Trauma is the result of experiencing a traumatic event and can present itself in a variety of ways. While each person reacts differently to trauma, it’s helpful to understand some of the identifiable hallmarks of a trauma response, as well as the potential causes and the long-term effects of trauma if left untreated.
Whether a traumatic event happened in childhood or later in life, you might be experiencing symptoms. With the help of trauma therapy, medication, and support, you can process trauma and mitigate its impact on your life. For trauma therapy in Texas, you can count on Right Step Hill Country. Call us at 1.844.675.1628 to learn more.
What Is a Trauma Response?
When a person experiences a traumatic event, their mind and body respond in different ways, known as a trauma response. The symptoms of a trauma response may include:
- Intense feelings of fear
- Helplessness
- Emotional numbness
- Flashbacks
- Hypervigilance
- Nightmares
- Feeling nervous or on edge
Some people begin to experience trauma responses immediately after a traumatic event. However, for others, no signs may appear for months or even years after the event.
What Causes Trauma?
Trauma is caused by a highly stressful event or series of events. Some examples of traumatic events are:
- Serious accidents like car accidents or machinery accidents
- Natural disasters like tornadoes or tsunamis
- Terrorism
- War or military combat
- Bullying
- Domestic violence
- Emotional or Physical Abuse
- Assault
Trauma is highly individual, and what induces trauma in one person may not have the same effect on another. It is also essential to consider that trauma comes in different levels of severity. Smaller traumas, also known as “little t” traumas, can be caused by:
- Loss of a pet
- Divorce or breakups
- Job loss
- Infidelity
- Death of a loved one
On the other hand, “Big T” traumas are caused by more severe events like:
- Violence
- War
- Serious car accidents
- Loss of a parent
“Little t” traumas can have just as much of an impact as “Big T” traumas. However, since they are typically viewed as less severe, many people do not realize that the emotional, mental, and physical symptoms they are experiencing are actually related to trauma. This can make them less likely to get the help they need to process trauma, allowing symptoms to worsen over the years. Whether an event is classified as a “Big T” or “Little T” trauma, the feelings and emotions brought on by the event can be just as significant to the person who experienced it and should be handled as substantial.
The Long-Term Effects of Trauma
If trauma goes untreated, it can lead to long-term effects, such as:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Addiction
- Relationship problems
- Physical health issues
- Mental health conditions
If you believe you are experiencing a trauma response, whether or not you can attribute it to a specific traumatic event, you should get a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional.
Healing with Trauma Therapy
The benefits of trauma therapy cannot be underestimated. When you are dealing with trauma, trauma-informed therapies are often more effective than traditional talk therapy. A few therapeutic modalities that may be part of your trauma recovery program are:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
- Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT)
- Somatic experiencing
What makes trauma therapy different is that it helps you process traumatic events, develop coping strategies for trauma responses, and regain a sense of safety and empowerment.
For Trauma Therapy in Texas, Contact Right Step Hill Country Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with the long-term effects of trauma, you can find relief through trauma therapy at Right Step Hill Country. Our comprehensive treatment programs will provide you with an individualized plan consisting of the appropriate therapies and medications for your unique situation. To determine which of our outpatient treatment options is right for you, call us today at 1.844.675.1628 or submit our online contact form.