TRAUMA & PTSD
Trauma does not have boundaries.
Trauma is a common experience for many children, adolescents, and adults regardless of their backgrounds (such as gender, race/ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, or economic status). And, it’s also a subjective experience. Although many individuals who experience a traumatic event are able to adapt and continue thriving in their lives, others have difficulties coping and are at risk of developing a trauma disorder.
Trauma types can include:
- Early childhood trauma
- Intimate partner violence
- Bullying
- Combat exposure
- Community violence
- Medical trauma
- Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
Traumatic events can take many forms. Three common forms are:
- acute trauma – a single event
- chronic trauma – repetitive events over an extended period of time
- complex trauma – repeated, prolonged, severe, and highly invasive events of an interpersonal nature that often occur early in life
There is not a “one-size-fits-all” response to trauma.
A person who has experienced trauma can have a range of symptoms. While some of these symptoms are visible, others may be less obvious (or even invisible) to an outside observer.
Common trauma responses include:
- Intrusive thoughts or memories
- Upsetting dreams or nightmares
- Visual images
- Difficulties with memory and concentration
- Disorientation
- Confusion
- Avoidance of thinking or talking about the traumatic event
- Avoidance of triggers
- Relationship difficulties
- Isolation
- Lack of interest in activities that were previously enjoyable
- Struggles with self-care
- Easily startled
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sleeping or eating issues
- Aches and pains
- Extreme alertness
- Aggressive or self-destructive behavior
- Physical reactions such as headaches, nausea, muscle tension, sweating, or racing heart
- Fear
- Emotional shock
- Helplessness, worthlessness, or hopelessness
- Denial
- Numbness
- Sadness
- Depression
- Guilt or shame
- Irritability or anger
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation
There are many types of trauma issues. Below are general descriptions of two of the most common types:
- Acute stress disorder: Trauma symptoms that present immediately following the experience of a traumatic event involving the actual or threatened harm to self or others, lasting from a few days to a month.
- Posttraumatic stress disorder: Trauma symptoms that develop later than symptoms of acute stress disorder following the experience of a traumatic event involving the actual or threatened harm to self or others, lasting over one month (to several years if untreated).
It is important to work with a trained professional who can accurately diagnose and treat trauma disorders, as well as other issues (such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and substance use issues) that may occur simultaneously.
Therapy is a first-line treatment for trauma.
Counseling and therapy at Wellness Grove…
Our in-person (outpatient) counseling services are offered in Canton OH (near Akron, North Canton, and Massillon). We also offer telemental health sessions to all Ohio residents.
Wellness Grove
