Trauma can change the way the world feels — turning ordinary places, sounds or relationships into reminders of pain. If you have lived through something overwhelming, the lingering effects are not a sign of weakness; they are the mind and body's attempt to protect you. With the right support, those effects can ease, and a sense of safety can return.
Two Kinds of Trauma
Broadly, there are two types of trauma. The first is single-incident trauma, such as a car accident or a robbery. The second is ongoing trauma, such as childhood abuse or service in a war zone. The aftereffects of both — known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD — can look surprisingly similar. People who have experienced trauma may startle easily, have difficulty falling asleep or concentrating, and feel more detached from others. Another common feature of PTSD is recurring memories or dreams about the event.
How Trauma Lingers
These painful memories can be triggered easily when you encounter similar cues or circumstances. As a result, traumatized people may spend a great deal of energy avoiding the activities, places or people that bring the memories back. That can mean not driving past the scene of an accident — or, more profoundly, avoiding a loving relationship for fear of being hurt again. The instinct to avoid is understandable, but over time it can shrink a life.
Sometimes the feelings related to trauma ease on their own with the passage of time. Often, though — especially when the pain is severe — they do not fade without help. The National Institute of Mental Health provides clear information on PTSD and the treatments shown to help.
How Therapy Helps
One way of healing, difficult as it can be, is to talk with others about what happened. Both individual and group approaches to counseling are helpful, and for some people who were abused as children it can be especially valuable to join a survivors' group. Individual therapy, meanwhile, provides a private, focused and safe context to work through trauma and its impact at your own pace. Within that safety, you can regain your ability to cope, learn to manage distressing experiences, and gradually separate the past trauma from the present — so that you stop reliving painful memories and begin to feel like yourself again.
Taking the First Step
Healing from trauma takes courage and the right support. Our network includes therapists experienced in trauma-informed care. You may also find it helpful to read about anxiety and stress or grief and depression, or return to all of our therapy specialties. When you are ready, get in touch through our contact form.
If you are in immediate danger or crisis, call 911, or reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline any time at 988lifeline.org.