Trauma Therapy
What is Trauma Therapy?
The term "trauma" is often linked to veterans or extreme violence, but this is a significant misconception. At its core, trauma refers to a state of deep distress resulting from disturbing experiences, and in this sense, everyone can experience trauma to varying degrees. Trauma can arise from a wide range of unsettling events, including physical or sexual assault, abuse, or accidents and disasters. Many different experiences can lead to trauma and symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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At Sol Mental Wellness in Riverside, our dedicated team provides a variety of mental health therapy services designed to help individuals achieve the quality of life they deserve.
How can Trauma Therapy help with mental health treatment?
Trauma refers to the emotional response individuals have to distressing events in their lives. While shock and denial are common initial reactions, trauma can lead to a range of unexpected emotional responses and physical symptoms over time. Common responses to trauma include:
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Unexpected Emotions: After a traumatic event, emotions may surface unpredictably and in ways that seem illogical or overwhelming.
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Physical Symptoms: These can include headaches, nausea, and panic attacks, which may occur without a clear cause.
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Behavioral Changes: Flashbacks, although often dramatized in media, can be intense and frightening. They involve vivid, recurring memories of the trauma, which can be triggered by various stimuli or occur spontaneously. These can lead to increased heart rate, sweating, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and a diminished quality of life.
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Sensitivity to the Environment: Trauma can heighten sensitivity to environmental factors such as loud noises, specific smells, or tactile sensations, which may act as triggers.
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Strained Relationships: Trauma can lead to irritability and conflicts in personal relationships, causing individuals to become socially withdrawn or disengaged from loved ones.
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While these reactions can be normal following a traumatic event, persistent symptoms may indicate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unlike physical conditions, trauma and PTSD cannot be diagnosed through a simple blood test. The most effective way to understand and address these symptoms is to consult with a mental health professional.
At Sol Mental Wellness in Riverside, our team is here to help you navigate and manage the effects of trauma and PTSD, providing the support and guidance you need to reclaim your well-being.