Trauma and Chronic Stress

Most people will experience trauma in their lifetime whether it’s a car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to the violence of war, or a natural disaster.

Can Trauma lead to a chronic stress state?

Sometimes, we experience stress, or chronic stress, as part of our daily lifestyle.  Overtime, chronic stress affects the physical and mental health of the individual. While many people can recover from trauma over time with the love and support of family and friends and bounce back with resiliency, others may discover effects of lasting trauma, which can cause a person to live with deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or posttraumatic stress far after the event has passed.

In these circumstances, the support, guidance and assistance of a therapist is fundamental to healing from trauma.  Previous and current traumas can lead to a chronic stress state that affects the entire body system:  https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress-body.  

Whether you are experiencing symptoms as a result of trauma or chronic stress, psychotherapy is beneficial to learn effective coping strategies that lessen the effects of stress on the body. 

Trauma Symptoms

According to the four types of symptoms listed in the DSM-5

Avoidance Symptoms

  • Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event
  • Anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt

Re-experiencing Symptoms

  • Intrusive thoughts, nightmares or flashbacks

Hyperarousal Symptoms

  • Anger, irritability and hypervigilance
  • Aggressive, reckless behavior, including self-harm
  • Sleep disturbances

Negative Mood and Cognition Symptoms

  • Loss of interest in activities that were once considered enjoyable
  • Difficulty remembering details of the distressing event
  • Change in habits or behavior since the trauma

Psychotherapy techniques are available to assist in processing trauma and improving stress tolerance.  Here is an article describing some of the symptoms associated with high stress levels:  https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/symptoms-of-stress#section1.

If you or someone you know match the trauma symptoms listed above, reach out today so we can schedule an appointment.