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Most people will experience emotional trauma at some point during their lives. Many types of trauma and traumatic events are widespread today, whether it be the death of a loved one, surviving violence, or simply the end of a relationship.
The long-term effects of untreated emotional wounds can be devastating. Trauma can impair an individual’s physical, mental, and social well-being. Psychological trauma is also a significant risk factor for developing co-occurring mental health disorders, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, and substance use disorders.
We will review the different types of trauma, their causes and symptoms. We’ll also explore your available treatment options. When considering how prevalent the experience of trauma is and the significant impact it can have on future health, it becomes vital to understand its complexities.
What is Trauma?
The American Psychological Association states, “Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster. Immediately after the event, shock, and denial are typical. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea.”
Trauma is subjective; how traumatic an event is depends on a person’s reaction to it. For example, two people in the same vehicle experience a severe car crash. One passenger experiences the accident as a trauma; the other may be upset or shocked but doesn’t develop trauma.
Types of emotional trauma can be categorized as follows:
Acute Trauma (also known as Type 1 Trauma, “Big T” Trauma)
Acute trauma develops as the result of a single incident or experience. The incident is usually unexpected and brief, lasting seconds to minutes. While acute trauma is singular, it can still have an enormous impact on those who experience it. This form of trauma is linked to the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a disorder in which an individual has difficulty overcoming a traumatic event. Acute trauma can stem from a variety of events. Below are some examples:
- Physical assault or robbery
- Sexual assault
- Witnessing crime or violence
- Natural disaster
- Car accident
- Hospitalization/medical trauma
- Life-threatening illness
- Childbirth
“Little T” Trauma
“Little T” traumas are common experiences with a high probability of being traumatic. These experiences can range from moving to a new home to infidelity and divorce. They are events that happen to many people every day. However, their normalcy does not mean that the events are not traumatic. Small traumas still have the potential to impact those who experience them, especially if they happen to adolescents or in a repeated manner. Some examples of “little t” trauma you might encounter include:
- Expected death of a loved one (e.g. grandparent dies of old age)
- Death of a pet
- Infidelity or divorce
- Losing a job
- Conflict between friend or loved one
- Moving to a new house or town
- Legal troubles
Chronic Trauma (Repetitive Trauma)
Chronic trauma occurs in response to repeated exposure to traumatic events. These events may be the same repeated trauma or different traumatic experiences. Chronic trauma can affect a person for years and is linked to mental illness and significant impairment in daily functioning if left untreated. It also increases the risk of suicide and suicidal ideation (repetitive thoughts about self-harm). Events that may lead to chronic trauma include:
- Domestic abuse
- Chronic illness or medical treatments
- War
- Repeated witnessing or victim of violence
- Extreme situations, such as being homeless or a refugee
Complex Trauma (Type 2 Trauma, Developmental Trauma)
Complex traumas, like chronic traumas, occur in relation to prolonged distressing events. The primary difference between the two traumas is that complex traumas usually occur during childhood and involve a caregiver or other trusted individual. Experiencing trauma in relation to this critical adult-child relationship often leads the child to intense feelings of betrayal and lack of trust. The experience of complex trauma can have an enormous impact on emotional and physical health. Children exposed to complex traumas have a greater likelihood of changes in behavioral, emotional, and cognitive functioning. Some examples of complex traumas are listed below:
- Abandonment
- Sexual abuse
- Physical abuse
- Domestic or family violence
- Neglect, emotional or physical
- Community unrest or violence
- School violence
Collective, Historical, and Generational Trauma
A large group of people may share collective, historical, and generational traumas. This group might be a family, racial group, gender group, or another demographic profile – the key here is that the people of the group share the same traumatic experience. This shared difficulty within the community has been linked to an increased incidence of co-occurring mental health disorders. Specific shared traumas have also been connected with increased crime and violence. Examples of shared trauma incidents include:
- Slavery
- Racism
- Sexism
- Genocide
- War
- Poverty
The Impact of Trauma
Not everyone experiences the effects of trauma in precisely the same way. Regardless of which type of trauma is experienced, people exposed to traumatic events are all at a higher risk of developing both physical and psychological impairments.
Symptoms of trauma include:
- Depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Intense mood swings
- Tendency to isolate from others
- Self-blame or survivor guilt
- Difficulty in trusting or relying on others
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Substance abuse disorders
- Nightmares and flashbacks to the trauma
- Frequent illnesses
- Headaches, backaches, or other unexplained aches and pains
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
- Changes in sleep patterns – too much or not enough sleep
- Changes in appetite
Trauma and Substance Abuse
People who’ve experienced trauma have an elevated risk of developing a mental disorder, particularly depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma can lead to co-occurring mental health disorders, as well. Many people who abuse substances do so to self-medicate the emotional pain caused by trauma. When substance abuse occurs while a person is experiencing the effects of trauma, dual diagnosis care is the best choice for recovery.
Trauma Treatment Options
- Personalized Counseling. Individual therapy sessions with a licensed mental health professional help you understand what drives your anxiety. One-on-one therapy also helps you learn coping skills to reduce and eliminate anxiety.
- Peer Group Sessions. Sharing experiences with others facing problems from anxiety helps maintain improvements for long-term recovery.
- Experiential Therapies: Besides traditional therapies, NuLife offers alternative therapies like art and music therapy.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Designed for those who need a higher level of care but can’t commit to full-time inpatient treatment.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Ideal for those who have completed inpatient treatment but still require intensive therapy and medical oversight.
- Dual Diagnosis: Specialized treatment plans are available for those dealing with mental health conditions alongside substance abuse.
- Insurance Assistance: NuLife offers insurance verification services to help you understand your coverage and any potential costs.
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). TMS is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment for disorders often accompanying addiction, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. TMS may also be used to treat substance addiction disorders.
Psychotherapy, or simply therapy, is the gold standard treatment for all forms of trauma. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), individual therapy, and group and family therapy are all helpful options. There is a growing body of research on alternative treatment options, including art therapy, massage therapy, and pet/equine therapy.
Trauma often fuels substance abuse and addiction. At NuLife Behavioral Health in Indiana, we understand the complex relationship between psychological disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. We offer flexible outpatient programs that treat dual diagnosis, including an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and partial hospitalization program (PHP).
At NuLife Behavioral Health Indianapolis, we offer therapy options to fit your needs best. We offer individual, group, and family counseling. We also provide specific therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). If you or someone you know is interested in beginning their trauma recovery journey, please reach out to our team of licensed medical professionals. NuLife Behavioral Health Indianapolis is here to help you find the treatment options you need.
Contact NuLife Behavioral Health Indiana Today
We are committed to helping individuals live fulfilling lives free from the adverse effects of substance use or mental health disorders. Our experienced and compassionate staff provides individualized treatment plans that address the specific needs and underlying causes of a client’s behavioral health concerns.
Wherever you reside in Indiana, contact us to learn more about NuLife Behavioral Health Indiana. We offer a variety of treatment programs that address a diverse array of substance use disorders and mental health conditions. Do not wait to get help for yourself or a loved one; begin living your best new life today!
