Understanding Trauma and PTSD

Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can profoundly impact mental health and daily functioning. Learn about different types of trauma, PTSD symptoms, and evidence-based treatments that can help you heal.

PTSD at a Glance

Prevalence

6% of U.S. adults yearly

About 15 million people

Trauma Exposure

60% of men, 50% of women

Experience trauma in lifetime

Recovery Rate

80% improve with treatment

Trauma-focused therapy

Treatment

Evidence-based therapies

EMDR, CPT, PE

Types of Trauma

Acute Trauma

Results from a single distressing event that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope and causes lasting psychological effects.

  • Car accidents or natural disasters
  • Physical or sexual assault
  • Sudden loss of a loved one
  • Life-threatening medical emergency

Chronic Trauma

Repeated and prolonged exposure to highly stressful events over an extended period, often in childhood.

  • Long-term domestic violence
  • Ongoing childhood abuse or neglect
  • Extended exposure to war zones
  • Chronic illness or medical trauma

Complex Trauma

Multiple traumatic events, often invasive and interpersonal in nature, typically occurring during critical developmental periods.

  • Childhood emotional abuse
  • Multiple caregiver disruptions
  • Witnessing family violence
  • Early attachment disruptions

Secondary Trauma

Indirect exposure to trauma through a firsthand account or narrative of a traumatic event experienced by another person.

  • Healthcare workers and first responders
  • Therapists treating trauma survivors
  • Family members of trauma survivors
  • Journalists covering traumatic events

PTSD Symptom Clusters

Intrusion Symptoms

Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories or re-experiencing of the traumatic event.

  • Flashbacks that feel like reliving the trauma
  • Nightmares or disturbing dreams
  • Intrusive thoughts about the event
  • Intense psychological distress at reminders
  • Physical reactions to trauma cues

Avoidance Symptoms

Persistent efforts to avoid trauma-related thoughts, feelings, people, places, conversations, or activities.

  • Avoiding memories or thoughts of trauma
  • Avoiding places that trigger memories
  • Avoiding people associated with trauma
  • Avoiding conversations about the event
  • Emotional numbing or detachment

Negative Mood & Cognition Changes

Persistent negative thoughts, feelings, or beliefs about oneself, others, or the world that began or worsened after trauma.

  • Inability to remember key aspects of trauma
  • Persistent negative beliefs about self
  • Distorted blame of self or others
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Feeling detached from others

Hyperarousal Symptoms

Trauma-related changes in arousal and reactivity, including irritability, hypervigilance, and exaggerated startle response.

  • Irritability or angry outbursts
  • Reckless or self-destructive behavior
  • Being constantly on guard (hypervigilance)
  • Exaggerated startle response
  • Sleep disturbances and concentration problems

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)

Complex PTSD develops from prolonged, repeated trauma, often in situations where escape is difficult or impossible. It includes all PTSD symptoms plus additional difficulties with emotion regulation, self-concept, and relationships.

Emotion Dysregulation

  • Difficulty managing intense emotions
  • Explosive anger or extreme sadness
  • Emotional numbing or dissociation
  • Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

Negative Self-Concept

  • Persistent feelings of shame or guilt
  • Feeling permanently damaged or defective
  • Profound sense of worthlessness
  • Loss of core beliefs about self

Relationship Difficulties

  • Difficulty trusting others
  • Avoiding relationships or isolation
  • Difficulty maintaining stable relationships
  • Seeking out or staying in harmful relationships

Evidence-Based Trauma Treatments

Trauma-Focused Therapies

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping) while recalling traumatic memories to help the brain reprocess them. Highly effective for single-incident trauma and requires minimal verbal disclosure.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Helps identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs related to trauma. Focuses on how trauma has affected thoughts about safety, trust, control, esteem, and intimacy.

Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy

Gradually and safely exposes you to trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations you've been avoiding. Helps reduce avoidance and process traumatic experiences.

Trauma-Focused CBT

Addresses distorted thoughts and beliefs related to trauma. Includes relaxation techniques, emotional regulation skills, and gradual trauma processing.

Somatic & Additional Approaches

Somatic Experiencing

Focuses on bodily sensations and physical responses to trauma. Helps release stored trauma energy and restore the nervous system's natural ability to self-regulate.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Addresses different parts of the self that developed in response to trauma. Particularly helpful for complex trauma and dissociative symptoms.

Medications

SSRIs (Sertraline, Paroxetine) are FDA-approved for PTSD. Can help manage symptoms like depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. Most effective when combined with therapy.

Group Therapy

Provides peer support and reduces isolation. Helps normalize trauma responses and learn from others' recovery experiences in a safe environment.

Warning Signs & When to Seek Help

Common Warning Signs

  • Intrusive memories or flashbacks occurring regularly
  • Avoiding people, places, or activities due to trauma
  • Significant changes in mood or personality
  • Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
  • Being constantly on edge or easily startled
  • Using alcohol or drugs to cope
  • Difficulty maintaining relationships or employment

When to Seek Help

Consider seeking professional help if you experience:

  • Symptoms persisting more than one month after trauma
  • Symptoms interfering with daily functioning
  • Severe distress that won't subside
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
  • Substance abuse to manage symptoms
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Trauma Recovery Strategies

Grounding Techniques

  • 5-4-3-2-1 sensory technique
  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Physical grounding (touching objects)
  • Mental grounding exercises

Self-Care Practices

  • Establish consistent daily routines
  • Prioritize sleep hygiene
  • Gentle exercise and movement
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine

Building Support

  • Connect with trusted friends or family
  • Join trauma survivor support groups
  • Practice self-compassion
  • Engage in creative expression

Additional Resources

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

Recovery from trauma is possible with the right support. Take our PTSD assessment and connect with trauma-informed therapists who can help.

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