Trauma & PTSD

Witnessing or undergoing extremely distressing events can have dire effects on our mental health and how we deal with the world. These experiences can leave us traumatized with lasting consequences.

When attempting to identify someone undergoing post-traumatic stress disorder, we must understand that not everyone manifests the same symptoms. A traumatic event to someone can be just another hardship to overcome by another.

Fortunately, with guidance from a therapist, you can learn ways to cope and manage the symptoms.

Causes Of Trauma & PTSD

A person exhibits signs of trauma when they experience an event that is both extremely disturbing and unexpected. They are left overwhelmed with negative emotions, most of which they can't comprehend. The causes can be physical, emotional, or social in nature.

Here are some of the most common causes of trauma:

• One of the leading sources of post-traumatic stress disorder is being involved in an accident. Even when the person is physically unharmed, having experienced the event can lead to shock and trauma.
• The death of a close person is another common reason for traumatic feelings. The same can occur when you or a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness and death looms.
• Physical and verbal acts of violence can lead to the exhibition of trauma symptoms, especially in children.
• Abuse can come in many forms, emotional, physical, sexual, and verbal. It can be a one-time event or a recurring one. Whatever the shape or form of it, abuse is a prominent cause of trauma and PTSD.
• Wars And Natural Disasters. There is no doubt about the devastating effects of wars and natural disasters. Being involved in these cases can leave people dealing with severe trauma.

Signs Of Trauma And PTSD

Signs of trauma can persist anywhere from a few weeks to decades. How long it takes depends on various factors such as the person, the severity of the event, and how soon the person arranged for professional intervention.

Here are common symptoms of trauma:

• Frequent outbursts of anger
• Difficulty managing stress levels
• Insomnia and sleep deficiency
• Depression and anxiety
• Re-experiencing the traumatic event physically and mentally through flashbacks
• Dissociation and emotional detachment

Getting Help With Trauma

If you or your loved ones show one or several of the signs highlighted above, the sensible thing to do is seeking expert help. People react differently to trauma, so it can be hard to find solutions and ways to cope alone. Getting help is your best chance to overcome trauma, learn to manage it, and live a better life.

Insight Therapy offers trauma therapy and trauma counseling. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation.