Trauma

What is trauma?

Trauma is a situation that causes distress. While many people experience traumatic events during their lifetime, about 5-10% of them develop PTSD, which is a mental health condition characterized by anxiety, fear, nightmares, and flashbacks. If you or a loved one struggles with mental health concerns after trauma, rely on Monumental Health Partners for support. 

What are examples of traumatic experiences?

Examples of potentially traumatic events include:

• Childhood neglect
• Physical, sexual, or verbal abuse
• Natural disasters
• Being a first responder
• Military combat
• Being a victim of (or witnessing) violence
• Car or workplace accidents 

Anything that causes severe or lasting distress can be classified as a traumatic experience.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

Symptoms of PTSD, a trauma response in some people, include:

• Nightmares
• Flashbacks
• Intrusive or repetitive thoughts
• Distressing memories
• Avoiding PTSD triggers (people, places, etc.)
• Irritability, guilt, or shame
• Negative thoughts or behavior patterns
• Thoughts of self-harm
• Being startled easily
• Social isolation
• Loss of interest in once-favored activities
• Angry outbursts
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating 
• Substance misuse
• Feeling detached from other people 
• Always being on guard
• Anxiety 
• Depression 

PTSD is sometimes associated with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, substance use disorder, and similar conditions. Seek help at the first sign of a problem to avoid worsening symptoms and complications.

How is trauma diagnosed?

Diagnosing trauma and PTSD requires an in-person or virtual psychiatric evaluation with the experts at Monumental Health Partners. They discuss your moods, emotions, past traumatic experiences, behaviors, and thoughts. 

Your provider uses DSM-5-TR criteria to diagnose mental health concerns, provides genetic testing upon request, and establishes the most effective treatment. 

How is trauma treated?

Treating distress linked to trauma and PTSD may consist of medication management, lifestyle modifications, or psychotherapy — such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), trauma-focused therapy, or group therapy. 

It’s also helpful to try meditation or other stress-reduction techniques, eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and maintain a strong social support network. 

Visit with your Monumental Health Partners provider monthly or as often as needed to ensure any medications you take work effectively. 

Schedule an in-person or telehealth trauma evaluation at Monumental Health Partners by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.