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Emotional Trauma Therapy
Emotional Trauma
What is emotional trauma? By definition, emotional trauma results from events or experiences that leave us feeling profoundly unsafe and often helpless. The events or experiences can be different from person to person, group to group, couple to couple, or even child to child. The lasting scars, or emotional trauma, can result from a single event or be part of ongoing abuse, bullying, discrimination, humiliation, or witnessing disturbing events. There doesn’t have to be a single traumatizing event to seek treatment — at our San Antonio, Texas, location, we treat all kinds of trauma, even PTSD.
Symptoms of Emotional Trauma
Not everyone responds to trauma in the same way, but there are a select few common signs we should look for within ourselves or our loved ones that could indicate emotional trauma:
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Altered Behavioral Patterns: While the stereotypical sudden seclusion is a well-known example, there are several other signs to look for. Excessive sleeping, abnormal eating habits, quitting activities previously enjoyed, and a sudden unexplained lack of interest or empathy can all be considered altered behavioral patterns.
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Cognitive Changes: Nightmares are something everybody experiences from time to time but multiple times per night isn't normal. Intrusive thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and abnormal but sudden mood swings should all be taken seriously, and if you’re struggling, there is hope: San Antonio Authentic Counseling.
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Physical Issues: Insomnia, increased heartbeat, weird and unexplained aches/pains, abnormal muscle tension, absentminded picking/pulling/scratching of skin or hair, and unintentional fasting can be signs of emotional trauma or even PTSD.
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Psychological issues: Panic attacks, uncontrollable fear or anger, sudden obsessions or compulsiveness, unreasonable shame or guilt, and general anxiety manifesting can all be attributed to emotional trauma. Psychological changes are arguably the most difficult to notice in somebody we care about but easiest to see within ourselves.
While all the symptoms of emotional trauma may affect whoever is suffering differently, psychological issues can be the toughest to deal with and have lasting effects. Seemingly endless data supports the idea that emotional trauma is a manifestation of PTSD, and the longer it is ignored, the more unhealthy the scenario becomes.
PTSD Relating to Emotional Trauma
According to the American Psychiatric Association, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that may occur in people who experience or witness a traumatic event, series of events or set of circumstances. The Association also has recognized that "three ethnic groups – U.S. Latinos, African Americans, and Native Americans/Alaska Natives – are disproportionately affected and have higher rates of PTSD than non-Latino whites." While the reasons for this can be debated, the folks at San Antonio Authentic Counseling take it seriously and want to empower you to achieve your goals and cope with life's challenges, no matter your ethnicity.
Recovery is Possible!
Work with a willing professional to listen, validate, and prescribe. Levels of psychotherapy, prescription medications, and counseling are available and are here to help those experiencing emotional trauma. San Antonio Authentic Counseling is here to help you regain control of your life. Call (210) 757-3782 to schedule your free consultation or fill out our online form if you're not ready to vocalize your experiences, and a wonderful professional will reply promptly.