What is Trauma and Abuse?
Trauma refers to psychological damage from stressful or traumatic life events or experiences, such as abuse. Each person reacts to trauma differently. If given proper support, it is possible to recover from abuse and trauma without experiencing long-term problems. For some, however, the effects of trauma and abuse are devastating. These people will experience challenges directly following or within a few months of the event, sometimes including Post-Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is important to note that while PTSD is one of the more common of a number of potential diagnoses resulting from trauma, it is certainly not the only one.
Symptoms of Trauma
Cognitive Symptoms:
- Intrusive, obsessive thoughts about the trauma
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Loss of memory and/or difficulty concentrating
- Disorientation
- Confusion
- Mood swings
Behavioral Symptoms:
- Avoidance of places, people, or activities that trigger memories of the trauma
- Social isolation/withdrawal
- Lack of interest in previously-enjoyable activities
Physical Symptoms:
- Easily startled
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Heart palpitations
- Insomnia
- Chronic muscle pain
- Sexual dysfunction
- Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
- Vague complaints of aches and pains throughout the body
- Extreme alertness; always on the lookout for warnings of potential danger
Psychological Symptoms:
- Debilitating fear
- Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
- Detachment from other people and/or emotions
- Dissociation
- Depression
- Guilt
- Shame
- Emotional shock
- Disbelief
- Irritability/mood swings
- Anger
- Anxiety and panic attacks
Sanctuary Centers Treats Trauma and Abuse
At Sanctuary Centers, our approach to treating trauma and abuse-related mental health issues includes: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with a certified EMDR therapist, self-support techniques, family counseling, cognitive interventions, exploration of desensitization of trauma, emotional processing, and building “affect regulation” skills to increase positive feelings, maintain wellbeing, and regulate stressful feelings.