How Do You Heal From Trauma?
Healing from trauma is not a quick and easy process. It takes time to process the traumatic events and learn how to cope with the harm they caused. The pace of healing will vary depending on the patient’s circumstances, so it’s important to know that the healing process will vary for each patient. Treatment plans should be tailored to each patient’s specific needs and circumstances, with regular adjustments made based on their progress and response to treatment.
Healing begins by creating a foundation of emotional and physical safety and stability in the patient’s life. This process involves having secure living conditions, developing reliable relationships, and learning to recognize and respect boundaries. Many people find that working with a trauma therapist helps them understand their responses to trauma and develop healthy coping strategies. Trauma victims can also benefit from mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, and group therapy, where they can connect with others who have similar experiences. By creating a strong support network, implementing stress-management techniques, and developing daily routines that promote physical and emotional well-being, patients can begin to heal and cope with their trauma.
Is Trauma Disorder a Mental Illness?
Due to trauma being able to impact a person’s mental health, a trauma disorder is considered a mental illness. The most well-known trauma disorder is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but there are several others, including Acute Stress Disorder, Adjustment Disorders, and Complex PTSD. While these conditions are considered mental illnesses for treatment purposes, the person’s response to trauma is a natural reaction to abnormal or overwhelming events. Many mental health professionals and trauma experts emphasize that trauma responses like flashbacks and emotional numbness are normal adaptations that help a person survive difficult circumstances. This perspective helps reduce stigma and shame so people do not view the response to trauma as a sign of weakness but as evidence of the mind and body’s natural protection systems.
What Are the Causes of PTSD?
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) can develop after experiencing one or more traumatic events that involve actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Common triggering events include:
Combat and Military Exposure
- Active combat situations
- Military sexual trauma
- Terrorist attacks
- Exposure to casualties of war
Personal Violence
- Physical assault or abuse
- Sexual assault or rape
- Domestic violence
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Robbery or mugging
Accidents and Disasters
- Serious car accidents
- Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, hurricanes)
- Fire incidents
- Workplace accidents
- Medical emergencies
Indirect Trauma Exposure
- Witnessing someone else’s trauma
- First responders who repeatedly are exposed to traumatic situations
- Learning about violent events happening to loved ones
- Medical professionals dealing with severe cases/deaths
Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of PTSD include:
- Previous traumatic experiences
- Family history of mental health problems
- Lack of social support
- Existing mental health conditions
- The severity and duration of the traumatic event
- Individual personality factors
For those suffering from this disorder, PTSD treatment in California is available to ensure treatment is accessible to overcome the condition.
Access California Trauma Therapy at Resurgence Behavioral Health
Resurgence Behavioral Health provides specialized trauma-informed care at our California trauma therapy center. Our trauma-specialized therapists understand the deep impact of trauma on your well-being. Our clinicians are specifically trained to help you explore and heal from traumatic experiences while uncovering how these events may have influenced your relationship with substances. Through compassionate guidance, we work to identify the connections between past trauma and current struggles, creating a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses your emotional healing and recovery journey. By combining expert care for both trauma and addiction, we help you understand and heal from the root causes of your struggles. Please contact our California therapy center at 855-458-0050 to learn how we can help you start healing today.