Trauma

What is trauma?

Trauma is any upsetting, frightening, or life-threatening event. Psychological trauma occurs when the trauma causes long-lasting mental health problems.

The most common causes of trauma include:

• Military duty
• Physical or sexual assault
• Robberies and home invasions
• Accidents (car, plane, boat, and others)
• Natural disasters (tornados, hurricanes, floods, and others)

You can also develop trauma through repeated, stressful experiences, such as:

• Growing up with emotional or physical abuse
• Experiencing ongoing bullying
• Struggling with an illness
• Living with domestic violence
• Living in a high-crime neighborhood
• Being exposed to discrimination and harassment

Though most people are directly involved in the trauma, you can also have lingering mental health issues after witnessing a traumatic event.

What symptoms does trauma cause?

You may experience any of the following symptoms:

• Depression
• Anxiety, fear, and worry
• Flashbacks and nightmares
• Irritability and anger
• Isolation from family and friends
• Uncharacteristic aggression
• Difficulty sleeping
• Memory loss
• Headaches and stomach aches

Children may regress (like wetting the bed even after they use the toilet), act out their fears when playing, and become unusually clingy. Teens may become withdrawn and angry or start using alcohol or drugs. 

What are trauma and stressor-related disorders?

You may develop one of the following mental health disorders after experiencing trauma: 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

You may have PTSD if your symptoms last more than one month after the traumatic event. 

Acute stress disorder

Your therapist diagnoses acute stress disorder if you have severe symptoms during the first month after a trauma. 

Adjustment disorder

Adjustment disorders occur when you have an intense emotional reaction to life transitions like losing a job or separating from your partner. 

Reactive attachment disorder (RAD)

Children who are neglected or raised in an abusive environment develop RAD, a condition that prevents them from connecting with others and showing emotions.

Disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED)

DSED also develops in children, causing symptoms like being overly friendly and having no fear of strangers.

How is trauma treated?

The Verathy clinicians treat trauma and its related disorders with medication management and counseling. Talk therapy may focus on eliminating negative thoughts, learning how to manage fear and anxiety, and processing the event.

With guidance from the caring clinicians at Verathy, you can overcome trauma one step at a time. Call the office to schedule an appointment, or request one online today. Their telehealth services are available to patients living throughout Virginia, Maryland, and DC.