Understanding Trauma

Those who experience trauma often face lasting consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. It’s essential to seek treatment for trauma to address the symptoms and prevent further negative impacts on overall well-being.

Types of Trauma

There are different types of trauma, and each type can have varying causes, effects, and coping mechanisms. Awareness of each type can help identify trauma-related symptoms and guide the affected person or their loved ones in seeking the proper treatment. Some of the different types of trauma include:

• Acute Trauma: Ensues from a single stressful or dangerous event.
• Chronic Trauma: Results from repeated and prolonged exposure to highly stressful events. Examples can include cases of child abuse, bullying, or domestic violence.
• Complex Trauma: Occurs due to exposure to invasive and interpersonal traumatic events. It often happens within the context of a relationship and has long-term effects.
• Secondary Trauma: The emotional distress that results when an individual hears about the firsthand trauma experiences of another.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Condition that can emerge when a person has experienced, witnessed, or been confronted with a traumatic event. It is characterized by symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, and feeling on guard.

Understanding the different types of trauma can provide valuable insights into the challenges trauma survivors face. Identifying the specific type of trauma can help recognize the related symptoms and find appropriate treatment. This recognition also fosters empathy towards survivors and helps create more supportive and understanding environments for healing.

Symptoms of Trauma

Trauma can cause various symptoms that significantly affect a person’s everyday life. These symptoms can be physical, emotional, or behavioral and can differ in severity from one person to another. According to the NIH, these are some common symptoms associated with trauma:

• Intrusive Thoughts: Recurring and unwanted thoughts about the traumatic event that can come at any time, often causing distress.
• Flashbacks: Experiencing the traumatic event as if it was happening again.
• Nightmares: Disturbing dreams related to the traumatic event.
• Emotional Distress: Intense emotional pain or distress at exposure to stimuli that remind the person of the traumatic event.
• Physical Reactions: Physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, or panic when reminded of the event.
• Avoidance: Making efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations about the traumatic event.
• Changes in Emotional Reactions: Being easily irritated or angered, excessive worry, guilt or shame, or changes in social habits.
• Negative Thoughts and Mood: Having a negative self-image and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. 

These symptoms indicate a need for professional help and should be taken seriously. It is also important to note that there may be a delayed onset of these symptoms, meaning they may not manifest right after the traumatic event but can arise months or even years later.

Risk Factors for Trauma

Certain factors can increase an individual’s risk of experiencing trauma and developing related complications such as PTSD. Each individual’s reaction to similar experiences varies based on unique psychological, social, and biological factors. Here are some commonly recognized risk factors for trauma:

• Personal History: Individuals with a history of mental health disorders or a family history of such conditions have a higher risk of trauma.
• Experiencing Numerous Traumatic Events: Those who’ve experienced multiple traumas are more likely to develop trauma-related disorders.
• Childhood Trauma: Experiences of neglect, abuse, or severe illness during childhood increase the risk of trauma in later life.
• Profession: Certain professions, such as military or emergency services, expose individuals to traumatic events more frequently.
• Lack of Support System: Absence of a strong social support system can make individuals more vulnerable to trauma.

It’s important to remember that while these factors can increase risk, they do not predict whether someone will experience trauma. Individuals with these risk factors should be aware of them and actively work towards building resilience and coping strategies. 

Treatment Options for Trauma

Rising Phoenix Wellness Services (RPWS) provides multiple treatment options for those who have suffered from trauma. Our team of experts is committed to guiding each individual through their unique healing journey. Trauma treatment options available at RPWS in Scottsdale, Arizona include:

• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): PHP provides a comprehensive and structured alternative to inpatient treatment. Groups are available 5 days per week and provided in an outpatient environment. Clients will have access to a minimum of 20 hours of multidisciplinary care and individualized treatment planning in a community environment. Our continuum of care is founded on best practice guidelines and offers a seamless transition to a lower level of services.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): IOP provides a higher level of care than traditional outpatient therapy. Clients have access to this structured group therapy a minimum of 3-5 days per week. Groups are available morning, evenings, and weekends in a nurturing environment. We offer a customized treatment approach to our specific programs as well as consistent psychoeducation and process groups.
• Outpatient Program (OP): Clients who complete the IOP program have the opportunity to remain at RPWS for additional outpatient therapy. Clients will have access to structured group therapy 1-2 days per week. Our long-term treatment model offers a seamless transition to a lower level of care.

Find Treatment for Trauma in Scottsdale, Arizona

Rising Phoenix Wellness Services is a state-licensed IOP in North Scottsdale. Our team is dedicated to providing sophisticated services to help those struggling with mental health and/or substance use concerns. We offer a client-centered continuum of comprehensive and individualized care.

If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma, it is important to know that help is available. At Rising Phoenix Wellness Services, we are here to help you navigate the journey to recovery. We invite you to call our toll-free line at (480) 681-4386 for a confidential conversation to explore our programs. Let us help you rise from the ashes of trauma towards a future of health, healing, and hope. Call us today.