An astounding hundreds of millions of people in the United States have experienced a traumatic event at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, many people do not receive treatment and go on to experience various mental, emotional, and physical symptoms. The importance of healing from trauma properly cannot be overlooked, as the symptoms of unhealed trauma can be life-changing for the individual as well as for their loved ones.
At Hill Country, we can help you overcome the effects of trauma, whether you are dealing with childhood trauma or trauma from a more recent event. If you or someone in your life would benefit from trauma therapy in Texas, reach out to us at 1.844.675.1628 to enroll.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is a profoundly distressing mental health concern that develops as a result of a traumatic experience. Childhood trauma, in particular, refers to an experience in which a child’s safety or security is endangered. This can lead to overwhelming feelings of fear or helplessness that can have a long-lasting impact on the child’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being well into adulthood if not treated.
What type of event would be considered traumatic? There is some level of subjectivity when it comes to traumatic experiences since what would be traumatic for one person may not have as profound of an impact on another. But overall, the following are typically viewed as traumatic events by the majority:
- Being neglected or abused as a child
- Being the victim of an assault or domestic violence
- Being involved in a serious accident
- Being involved in military combat
- Experiencing a natural disaster
- Being bullied or harassed
- Losing a loved one
- Going through a breakup or divorce
A person can also experience trauma by witnessing any of the above traumatic events happening to someone else. While some people develop a condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) shortly after the event, it can take others years to start to notice symptoms. So, if you have been through any of the events listed or another trauma-inducing event but have not shown symptoms of trauma, you are not necessarily out of the woods yet.
The Importance of Healing from Trauma
Many people struggle with the effects of trauma but have not made the connection between their symptoms and the traumatic event from the past. They might blame it on current life stressors or label themselves overly sensitive. However, trauma symptoms are a serious matter and need to be dealt with so you can find relief and move forward with your life. Unresolved trauma can lead to a range of adverse effects, including:
- The development or worsening of mental health disorders like anxiety and depression
- Higher risk of self-medication and developing a substance use disorder
- Difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships
- Feelings of numbness or dissociation
- Hypervigilance or always feeling on guard
- Difficulty trusting others
- Flashbacks or nightmares
If you have not received treatment for trauma, your body can get stuck in a chronic stress response, making it difficult for you to feel relaxed. It can also affect your sleep, leading to a pattern of insomnia that can disrupt your overall quality of life.
The Impact of Childhood Trauma
Childhood trauma that is never addressed often has significant long-term effects. Being neglected or abused, for example, can lead to these issues down the line, when left unaddressed:
- Mental health impact – Unresolved trauma can lead to various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, as well as personality disorders.
- Emotional regulation – Individuals may struggle with managing emotions, leading to mood swings, anger, or emotional numbness.
- Relationship difficulties – Trauma can affect trust and attachment, making it challenging to form and maintain healthy relationships.
- Behavioral problems – There may be an increased risk of substance abuse, self-harm, or engaging in risky behaviors as coping mechanisms.
- Physical health – Chronic stress from unresolved trauma can contribute to physical health issues like heart disease, obesity, and autoimmune disorders.
- Cognitive effects – Trauma can impact concentration, memory, and decision-making abilities, affecting academic and professional performance.
Addressing childhood trauma through therapy and support can help mitigate these effects and support your ability to form and maintain healthy relationships in the future.
How to Heal from Trauma
Healing from trauma requires a combination of professional treatment and lifestyle changes:
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Although other forms of therapy may be helpful, trauma-informed therapy is more targeted toward helping you process trauma so you can move forward.
Medication
Medication may not be necessary for everyone with trauma, but it can be beneficial for alleviating anxiety, depression, or insomnia.
Mindfulness Techniques
Mindfulness techniques can help calm your nervous system and reduce chronic tension caused by hypervigilance and fearful thoughts.
Reach Out to Hill Country to Enroll in Trauma Therapy Today
Stop letting trauma symptoms interfere with your life satisfaction. Get back to living the life you deserve by enrolling in trauma therapy at Hill Country’s Texas treatment center. Call us at 1.844.675.1628 or complete our online form to start healing today.