects of what happened
- Unwanted, distressing memories of a traumatic event
- Nightmares
- Physical sensations such as pain, sweating, nausea, or trembling
- Intense emotional distress to something that reminds you of a traumatic event
- Physical reactions such as sweating, rapid breathing, fast heartbeat, or shaking
- Problems with memory and concentration
- Irritability, angry outbursts, or aggressive behavior
- Self-destructive behavior such as drinking, using drugs, or driving too fast
- Being easily startled or frightened
- Alertness or feeling on edge
- Negative changes in thinking and mood
- Avoidance, feeling detached from family and friends
Benefits of Trauma Therapy
Traumatic experiences can have long-lasting effects on a person’s life, causing difficulties in relationships, work, school, and social settings. Trauma therapy can help individuals process their feelings about these events, learn to prioritize self-care, practice patience, and rediscover joy, hope, and trust. While it can be difficult to work through these challenging experiences, with the support of a therapist and psychotherapy, symptoms can improve over time.
Other benefits of trauma therapy include:
- Gaining insight into your thought patterns and learning to control thoughts of fear and distress
- Identifying and managing triggers and symptoms
- Developing healthy coping skills to manage symptoms
- Improving health, well-being, and quality of life
- Enhancing relationships and connections with people
- Reducing irritability, anger, and frustration
- Helping people feel less isolated and restoring hope and trust
