Understanding trauma: what it is and effective treatment options

Trauma is a serious issue that requires trauma therapy. An estimated 90% of adults in the United States have experienced a traumatic event at least once in their lives. Trauma can result from major life events such as being in a combat zone, sexual assault or living through a natural disaster, or more pervasive experiences like an abuse-filled childhood. The event or circumstance can have lasting adverse effects on the individual’s mental, physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being.

After a traumatic event or repeated trauma, people can experience a wide range of physical and emotional reactions. There’s no right or wrong way to think, feel or respond to trauma.

Symptoms

Some initial trauma reactions include:

• Exhaustion.
• Confusion.
• Sadness.
• Anxiety.
• Agitation.
• Numbness.
• Disassociation.

Trauma also can raise cortisol in the body to toxic levels, ultimately leading to increased risks of health conditions such as depression or heart disease. Trauma’s psychological effects can disrupt the individual’s day-to-day life with:

• Depression.
• Anxiety.
• Anger.
• Intense fear.
• Flashbacks
• Paranoia.

People who’ve experienced trauma also can suffer from altered perceptions, a belief that the world around them is unsafe, or that other people are dangerous. In extreme cases, they may create altered personalities just to help them cope with the trauma.

Reoccurring symptoms

Symptoms may not appear until several months or even years later. They include reexperiencing trauma through distressing memories of the event, flashbacks, nightmares, emotional detachment and avoidance of places, people and activities that are reminders of the trauma. People can have difficulty sleeping and concentrating, feel jumpy, be easily irritated or angered and experience changes in mood.

Trauma therapy

To find reliable treatment options, take the time to search “trauma therapy” and “evidence-based treatments” online. Trauma therapy is the first line of treatment in dealing with post-traumatic

stress disorder and trauma. Evidence-based treatments can help, and a relationship with a trusted provider or therapist can make a big difference. If you are suffering from a traumatic event, reach out today for help and healing.

Trauma resources

Talk to your insurance provider or health plan representative to start the process of accessing trauma therapy. You also have these resources available to you:

• Trauma Informed Oregon: This is a statewide collaborative effort to mitigate traumatic experiences and help individuals improve their quality of life.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: This site offers free, confidential support, prevention and crisis resources. The line is available 24/7 and accessible by text, phone or online chat.
• Oregon Health Authority library of helpful links.
• The Trauma Informed Care Project’s resource page.