During our daily lives, everyone will face stressful events, which are a normal part of the human experience. However, in some cases, these events can have a lasting impact on our emotional well-being, making it difficult for us to cope. Such events are known as traumatic events. Trauma occurs when an event is so distressing and overwhelming that it causes a significant emotional response and shatters a person’s sense of security. During traumatic events, individuals may feel severely threatened on an emotional, physical, and/or psychological level, which can have a profound and long-lasting impact on their lives.
Experiencing a stressful event is common, but sometimes it can have a lasting impact on emotional well-being, impairing the ability to cope. When an event causes a significant emotional response and breaks a person’s sense of security, it is considered traumatic. While fear and anxiety are normal after such events, each person’s response is unique and may require support and guidance to recover. The following are some common experiences that often produce the emotional dysregulation associated with trauma:
After a traumatic event, seeking the support and guidance of a mental health professional is encouraged to aid in the recovery process.
Trauma is a complex experience that can have lasting impacts on individuals. While some people may experience the psychological effects of trauma immediately following an event, others may not experience post-traumatic reactions until weeks, months, or even years later. How an individual copes with trauma and their level of resiliency can impact the effects of trauma, along with other predispositions.
Here are some additional effects that can be related to traumatic experiences:
Research has shown that genetic factors can also play a role in the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, such as if an individual’s parents had their mental health conditions. It’s important to recognize that an individual’s response to trauma does not indicate strengths or weaknesses, and common biases associated with trauma should be avoided.
Victims of trauma may experience emotional and physical reactions, including shock, sadness, fear, anger, shame, guilt, changes in sleep patterns, tremors, physical pain, rapid breathing or heart rate, and aversions to human touch. For infants and children, trauma can lead to lasting mental and physical health concerns and delay brain development.
Those who support individuals who have experienced trauma, such as parents, caregivers, teachers, or mental health professionals, may also experience second-hand trauma. While they may not have directly experienced the traumatic event, hearing about it can still cause substantial emotional responses and difficulties.
Following a traumatic event, seeking support and guidance from a mental health professional is encouraged. They can help individuals process the event and develop coping strategies to manage the emotional and physical reactions associated with trauma.
Recovery from trauma is possible, but it takes time and support. Here are some ways to recover from trauma:
It is important to remember that recovery from trauma is unique to each individual, and there is no right or wrong way to recover. Seeking professional help and building a supportive network can help individuals recover from trauma and reduce or eliminate post-traumatic reactions.
It’s unfortunate that traumatic events have become increasingly common in today’s society. While it can be difficult to recognize the symptoms of trauma, it’s essential to seek professional help as soon as possible to avoid long-term post-traumatic reactions. At Puglisi Counseling, we understand the devastating effects of trauma and have licensed trauma clinicians and a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who specialize in trauma treatment.
Our clinicians are trained in several modalities that are specifically designed to treat trauma. These include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. These methods have been proven to be highly effective in reducing and eliminating post-traumatic reactions.
Our goal at Puglisi Counseling is to ensure that our clients feel safe, secure, and supported throughout the entire process of working through their trauma. We work closely with our clients to develop an individualized treatment plan that fits their specific needs and preferences. We believe that healing, comfort, and support are essential components of the trauma recovery process.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of trauma, we encourage you to schedule an appointment for trauma-focused therapy at Puglisi Counseling in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
