Trauma

What is Trauma?

Trauma is a response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster. In other words, trauma refers to a deeply distressing or disturbing experience or event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope with it. It often involves a threat to one’s life or safety, but it can also include witnessing such an event or being exposed to repeated traumatic experiences. 

When a person experiences trauma, it can have a significant impact on their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. They may interfere with various aspects of a person’s life, including their relationships, work or school performance, and overall quality of life.

The following could be potential causes of trauma:

harassment

physical, psychological, or sexual abuse

sexual assault

traffic collisions

life-threatening illnesses

sudden loss of a loved one

being attacked

being kidnapped

acts of terrorism

natural disasters

war

traumatic grief

intimate partner violence

childhood neglect

What are Types Of Trauma?

Here are some of the most common trauma:

Acute Trauma:

This type of trauma refers to a single, severe, and shocking event. It can include incidents such as accidents, natural disasters, physical assault, or witnessing a violent crime. When someone experiences acute trauma, it can result in an instant stress response.

Chronic Trauma:

Chronic trauma usually occurs when a person is exposed to prolonged and repeated traumatic events. It is commonly associated with situations such as ongoing physical or sexual abuse, domestic violence, or being in a war zone. Experiencing multiple traumatic events over time can significantly affect a person’s overall well-being, leading to trauma.

Complex Trauma:

Complex trauma refers to exposure to multiple traumatic events, often during childhood or within interpersonal relationships. It typically involves a combination of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, neglect, or chronic interpersonal violence. Experiencing severe and ongoing trauma can result in long-standing challenges in different aspects of a person’s life and is commonly linked to complex post-traumatic stress disorder.

Vicarious Trauma:

Also known as secondary trauma, vicarious trauma occurs when individuals repeatedly hear about or witness the trauma experiences of others. This can affect professionals such as therapists, first responders, or journalists who are regularly exposed to traumatic stories or events. They may experience symptoms similar to those who directly experienced the trauma.

Collective Trauma:

Collective trauma refers to the shared trauma experienced by a group, community, or society at large. It can arise from events such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or political unrest. Collective trauma impacts individuals collectively and can have lasting effects on the affected community or society as a whole.

What are the effects of trauma?

Mental Effects of Trauma:

1. • PTSD is a condition that can lead to distressing symptoms such as intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, intense anxiety, and avoidance of anything that reminds one of the traumatic events.

1. • Experiencing major trauma can lead to the development of many anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

1. • Depression may arise from trauma, leading to persistent sadness, loss of appetite, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

1. • Dissociation is a response to trauma where the individual disconnects from their thoughts, feelings, memories, or surroundings, leading to a sense of detachment or feeling unreal.

1. • Trauma survivors are at a heightened risk of developing substance use disorders as a coping mechanism for emotional distress.

Physical Effects of Trauma:

1. • Experiencing trauma can disturb your sleep, causing problems with falling asleep or staying asleep and also resulting in nightmares and night terrors.

1. • Chronic pain conditions, such as headaches, migraines, or back pain, can be caused by trauma.

1. • Cardiovascular issues, such as heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), and increased heart rate, may result from trauma.

1. • Experiencing trauma can lead to various gastrointestinal problems such as stomachaches, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other digestive issues.

1. • Experiencing trauma for an extended period of time can harm the immune system, making people more vulnerable to getting sick and infected.

1. • Sexual and reproductive health may be affected by trauma, leading to sexual functioning, as well as menstrual irregularities, fertility issues, or pregnancy complications.

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The Road to Recovery

Recovering from trauma can take a while, and it’s important to be patient. Healing can be approached in different ways, but it’s crucial to remember that everyone’s journey is their own.

Acknowledging the Trauma

Many people tend to push their traumatic experiences aside, hoping to forget them quickly. Unfortunately, this approach is not effective in the long term. It is essential first to recognize these experiences, work through the emotions, and allow yourself time to heal. Acknowledging these experiences is not an easy task and can be distressing and uncomfortable. However, it is a critical step in the healing process.

Building a Support System

You don’t need to handle recovery alone. Family, friends, and social support groups can be helpful during the process. Support groups create a safe environment where survivors can share their true experiences and emotions with others, which can be comforting as it shows that you are not alone. Loved ones always provide a listening ear and support when needed.

Coping Strategies

Dealing with trauma can be a lot to handle, but it’s important to find healthy ways to cope in order to heal. One effective method is to try new hobbies or revisit old ones in order to shift your focus. Additionally, journaling, meditation, and breathing exercises are practical techniques that can help manage anxiety and stress.

Mental Health and Self-Care

Experiencing trauma can have a negative impact on mental well-being and the ability to take care of oneself. It is crucial to acknowledge that self-care is essential in the recovery process. Self-care varies from person to person and can include activities such as going for walks, spending time with family and friends, or participating in enjoyable and calming hobbies.

What are the Treatment Options?

1. • Trauma-focused Therapy, for instance,  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), helps individuals process traumatic experiences, manage symptoms, and develop healthy coping strategies.

1. • Medication, for instance,  antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, may be prescribed to address specific symptoms associated with trauma, such as depression, anxiety, or sleep disturbances.

1. • Supportive Counseling provides a safe environment for individuals to express their feelings, gain insights into their experiences, and develop effective coping mechanisms.

1. • Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques, for instance,  meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation, help individuals reduce stress and manage anxiety.

1. • Lifestyle Changes, including self-care activities, regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep, support overall well-being and the healing process.

1. • Body-based Therapies, such as Somatic Experiencing or Trauma Release Exercises, focus on addressing the physical manifestations of trauma in the body and help regulate the nervous system.

Novus Beginning Psychiatry: Your Path to Health and Wellness Starts Here!

We understand that navigating the complexities of mental health can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Novus Beginning Psychiatry, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re seeking therapy, medication, or a combination of both, our compassionate professionals are dedicated to helping you find the path to a happier, healthier life.

Our highly skilled psychiatrists are experienced in a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, autism, different types of trauma, and more. We offer evidence-based therapies that have been proven effective in helping individuals overcome their challenges. From cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to couples/family therapy, we utilize the most up-to-date techniques to empower you on your healing journey.

We also recognize that medication is vital in managing certain psychological health conditions. Our team includes Dr. Nibras, who is a board-certified psychiatrist well-versed in medication management. He works closely with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan, as we believe in the power of personalized care.

So, take the first step towards a brighter future. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you in finding a convenient time to meet with our dedicated professionals. Call (832)856-4718 and let us help you take charge of your mental well-being.

Medication Management For Psychiatric Wellness

At Novus Beginning Psychiatry, we’re dedicated to helping you unlock the power of effective medication management. Our team of psychiatrists has years of experience and understands the importance of finding the right balance for your mental health journey. We offer personalized and compassionate care, creating medication plans that are tailored to your unique needs. Our understanding of psychopharmacology allows us to provide the most advanced and evidence-based treatments available. 

Our goal is to help you by providing the right medications to enhance your therapy outcomes, reduce your symptoms, and improve your overall well-being. We want to be your trusted partner on the path to a brighter future. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at Novus Beginning Psychiatry to experience the transformative effects of our comprehensive medication management approach.

Come and visit us at one of our locations in-person or meet us via telepsychiatry/online! 

We’re here to help in Texas, ready to meet you in person. If you’re unable to make it in person, don’t worry, we’re also available online, so you can meet us easily from the comfort of your own home. Whether you prefer to see us face-to-face or connect with us online, we’re here to assist you every step of the way.

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120 Eldridge Rd Suite D, Sugar Land, TX 77478

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