Trauma
With nearly 70% of American adults experiencing trauma at some point in their lifetime, it goes without question the influence of this phenomenon. In the United States, trauma is the leading cause of death in children. More than two-thirds of children are reported to have experienced a traumatic event before the age of 16. At City Psychiatry Inc, we recognize trauma, we understand the impact of trauma, and we provide specialized care with the intent to realize recovery and restoration in survivors. Schedule an appointment today at CityPsychiatryInc or call us 18135990159 to explore how we may best support you or your loved one.
Traumatic Impact
Trauma is a psychological or physical injury; or it is the precipitant that provokes it. Those individuals considered high risk populations include adults, children and youth, first responders, and women and girls. There is an initial response to trauma and then there are lasting effects that may linger for an extended period of time. While Traumatic Stress Reaction is the initial response to a traumatic event, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition where the response to trauma is not depreciated with time. Trauma changes prospective and beliefs. Although, some people may overcome trauma, return to their prior belief system, or not waver from their beliefs. Others are unable to return to their prior belief state, their sense of security and safety is lost, and they may find hope is lost.
Traumatic Stress Reaction
Our bodies are programed to deal with a stressor automatically. This is an involuntary response that may be influenced by both biological and environmental factors. Reactions consists of three things: fight, flight, or freeze and is a defensive mechanism meant to protect from harm. Despite the reaction, adrenaline is release into the body and must be either used up in some way. After the initial threat is gone, symptoms that ensue include: fatigue, headache, anxiety, anger, sadness, feeling on edge, being on high alert, racing heart rate, and lack of focus. These symptoms may be only temporary. If symptoms persists and progress; a diagnosis of PTSD is considered. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms in the acute phase.
PTSD
PTSD is a chronic mental health condition that is the result of enduring or witnessing a traumatic event. In PTSD, the symptoms of fight, flight, freeze last for an extended period of time, progress, and significantly impact relationships and daily functioning. Additional symptoms may develop as well. Flashbacks, nightmares, detachment, isolation, numbness, heighten startle response, and restlessness are commonly seen in PTSD and manifest physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Treatment focus is not only targeted at symptom management but also therapeutic intervention.
Maladaptive Coping
Although maladaptive coping strategies may seem beneficial in the short-term, they do in fact ease symptoms, these “strategies” are not sustainable to relationship, physical health, or overall well-being. However, there are many effective coping strategies providing relief from the short term and long term effects of trauma. So often avoidance, self-harm, substance use, isolation, aggression, risky behavior, and dissociation are attempts to ease effects of trauma. These strategies only provide temporary relief, can led to dangerous outcomes, negatively impact health, and are not conducive to relationship.
Resilience, Recovery, Restoration
Understanding trauma starts with the realization traumatic response reaction is a normal and expected response to an atypical event. Several variables determine one’s resilience, recovery, and restoration during and after trauma. City Psychiatry Inc understands how important it is to have the right resources and tools in place when navigating recovery. We also understand how to turn broken into whole again. Are you ready to start your journey of healing? Contact CityPsychiatryInc today at (813)599-0159 and allow our team to not only help you find healing but lead you to a place of empowerment and happiness once again.
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (US). Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2014. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 57.) Chapter 3, Understanding the Impact of Trauma. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207191/
Hoeboer, C. M., Nava, F., Haagen, J. F. G., Broekman, B., van der Gaag, R.-J., & Olff, M. (2025). Epidemiology of DSM-5 PTSD and ICD-11 PTSD and complex PTSD in The Netherlands. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 102963. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2024.102963