Statistics from The National Council for Mental Wellbeing report that more than 70% of adults in the United States have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives. That’s over 223 million people in the country.
In severe cases of traumatic events, the individual can develop PTSD—post-traumatic stress disorder. While there are no concrete statistics for those living with PTSD, the PTSD: National Center for PTSD estimates that about 5 out of every 100 adults (5%) in the U.S. has PTSD in any given year.
For those suffering from a condition like PTSD or trying to recover from a traumatic event, some professionals can help. For instance, social workers who have studied advanced standing MSW programs, counselors, psychologists, and therapists have an in-depth understanding of trauma.
What is trauma?
The American Psychological Association defines trauma as the emotional response to a terrible event, like an accident, physical or emotional abuse, neglect, war, and more. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are normal, with longer-term symptoms including flashbacks, nausea, and even physical symptoms.
While trauma and the emotional responses that occur from it are normal, some people may have a hard time moving on with their lives after a traumatic event. In this case, it can lead to long-lasting problems, impacting physical and mental health.
Common reactions and responses to trauma
According to the National Center for PTSD, how people react and respond to trauma can vary greatly. Following a traumatic event, people can experience mental and physical reactions. Below, we’ve outlined common responses:
- Traumatic events can result in intense and unpredictable feelings. These can include anxiety, nervousness, or feelings of being overwhelmed or grief-stricken.
- Traumatic events can also impact thoughts and behavior patterns. For instance, the individual may have repeated and vivid memories of the event. These memories may lead to physical reactions, like sweating, or emotional responses, like distress.
- Traumatic events can lead to sensitivity to environmental factors, like a heightened sensitivity to loud noises. These noises turn into ‘triggers,’ which can lead to anxiety or distress.
- Stress-related physical symptoms, like nausea, chest pains, and headaches, are common after traumatic events.
How trauma affects physical & mental health
Research has shown that trauma goes beyond just the initial emotional impacts and can have a long-term effect on mental health and overall wellbeing. When it comes to mental health, it can lead to PTSD, a higher risk of mental health conditions, dissociation, substance abuse, and emotional dysregulation.
Physically, trauma can lead to a range of issues, too. These include chronic pain, especially if the trauma is related to a physical injury. Even if it doesn’t, trauma can cause chronic stress, which can manifest as chronic pain.
The ongoing stress caused by trauma can also impact the body’s cardiovascular system. Prolonged stress increases the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and stroke. It can even damage blood vessels and the heart.
The long-term impacts of trauma can also be devastating. For instance, it can put the body into a constant “fight or flight” state. This state can severely cause wear and tear on the body and mind, which can lead to various chronic health issues.
Research has shown that trauma can be passed down through intergenerational trauma. This phenomenon is known as “intergenerational trauma.” The effects of trauma can carry on through learned behaviors and emotional responses.
Managing and coping with trauma
The good news is that there are effective ways to treat and manage trauma and its stressful effects. Psychologists and other mental health professionals below find the following strategies can help with trauma.
- Lean on a support network. Friends and family can be a great support network for overcoming and moving on from trauma. When you feel ready to discuss the traumatic event, confide in friends or family for support.
- Self-care. After a traumatic event, focus on prioritizing self-care. Treat yourself, focus on eating nutritious meals, getting regular physical exercise, and getting rest. These actions all contribute to better well-being, which is important for overcoming trauma.
- Be patient with yourself. Most of all, when it comes to trauma, be patient with yourself. Healing and moving on from trauma take time.
When it comes to traumatic events and healing, not everyone can manage on their own, and that’s okay. If you or a loved one you know who is going through trauma is struggling, professionals like a psychologist or counselor can help with finding healthy ways to cope.
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