Emotional Trauma

Unresolved pain from the past can cause other issues

Mental Health Trauma

What Is Trauma?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Individual trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.”

When it comes to traumatic experiences, we may think of physical or sexual assault, near-death experiences, natural disasters, or significant injuries. But the truth is that trauma is not always easy to recognize. While one kind of trauma can be tied to a specific event, another kind may result from multiple incidents that can’t always be traced back to specific dates and times.

Sometimes trauma happens immediately or over a short period of time; other times, it happens over a long period, in a way that a person may not even have recognized as being traumatic. The common thread, however, is damage to a person’s mental, physical, or emotional health.

Childhood Traumatic Experiences

Meadows Senior Fellow Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and colleagues at the National Child Traumatic Stress Network reviewed thousands of cases of childhood trauma and identified what they termed developmental trauma disorder. This condition is typified by “a pervasive pattern of [emotional] dysregulation, problems with attention and concentration, and difficulties getting along with themselves and others.”

While the results may be similar, trauma in childhood can stem from a variety of experiences including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, bullying, medical trauma (such as a major surgery or long-term illness), grief over a loved one, violence in the community, or a natural disaster. Any of these events can leave a child feeling intensely threatened, and they may have long-term aftereffects if unaddressed.

Negative Effects of Trauma

There are many negative effects of trauma, but the severity of these effects may vary. “Trauma, including one-time, multiple, or long-lasting repetitive events, affects everyone differently,” SAMHSA’s TIP 57 states. Without intervention, a person’s thoughts, feelings, and memories related to the traumatic event may grow in complexity and depth. More severe and prolonged responses to trauma may include:

Intense, disruptive memories
Persistent exhaustion
Depression
Paranoia
Sleep disturbances and disorders
Physical sensations
Fear and anxiety
Disaffectation
Continuous distress

These symptoms can drive the desire to self-medicate with mood-altering substances. Trauma is often an underlying cause of substance abuse and mental health conditions, and it must be resolved so that a person can fully heal and thrive again.

Trauma by the Numbers

According to The National Council:

In the US alone, 70% of adults (over 220 million people) have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives.
Approximately one in three young adults exposed to community violence will develop PTSD.
90% of clients in the public behavioral health system have experienced trauma.
Trauma can stem from a number of events or circumstances, such as childhood abuse and neglect; witnessing acts of violence; war, accidents, and natural disasters; grief and loss; medical interventions; and physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

Podcast: Treating Trauma and What's Underneath

Many times, when people seek treatment for trauma, they are addressing something that happened to them recently. However, there is often something that lies underneath that also needs to be addressed. Chief Clinical Director of Meadows Behavioral Healthcare Scott Davis makes the case that true recovery can only be reached when everything is addressed, not just the part a person is comfortable with. But how do you get a person to open up to meet them where they are?

Podcast: Racial Trauma Within the Black Community

Black trauma is a complex issue with many layers when you dive into its history. In the season finale of Beyond Theory, we speak with Deran Young and Dr. Sheldon Jacobs who share their personal stories and the work they are doing to face the mental health challenges in the Black community.

Listen to Episode

Symptoms of Trauma

SAMHSA lists the following as signs someone may have experienced trauma:

They avoid anything that reminds them of the event, even to the impairment of social relationships
They have difficulty expressing themselves, easily become argumentative, and have problems concentrating
They are preoccupied with the event or set of circumstances and deal with intrusive memories or flashbacks
Their sleeping and eating patterns become irregular or disrupted
They experience physical symptoms unconnected to sickness or physical exertion, such as nausea, back pain, migraines, elevated heartbeat, sweating, or extreme fatigue
Their activity level decreases, they engage in high-risk behaviors, and they confess to having bouts of suicidal thinking
Their perception of time and space is distorted, or they have memory problems related to the event
They become hopeless, disillusioned, and increasingly cynical about life

Individuals can experience healing from traumatic events that restores their well-being, self-esteem, and willingness to engage in life activities. Fortunately, full recovery is possible and well worth the effort.

Trauma Treatment at The Meadows

At The Meadows, our approach to trauma treatment is informed by the expertise, experience, and foundational work of our Senior Fellows, including Pia Mellody, Dr. Peter Levine, Dr. Claudia Black, and Dr. Bessel van Der Kolk. Their work has influenced our treatment model as well as the modern behavioral health approach to trauma and addiction recovery. People who felt hopeless and entrenched in the effects of their trauma have experienced life change and healing through our program.

If you or a loved one is seeking recovery from trauma, addiction, or mental health conditions, please get in touch with our team today. We can tell you more about our program and help you determine the best next steps on your journey to healing.

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Articles About Emotional Trauma

The Complex Trauma Survivor Faces a Lifetime Worth of Bullying

The Impact of Little "t" Traumas

Hyper- and Hypoarousal and Trauma

Admissions

Our Admissions team is here to help 24 hours a day and is experienced in assisting others with compassion, dignity, and respect — hallmark values of The Meadows for more than 45 years. The Meadows’ Admissions Specialists are here to help you on your way to a healthier and more productive lifestyle. When you call, they will lead you through a series of questions to determine if The Meadows is a good fit, and how soon your treatment can begin. If you are interested in The Meadows for yourself or a loved one, call or fill out an admissions form today!