Trauma is complicated. It can be difficult to recognize and treat. Trauma can appear as other mental health problems or even as physical symptoms.  

Trauma comes from being unable to cope with stressful experiences. It’s normal to experience stressful events in life, however, not everyone who experiences these will develop trauma. 

Understanding the warning signs is an important first step for getting the necessary help and enrolling in trauma therapy. 

Do I Need Therapy? Recognize The Signs 

Trauma is not always easy to spot. There are some warning signs that may indicate you need trauma therapy. These include: 

• On-going negative feelings such as depression or anxiety. If depression and anxiety disorders have been ruled out, it may be a sign of trauma. 

• Flashbacks or nightmares. These can make it difficult to fall or stay asleep. They can also present as intrusive thoughts or visuals that affect someone during the day. 

• Avoiding people and places that trigger traumatic memories. 

• Emotional numbness is common for trauma patients. They may feel disconnected from their emotions or body. It is a common way for the brain to protect itself.

• Using drugs and alcohol to cope with trauma. This can be a way to numb out emotional pain. 

• Physical health problems such as stomachaches, headaches and joint pain without a direct cause may be signs of trauma. Trauma can cause inflammation, and even trigger autoimmune diseases. 

• Ongoing conflict in relationships, trouble forming connections, or being avoidant of intimacy could be underlying signs of trauma.

• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts may accompany those struggling with unresolved trauma. Trauma can cause guilt, shame and make individuals feel like their life is unworthy. Self-harm can also be a way to negatively cope with emotional pain. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or suicide it is important to reach out for professional mental health support. 

What Is Trauma Therapy? 

Trauma therapy helps address traumatic memories, process stress and build healthy coping skills. Patients will work with a therapist to understand their trauma and build tools for resilience  

There are a number of different therapies used to help heal the effects of trauma. Some of the most common include: 

• CBT will teach patients to break negative thinking patterns, develop positive coping skills and set goals. 

• EMDR is designed for trauma. Using bilateral brain stimulation, EMDR helps desensitize traumatic memories. 

• ART is a new therapy also designed for trauma. It is similar to EMDR, using bilateral stimulation. Unlike EMDR, it replaces the trauma memory with a positive one, rather than just desensitizing it. 

• Experiential therapies such art therapy, dance, and music are all effective ways to treat trauma. These are especially helpful to process trauma that is hard to speak about. They utilize movement, voice, action and creativity to process trauma that can be stored in the body and deep parts of the brain. Research has shown that for early childhood trauma, these can be especially helpful to process trauma stored in the body. 

Which Therapy Works Best For Me? 

There are lots of options to treat trauma. What might work for one patient may not work for another. There is no one-size-fits all treatment when it comes to trauma. 

Sometimes CBT may be the first line of treatment because this is the most common therapy to address symptoms of mental health problems. 

During CBT, if your therapist finds that your symptoms are stemming from underlying trauma, they may refer you to a more specialized therapy designed for trauma such as EMDR or Accelerated Resolution. 

When To Seek Help 

It’s important to seek help from a mental health professional if you notice the warning signs of trauma or are struggling to function with daily tasks. Maple Mountain Mental Health & Wellness Center has a compassionate team of trauma-informed therapists that can provide comprehensive support. 

We understand the complex nature of trauma and different options such as EMDR, Accelerated Resolution and Therapy-Assisted Ketamine Treatment based on your individual needs. Reach out to our Admissions team now.

Sources 

Risk of Autoimmune Diseases after Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Nationwide Cohort Study. 2024. National Library of Medicine.