Emotional and psychological trauma can be caused in various ways, and trauma can impact people far after trauma occurs. It can result from a one-time event like an accident or due to ongoing, overwhelming stress. A clear example in that regard is the kind of stress faced in certain professions, such as the military or law enforcement. Traumatic events may or may not cause physical harm. What influences the lasting impact is a person’s subjective emotional experience of the event. Call us at [Direct] to learn more about our trauma therapy program and the benefits it can provide for you.
The Impact of Childhood Trauma
Healing from trauma is often a process and not a quick fix. Everyone responds to trauma in their own way. A complicating factor in the healing process is whether or not the trauma stems from an individual’s childhood. People who experience trauma in childhood are not only more susceptible to future traumatization, but healing from trauma becomes more difficult.
Anything that damages a child’s sense of safety can count as trauma. It may result from any of the following:
- An unstable living environment
- Parental divorce or separation
- Serious illness experienced by the child or a direct caregiver
- Sexual, verbal, or physical abuse
- Domestic violence
- Neglect
Childhood trauma can last throughout a person’s life if they do not address it adequately. Thankfully, whether trauma occurred in childhood or in someone’s adult life, healing remains possible.
Healing From Trauma
The immediate psychological and physical symptoms resulting from trauma may last a couple of days, months, or years. For some people, symptoms fade quickly, only to be triggered by reminders such as the anniversary of the trauma.
In cases where psychological symptoms do not dissipate, people are noted as having post-traumatic stress disorder. Recovering from trauma in many ways mirrors the grieving process, as people are survivors trying to navigate living with that fate.
Here are four tips to support you in healing from trauma.
Exercise
Trauma leaves your body in a state of constant arousal and fear. Regular, vigorous exercise is a proven, effective way to calm the body’s nervous system and improve mood.
Engage Socially
One of the biggest mistakes trauma survivors often make is to isolate themselves. Perhaps they think nobody can understand their emotional state, or else they believe they can best take care of themselves alone. The truth is that isolation only serves to worsen trauma. Engaging socially could take on many forms. Maybe it’s volunteering for a cause you are passionate about or getting together for coffee with an old friend regularly. Attending a support group with other trauma survivors is the perfect blend of social activity and healing endeavors for many people. Others on the path to recovery can serve as inspiration and support.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is the process of learning to control the nervous system and emotional responses. This treatment might involve breathing exercises, meditation, sensory input like music, or time with a beloved pet.
Prioritize Your Health
Taking care of your health is paramount to healing from trauma. This means getting regular sleep, avoiding drugs and alcohol, eating well, and making lifestyle changes to reduce stress.
Types of Trauma Therapy
If your trauma symptoms are persistent and proving difficult to handle, professional help may be necessary. Numerous therapies specifically target trauma and its impact on a person’s health. One of the most prominent is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT works to unearth the thoughts and behaviors driving someone’s experiences so they can modify those thoughts and behaviors to facilitate a healthier outlook.
Two other standard therapies for trauma are somatic experience and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). The somatic experience engages people with their body’s reactions in ways that aim to release pent-up, trauma-related energy. EMDR is a subset of CBT that targets eye movement and stimulates certain areas of the brain to help people heal from traumatic memories.
Get Help at Georgia Addiction Treatment Center
If you or a loved one is struggling to overcome their trauma, contact us at [Direct] to take advantage of the expert resources and therapies available at Georgia Addiction Treatment Center.
