Understanding Trauma Disorders: What You Need To Know
Having an understanding of trauma disorders is important to maintain good physical and mental health. Trauma disorders can have long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities. This article will provide an overview of trauma disorders and their effects on mental health, as well as strategies for dealing with them.
What is trauma?
Trauma is defined as an emotional response to a deep shock or stressful event, experienced either directly or indirectly. It can be caused by a single event or multiple events over time. Trauma can include physical or emotional pain, fear, shock, or despair.
Trauma can happen to anyone but is especially damaging for children since their brains are still developing and their emotional processing skills are underdeveloped.
Types of Trauma Disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of trauma disorder that can occur after someone has witnessed or experienced a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD usually include flashbacks, nightmares, irritability, emotional numbness, or feeling “on edge.”
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is another type of trauma disorder that can happen after repeated and ongoing trauma, such as physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or witnessing domestic violence. Symptoms of C-PTSD may include feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame, difficulty in forming relationships, or difficulty trusting others.
Effects of Trauma Disorders on Mental Health
Trauma disorders can have a significant impact on mental health. They can lead to depression, anxiety, sleeping problems, or substance use. People can also become disconnected from reality and have difficulty coping with day-to-day tasks.
Trauma can also affect physical health. It is linked to a weakened immune system, chronic pain, headaches, digestive issues, and an increased risk of diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Strategies for Coping with Trauma Disorders
There are several ways to cope with trauma disorders, such as:
Seek Professional Help
The first step in dealing with trauma is to seek help from a professional. A therapist can help you work through your feelings and understand the underlying causes of your trauma.
Talk to Your Support System
It is important to have a supportive network of family and friends. Talking about your trauma can help you process it and feel understood.
Adopt a Self-care Routine
Taking care of yourself is essential to managing your trauma. This can include things like getting enough sleep, exercising, meditating, and practicing self-compassion.
Practice Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness can help you step back and look at your trauma from an outside perspective. It can help you gain insight, develop coping mechanisms, and feel more in control.
Conclusion
Having an understanding of trauma disorders is important for maintaining physical and mental health. Trauma can have long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities. There are strategies for dealing with trauma disorders such as seeking professional help, talking to a support system, adopting a self-care routine, and practicing mindfulness. With the right help, trauma survivors can heal and lead healthy, happy lives.