A traumatic event like a car accident or witnessing a violent act can cause serious mental health issues that may not reveal themselves for several weeks or months. Yet, not all trauma is the same. Understanding the different types of trauma is the first step in learning about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and how it can impact your day-to-day life.
At Recovery Ranch PA, we welcome Pennsylvania residents who are struggling with past or recent trauma and need help in recovering. If you want to know more about our PTSD treatment program, call 717.969.9126 today to speak with our team and schedule a consultation.
Understanding the Different Types of Trauma
Experiencing trauma can have an extremely negative effect on your physical and psychological health. A traumatic event can cause severe emotional distress that can lead to fear, anxiety, sadness, depression, nightmares, or other negative symptoms.
Here is a breakdown of the various trauma types:
- Acute trauma – A single, sudden, and overwhelming event that causes significant distress, such as witnessing a violent crime, car accident, or natural disaster
- Chronic trauma – A type of trauma that happens repeatedly over an extended period and includes domestic violence, child abuse, and wartime
- Complex trauma – This type of trauma is caused by exposure to multiple, interconnected traumatic events, often in childhood. It includes physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, neglect, and witnessing multiple violent acts
- Developmental trauma – Trauma that occurs during critical developmental periods, such as childhood and adolescence. It can have long-lasting effects on brain development, attachment, and coping mechanisms
- Societal trauma – This trauma type is caused by discrimination, oppression, or violence of a large group of people, culture, or society
If you’ve experienced a traumatic event, enrolling in a trauma treatment program can help you process the trauma and any feelings or emotions that it creates. The Ranch PA supports those who have experienced trauma and want to talk about it with a professional therapist.
Healing From Trauma
Those who have experienced a traumatic event may not experience any symptoms for several weeks to months after the event. Because of this, it can make healing from trauma very difficult, especially if the person doesn’t know why they feel the way they do.
If you’re struggling with PTSD or other types of mental health illness caused by trauma, here are several methods for treating the different types of trauma.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the best forms of therapy that can treat PTSD and other types of mental health conditions. It works by focusing on the original trauma and the behaviors it creates. A therapist will work with you to uncover the trauma and use several methods to develop healthy coping skills to better manage their symptoms and triggers.
Other types of behavioral therapy that can help include:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Treatment programs use a combination of behavioral and holistic therapy along with medical support.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication is beneficial in treating PTSD and other disorders. It can help alleviate addiction withdrawals and cravings as well as any depressive or anxiety symptoms caused by the trauma. Medical staff will administer medications based on your treatment plan.
This is only meant as temporary support, and once symptoms are more manageable, medical staff will begin tapering you off the medication until it’s no longer necessary.
Family Therapy
Parents, children, and spouses are encouraged to participate in therapy and learn more about the disorder and the treatment process. They can also speak with a professional therapist about any lingering issues that may interfere with recovery, which can help everyone move forward.
Connect with The Ranch PA Today to Enroll in Our PTSD Treatment Program
The Ranch PA is a full-service mental health treatment center that supports those who are struggling with past or recent trauma. Our team fully understands the various trauma types and will develop a comprehensive treatment program that’ll help you develop several healthy coping skills.
Call 717.969.9126 or complete our online form today to talk with our team about the different types of trauma and how we can help.
