There’s no right way to respond to a traumatic event. One person’s trauma response may be significantly different from another’s response, and that’s natural. When a traumatic experience has left you struggling with mental health issues, a PTSD treatment program can help you learn to regulate your emotions and bring balance back into your life.
There are many types of trauma a person might want to process. Childhood abuse, a near-death experience, and assault are just a few examples. Healing from trauma is possible with the right support. Call Promises today at 888.483.7451 to find compassionate and evidence-based trauma treatments.
Understanding Trauma
Psychologists use the word “trauma” to describe an emotional response to a situation, not the situation itself.
For example, two people can be involved in a horrendous auto accident. One recovers quickly, with their confidence and sense of emotional balance restored. The other person sinks deep into depression and is plagued with nightmares about the accident. These are common signs of trauma.
Many factors influence a person’s ability to recover from trauma. Their coping skills, support network, and even genetics may play a part.
What Is a Trauma Response?
The human body has a natural physical and psychological response to dangerous events. When danger is apparent, the sympathetic nervous system signals the release of hormones to prepare the body for action.
This acute stress response is a survival technique that doesn’t always serve modern humans well. The body perceives threats with very little nuance. Being stalked by a tiger in the wild and being confronted by the boss about a missed deadline can elicit the same biological response.
Sometimes, this response doesn’t fade. It may continue or even worsen over time. Some symptoms of a trauma response include:
- Depression
- Physical ailments such as headaches and digestive problems
- Inability to concentrate
- Feeling detached
- Mood swings
- Anger or aggressive behaviors
- Panic attacks
- Dreams or memories that are upsetting
- Hypervigilance, or feeling on guard at all times
- Poor self-care
- Substance misuse
Grief, depression, and anger are normal responses to traumatic events. However, some people are unable to move past these initial responses. When uncomfortable, frightening, or dangerous feelings persist, you may be living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Types of Trauma
Psychologists divide trauma into three general categories. Type 1 trauma, also called “acute trauma,” refers to a single incident, such as a natural disaster or the sudden death of a loved one. Other examples include:
- A loved one’s (or your own) suicide attempt
- A life-threatening illness
- Assault
- Witnessing an act of violence
Type 2 trauma is also known as “chronic trauma.” It involves repeated traumatic experiences, such as those a victim of domestic abuse might experience. Some examples are:
- Bullying
- Extreme poverty
- Childhood neglect and abuse
- Religious trauma
- Living with a family member who has an untreated mental illness, including substance use disorder
Type 3 trauma is known as “complex trauma.” This is a combination of chronic and acute traumas. For example, a person who was abused as a child and then violently assaulted in adulthood would be vulnerable to developing complex trauma.
Get Help for an Unhealthy Trauma Response at Promises
Healing from trauma can be difficult. Many people try self-medicating their symptoms with drugs or alcohol, which only makes matters worse. However, treatment is available and effective. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, equine therapy, and stress management therapy are some evidence-based approaches to healing from trauma.
You don’t have to live in a constant state of anger or anxiety. With the right treatment plan and compassionate support, you can heal from trauma and any co-occurring conditions. Call Promises at 888.483.7451 or fill out our online contact form to learn more about our trauma and PTSD treatment centers.