The journey through life is often a complex path riddled with sharp turns and steep hills, some of which are more challenging to navigate than others. One such challenging hurdle is the lasting echo of childhood trauma, a ghost of past experiences that can continue to haunt individuals into adulthood. In this respect, you are far from alone. Countless others have walked this same path, grappling with the long-term effects of trauma, many of which present as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Our PTSD treatment program at Evoke Wellness at Cohasset aims to provide a beacon of hope amidst the shadows that trauma casts. We understand that the road to healing is unique for each individual, and our compassionate team of professionals can help guide you on your journey toward reclaiming your life.
Understanding Childhood Trauma and PTSD
Childhood is a critical period for brain development, and traumatic experiences can interfere with this process, leading to long-term changes in how a person responds to stress and fear.
Childhood trauma refers to a range of adverse experiences that a child may undergo. These experiences can range from neglect, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, witnessing violence, or the sudden loss of a loved one. The severity, frequency, and the child’s age at the time of trauma all contribute to the potentially lasting effects on their mental and physical well-being.
The traumatic events often lead to a heightened sense of danger and a constant state of alertness in the affected individuals, as they can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain’s fear-response system. This can result in individuals being “stuck” in a state of chronic helplessness, horror, and fear, characteristics of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although PTSD is commonly associated with war veterans, anyone who has undergone a traumatic event, including children, can develop this disorder.
Long-Term Effects of Trauma
Whether physical or psychological, trauma can leave lasting imprints on individuals, significantly impacting their overall health and well-being. These long-term effects are complex, often multifaceted, and can extend far beyond the immediate aftermath of the traumatic event.
Here are some of the long-term effects of trauma:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – One of the most common long-term effects of trauma is PTSD. Individuals with PTSD may experience flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and intense anxiety or fear triggered by reminders of the traumatic event.
- Depression and anxiety – Trauma can significantly increase the risk of developing depression and anxiety disorders. These conditions can manifest as persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, irritability, and excessive worry or fear.
- Substance use – Many individuals who have experienced trauma turn to substance abuse as a way to cope with their emotions and memories. Substance abuse can exacerbate the negative effects of trauma and lead to addiction.
- Physical health issues – Trauma can adversely affect physical health, including chronic pain, gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular issues, and autoimmune disorders. The stress response triggered by trauma can disrupt the body’s natural balance and contribute to these health problems.
- Relationship challenges – Trauma can impact an individual’s ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. Trust issues, emotional detachment, difficulty with intimacy, and frequent conflicts are common challenges trauma survivors face.
- Self-destructive behavior – Some individuals may engage in self-destructive behaviors as a way to cope with the pain and distress caused by trauma. This can include self-harm, reckless behavior, or engaging in high-risk activities.
Understanding the long-term effects of trauma is vital for developing effective interventions and support systems, helping individuals recover and lead fulfilling lives post-trauma.
Trauma Treatment at Evoke Wellness at Cohasset
At Evoke Wellness at Cohasset, we take a comprehensive approach to trauma. This involves treating the symptoms and addressing the root causes of trauma. Our center employs a combination of therapies. These therapies can include cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and mindfulness techniques, which are all proven methods for helping individuals cope with the effects of trauma. Contact us at 866.931.6429 to learn more about the long-term effects of trauma.
