Trauma is a lasting, emotional response that occurs after a distressing or disturbing experience. It can happen to anyone, of any age, and affects each person differently. Most often, traumatic events are those that put us (or someone we love) at risk of serious harm, threatening one’s safety and life. Trauma stays with us, even after an event passes, often causing long-term effects on our mental health.
What causes trauma for one person may not cause it for another. However, common triggers of trauma include neglect, abuse (physical or emotional), violent attacks, accidents, illness, death, discrimination, natural disaster, and unstable living conditions. Trauma can stem from a single event, or from prolonged exposure to stressful or dangerous situations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 70 percent of people globally will experience a traumatic event in their lifetime.
How do our bodies respond to trauma?
When a person experiences something traumatic, their body has an automatic response. This differs person-to-person, but might involve fighting against the threat, running away from it, attempting to please it, or freezing completely (fight, flight, fawn, or freeze).
These various reactions all prepare the body to react to danger, in different ways, but can be scary and out of our control. Typically, the body returns to a normal state—out of this “survival mode”—within an hour of the traumatic event passing.
However, for some people, the body and mind get stuck in this mode: the threat is remembered, re-lived, and recounted long after the experience. Some individuals will have flashbacks or nightmares of the traumatic event months or years later. They might feel on-edge or ashamed of what happened, distance themselves from others, face anxiety and panic attacks, or lose sleep at night. They might not feel safe, supported, or worthy. They might lack the ability to regulate their emotions or build relationships. These are just some of the many long-term effects of trauma, all of which can accrue and affect one’s mental health.
Can trauma cause mental health problems?
Yes, trauma can cause mental health problems.
Studies have found that over 90% of individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMIs) report exposure to at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.
When a traumatic event happens, the body produces a series of hormonal changes that disrupt functions like emotional regulation, conscious perception, threat detection, and defense response. These changes can linger, contributing to high stress levels and/or difficulty processing emotions long-term. In fact, research shows that people who have experienced severe trauma often have higher adrenaline levels than others, leading to a lingering feeling of being “on edge,” as well as fear and anxiety.
Studies have found that childhood trauma, in particular, alters brain development and leads to a greater risk of mental health disorders later in life. Mental health disorders might include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorders.
Additionally, individuals who have experienced childhood trauma are reported to have a suicide risk that’s 2 to 3 times higher than the general population.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describe traumatic experiences in childhood as “Adverse Childhood Experiences” (ACEs). The organization explains, “Toxic stress from ACEs can change brain development and affect how the body responds to stress. ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood. However, ACEs can be prevented.”
In fact, the CDC notes that the number of adults with depression could be reduced by an incredible 44 percent, if ACEs were prevented. This translates to 21 million cases of depression. Trauma disrupts our emotional and psychological functioning, often creating intense feelings of sadness, helplessness, shame, and a distorted sense of self. These are all characteristics of depression.
A similar case can be made for anxiety, as trauma is also a significant risk factor in the development of anxiety disorders. Trauma-related anxiety can be manifested as avoidance of situations, constant worry or dread, panic attacks, and tension after a traumatic event.
These symptoms are also common among individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition in which trauma is the leading cause. PTSD is a mental health disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors after experiencing a (or series of) traumatic event(s). It’s estimated that one-third of people who experience severe trauma will develop PTSD.
In addition to depression, anxiety, and PTSD, trauma can also lead to substance use disorders. Commonly referred to as drug or alcohol addiction, substance use disorders often occur after a traumatic experience as people look for ways to cope with emotional and physical pain. Unfortunately for some, drugs and alcohol provide a temporary escape from difficult feelings, so they become dependent on these substances.
In summary, trauma can cause mental health disorders such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Substance use disorders
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
But this is just the beginning. Traumatic experiences can also disrupt our mental health by making it difficult to develop relationships, trust people, enjoy everyday activities, get a good night’s sleep, and feel confident in oneself. Without these fundamental things—interests, friendships, and wellness—a person’s mental health is likely to decline in time. For this reason, it is so important to find support after exposure to trauma. Even if you (or your loved one) does not have a clinical mental health condition, trauma has the power to affect our lives and well-being in so many different ways. The effects of trauma can compile and create issues in life, long-term.
Seeking professional help is vital for people looking to overcome a traumatic experience.
At Turnbridge, we prioritize trauma-informed care for individuals who walk through our doors. Trauma-informed care is a type of treatment that prioritizes the safety, security, and comfort of individuals. Our clinicians have specialized training in trauma and mental health, and ensure that any treatment provided is done so with trust, transparency, and support. Our goal is to help each client re-develop a sense of self-worth, while navigating and overcoming struggles with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and stress along the way.
Learn more today by calling 877-581-1793.