When a person experiences or witnesses an incredible disturbing or scary event, they may develop psychological trauma. This type of trauma typically impacts a person’s ability to cope and function normally — and is typically treated with a trauma therapy program.
Understanding the signs of trauma, how it affects the brain, and how it’s professionally treated can help you or a loved one recognize the problem and then begin taking steps toward recovery. Searching for a trauma therapy program in California? Reach out to Clear Behavioral Health Virtual Program today. You can call 866.680.0969 or contact our team online.
What Are the Signs of Trauma in Adults?
Everyone responds to mental trauma differently. Should their responses continue to influence how they live their lives long after the traumatic event, they must seek trauma-informed care to help them process what they experienced or witnessed. However, it may be challenging to figure out if someone is actually dealing with trauma — especially if they’re not communicative. Here are some common signs to watch out for:
- Cognitive changes: Confusion, difficulty with memory and concentration, flashbacks of the event, intrusive thoughts, mood swings, and nightmares
- Behavioral pattern changes: Avoiding people and places that are reminders of the event, not prioritizing previously-enjoyed activities, and withdrawing from close relationships
- Psychological concerns: Anger, anxiety and panic attacks, compulsions and obsessions, depression, disbelief and shock, emotional numbing and detachment, fear, guilt and shame, and irritability
- Physical concerns: altered eating patterns, becoming easily startled, difficulty falling or staying asleep, extreme exhaustion, hypervigilance and edginess, muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, sexual dysfunction, and unexplained aches and pains
What Is Trauma-Informed Care?
Now that you know how to spot the signs of trauma in adults, you may be wondering what trauma-informed care is. In general, trauma-informed care shifts the focus of treatment from “What’s wrong with the client?” to “What happened to the client?” Put simply, a trauma-informed approach to care acknowledges that healthcare providers need to have a complete picture of a client’s life situation — past and present — to provide the most effective healthcare services with a healing orientation.
Trauma-informed care can potentially improve client engagement, treatment adherence, and health outcomes in addition to healthcare provider and staff wellness. It can also help reduce avoidable treatments and excess costs. Overall, trauma-informed care seeks to:
- Actively avoid re-traumatization of clients
- Integrate knowledge about trauma into policies, practices, and procedures
- Recognize the symptoms of trauma in clients, families, and staff
- Realize the impact of trauma and understand paths for recovery
When Should You Consider a Trauma Therapy Program?
Trauma in adults should be processed properly; otherwise, its effects can significantly affect their daily lives. The answer is not to avoid traumatic events, as they can happen unexpectedly — such as being a victim of violence, experiencing a natural disaster, or losing a loved one. However, these events happen every so often, and it’s essential to have proper coping mechanisms.
Sometimes, an event can be so traumatic that someone cannot cope with it right away, or even over time — even though they may have coping mechanisms that usually work. When a traumatic event affects your daily life, work performance, or relationships, it may be time to consider seeking professional help.
Knowing when to undergo a trauma therapy program can be difficult. Some of the symptoms to watch for may not be immediately recognizable. However, trauma symptoms can be debilitating and even worsen over time. You can work to lessen your painful physical and emotional symptoms with trauma-focused trauma counseling.
Ready To Learn More About Clear Recovery Virtual Program’s Trauma Therapy Program?
If you’re looking for a trauma therapy program in California, contact Clear Behavioral Health Virtual Program today. You can call 866.680.0969 or reach out to our team online.
