Trauma is an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that can have lasting adverse effects on an individual’s mental, physical, and emotional health. It often occurs when an individual experiences a stressful, frightening, or distressing event that is difficult to cope with or out of their control.
What is Trauma and How Does it Affect Individuals?
Trauma is an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. It’s a behavioral health issue that occurs when someone experiences a stressful, frightening, or distressing event that is difficult to cope with or out of their control. Trauma can have lasting adverse effects on an individual’s mental, physical, emotional health, social well-being, and spiritual well-being.
- Natural disasters
- Acts of violence
- Car crashes or other accidents
- Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse
- Childhood neglect
What are the Common Signs of Trauma?
Not everyone responds to trauma in exactly the same way, but some common signs include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks of the event, confusion, difficulty with memory and concentration, and mood swings.
How Can One Deal with Trauma?
Some wise choices for dealing with trauma include talking with others about how you feel, calming yourself, taking care of yourself, avoiding using alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, getting back to your daily routine, getting involved in your community, and getting help if symptoms persist.
What is Childhood Trauma?
Childhood trauma is a term for serious adverse childhood experiences. It can occur when a child’s ability to cope is overwhelmed by violent or dangerous events. These events can include neglect, psychological, physical, or sexual abuse, natural disasters, terrorism, community and school violence, and witnessing or experiencing domestic violence.
How Common is Childhood Trauma?
According to a study, approximately 65% of children experience at least one adverse event during their childhood.
What are the Manifestations of Childhood Trauma?
Some ways that childhood trauma can manifest itself include uncontrollable anger, anxiety, depression, an inability to express emotions, and withdrawal.
Where Can One Seek Help for Childhood Trauma?
If you or a loved one are struggling with childhood trauma, you can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
