Overcoming Psychological Trauma: Understanding and Healing
Understanding Psychological Trauma
When exploring the topic of trauma, some individuals may talk about physical trauma, which occurs when severe injury happens to the body. However, there are multiple types of traumas, including psychological trauma, which can also have significant mental and physical impacts. Understanding psychological trauma may help you and those you love to become more trauma-informed in daily life and find the support needed for healing.
This article provides information on how to overcome psychological trauma, identify symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and access resources to help individuals find mental health services like behavioral therapy to begin the journey of healing from trauma.
What is Psychological Trauma?
Psychological trauma refers to a traumatic emotional response to extreme situations. While many people experience occasional unpleasant experiences, some may encounter extreme traumatic events that leave lasting impacts, including but not limited to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.
In the United States, 61% of men and 51% of women report being exposed to at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. If trauma goes unaddressed, it may lead to mental illness and deteriorating physical health. However, among those who seek help for psychological trauma, approximately 72% learn to cope with the traumatic events and live a life free of long-term adverse effects.
Psychological trauma is not used to refer to light events or slight discomfort. This term refers to severe emotional distress caused by a heightened fight-flight-freeze response during a traumatic event. Different people may have different interpretations or responses to events, so what is traumatic for one person may not be traumatic for another.
Events That Can Cause Psychological Trauma
Traumatic events are severely upsetting, dangerous, or life-threatening events. These events produce effects that intrude upon someone’s psychological or physical well-being. A traumatic event may result from someone’s actions, an accident, or an uncontrollable circumstance.
Traumatic events can include but are not limited to the following:
- Natural disasters, such as fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, or hurricanes
- Physical or sexual assault
- Exposure to acts of war or terrorism
- Involvement in a car accident or workplace accident
- Domestic violence
- The unexpected death of a loved one, especially if unexpected or violent
- Homelessness and poverty
- Food insecurity
Recognizing Trauma Symptoms
It can be normal to experience strong physical or emotional reactions following a traumatic event. In some cases, the uneasiness may diminish over time or when the threat has been eliminated. However, depending on the event’s severity, some psychological trauma symptoms may worsen or last for an extended amount of time.
Common Symptoms Associated with Traumatic Events
Some of the most common symptoms associated with severe psychological trauma include:
- Nightmares
- Confusion
- Mood swings
- Intrusive thoughts about the event
- Flashbacks (vivid and distressing memories of the event)
- Social isolation
- An easy startle reflex
- Increased anxiety or depression
- Sexual dysfunction
- Guilt
The effects of psychological trauma can linger for years, especially without intervention. For some individuals, psychological trauma can affect every aspect of life. Some of the most common effects of untreated trauma include:
- Substance use
- Social withdrawal
- Hostility
- Depression
- Compulsive behavior
- Sexual promiscuity
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Other Mental Health Disorders
Untreated psychological trauma may lead to mental illness, including anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, or phobias. For this reason, it’s essential to seek treatment if you have experienced a traumatic event.
The Healing Journey: Four Stages of Trauma Recovery
Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event may have lingering symptoms. However, recovery may involve facing painful emotions by taking time to process them. Ignoring or suppressing these thoughts and emotions may lead to someone replaying the event in their mind, which can lead to long-term stress. Below are four stages of psychological trauma and how to cope.
Stage One: Circuit Breaking
Like an electrical system, the human nervous system can become overstimulated. Overstimulation may occur when a traumatic event takes place. As a natural response, the body shuts down some functions to remain prepared to flee, fight, or freeze. Someone might believe they are “in shock” or numb when trauma occurs. During this stage, having social support, practicing grounding, and being able to escape the traumatic event may be essential.
Stage Two: Returning Feelings
Once the initial shock wears off, one’s emotions may return. During this time, it may seem like the affected person constantly talks about the event. Some may write in journals or draw to process the situation. These expressive forms of art can be a way of releasing the feelings of being overwhelmed. In addition, journaling has been proven by studies to improve mental health.
Stage Three: Constructive Action
Taking action after a traumatic event may give individuals a sense of control, providing them with a sense of autonomy after losing it. For some, social acts like sending cards to people, volunteering at a nursing home, or cooking a meal for someone can help them return to normal. Activities that give one a “sense of purpose” can help them get out of their thoughts and offer support to others.
Stage Four: Reintegration
When someone experiences psychological trauma, being around a healthy support system can be essential. Talking to others who may be experiencing a similar situation is one way to release the frustration and pain of a traumatic event. During this stage of healing, some people reach out to a support group for survivors or start talking about their stories with people who may relate and find inspiration in their words.
Finding Professional Support Through Telehealth
Some people who experience psychological trauma may be afraid to ask for help or believe they can function independently. However, it can be challenging to manage trauma symptoms without professional intervention. If you’ve experienced psychological trauma, there are multiple ways to reach out for support.
Virtual Therapy for Trauma and Related Disorders
Many individuals find that telehealth options like ReachLink provide an accessible way to connect with mental health professionals. Three hundred and seventy-three studies exploring the efficacy of online therapy for anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood disorders, and phobias found internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) as effective as in-person therapy. These studies also found that internet-based therapy could be more beneficial to some, removing common barriers to traditional therapy, such as stigmas, financial insecurity, a lack of convenience, and difficulty attending sessions.
Through a virtual platform like ReachLink, clients can connect with a trauma-informed specialist experienced in trauma healing. In addition,
clients also benefit from flexible scheduling, privacy, and the comfort of speaking from their own homes. This type of care can be a critical step toward breaking the cycle of trauma and fostering long-term resilience.
In conclusion, psychological trauma is a complex and deeply personal experience that can manifest in various ways, affecting mental, emotional, and physical health. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding the healing process are vital components to achieving recovery. Whether it is through self-help strategies, support from loved ones, or professional therapy—including innovative telehealth services—help is available and effective.
By becoming trauma-informed and seeking appropriate help, individuals can move beyond their wounds and reclaim a fulfilling, meaningful life. Remember, healing from trauma is not a linear path but a journey that requires patience, support, and self-compassion. You are not alone, and reaching out for help is a powerful first step toward restoration and hope.
