While life involves dealing with a variety of difficult situations, experiencing trauma is quite different than typical daily challenges. Fortunately, there are a number of Trauma treatments available to help patients overcome this condition.
Included on This Page:
- What is Trauma?
- Risk Factors for Severe Reaction to Trauma
- Find Counseling for Trauma Therapy in Phoenix, Arizona
- Overcoming Trauma and Identifying Traumatic Events
- Treatment Options for Trauma in Arizona
- Find Counseling for Trauma Therapy in Phoenix & Mesa, Arizona
What is Trauma?
Trauma is considered to be either a one-time event or a series of repeated events where someone experiences a threat to their physical or emotional safety, or witnesses another person experiencing this threat.
Traumatic events or circumstances result in lasting adverse effects on the individual’s emotional health, mental health, physical health, social well-being, or spiritual well-being. According to SAMHSA, 61% of men and 51% of women report experiencing at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, and MedlinePlus shares that 25% of children experience a traumatic event by 18 years old. Trauma can occur in any setting at any age and affects our society at large.
It is important to know that trauma is a person’s reaction to an event rather than the actual event itself. Two individuals can experience the exact same event, and one can walk away with significant trauma while the other walks away with the ability to return to life as usual and isn’t profoundly affected by the event.
Symptoms of Trauma:
The symptoms of trauma experienced can vary widely from one person to the next. Individuals who suffer from trauma will often experience the following symptoms:
- Panic attacks
- Nightmares
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Generalized anxiety
- Anger or rage
These symptoms of trauma can negatively affect an individual’s quality of life and disrupt everyday routines and relationships. The side effects of trauma can significantly impact individuals, families, and communities as a whole. While some might experience a traumatic event and be able to continue normally without long-term side effects, others can experience detrimental effects on their entire well-being. For those struggling with the lasting effects of trauma, it’s essential to reach out to a mental health professional to get the help you need.
There are certain protective factors for trauma that allow an individual a greater likelihood of experiencing a traumatic event without a significant negative impact on their well-being. If a person has some of the following protective factors, a traumatic experience is less likely to adversely affect their mental health:
- A strong support system is already in place
- Few or zero previous traumatic experiences
Risk Factors for Severe Reaction to Trauma
Some people have more of an increased risk of developing long-term and severe reactions to traumatic events. According to the CDC, the following factors can contribute to the risk of developing long-term traumatic responses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):
- Proximity to the event. Closer exposure to the actual event leads to greater risk (also known as the dose-response phenomenon).
- Multiple stressors. More stress or an accumulation of stressors may create more difficulty for the individual.
- History of trauma.
- Significance of the event in relation to past stress experienced. A traumatic event may activate unresolved fears or frightening memories.
- History of chronic illness or psychological disorder.
Those that suffer from a severe reaction to trauma are more likely to develop the following mental health concerns:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Generalized anxiety
Find Counseling for Trauma Therapy in Phoenix, Arizona
Traumatic stress symptoms can be debilitating if you don’t seek proper treatment. At Mental Health Center of America, we provide trauma therapy that will help you to improve your quality of life and overcome your past trauma. We are proud to be a top provider of Arizona mental health services and have counselors in Phoenix ready to help you move forward and overcome trauma today.
If you have experienced any traumatic events or struggle with trauma symptoms, you may want to consider discussing these concerns with a mental health professional such as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Schedule your appointment today to begin your healing journey.
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Overcoming Trauma and Identifying Traumatic Events
Traumatic experiences can result in both physical and mental health conditions. Those who experience traumatic events during childhood are even more likely to have long-term negative impacts on their health from trauma.
Potential Traumatic Events
While anyone can experience trauma, experiencing one of the following events increases the likelihood that someone will suffer from traumatic stress:
- War
- Violence
- Disasters
- Sudden loss
- Serious illness
- Emotional abuse, physical abuse, or neglect
- Other overwhelming and disturbing events
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The most common condition treated as part of trauma therapy is post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD has the potential to develop after a traumatic event that is considered to be more serious than a typical stressor. Although most adults in the U.S. will experience at least one traumatic event throughout their lifetime, most will not develop PTSD. According to NIMH, People who have PTSD typically experience the following:
- Persistent and frightening thoughts or memories of the event
- Sleep problems
- Feel detached or numb
- May be easily startled
Treatment Options for Trauma in Arizona
The long-term side effects of trauma can create mental health concerns and challenges in an individual’s relationships, domestic circumstances, career, and other aspects of life. It is essential to understand the impact of trauma on one’s overall well-being and explore treatment options for healing trauma in order to create the best quality of life possible.
There are many treatment options for trauma therapy in Phoenix & Mesa at Mental Health Center of America. Our team of therapists uses evidence-based treatment options to help you overcome trauma and feel better. Treatment options offered include:
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Relational Therapy
- EMDR
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions
Our therapists collaborate with each client to choose a treatment approach based on your individual needs and goals and create a custom treatment plan with you. Treatment options for trauma may incorporate trauma therapy, medication, and neurofeedback.
Find Counseling for Trauma Therapy in Phoenix & Mesa, Arizona
Traumatic stress symptoms can be debilitating if you don’t seek proper treatment. At Mental Health Center of America, we provide trauma therapy that will help you to improve your quality of life and overcome your past trauma. We are proud to be a top provider of Arizona mental health services and have counselors in Phoenix & Mesa ready to help you move forward and overcome trauma today.
If you have experienced any traumatic events or struggle with trauma symptoms, you may want to consider discussing these concerns with a mental health professional such as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Schedule your appointment today to begin your healing journey.
