Trauma can have profound and long-lasting effects on an individual’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. While some individuals may experience symptoms of trauma for a brief period and find relief over time, others may find that the symptoms persist, worsen, and interfere with their daily life. At Meridian Advanced Psychiatry, we understand the complexity and severity of trauma and its effects on an individual’s life. We are committed to providing compassionate care and support to individuals experiencing trauma, and we want to emphasize the importance of seeking treatment for trauma.
In this article, we will explore the effects of untreated trauma, how to identify trauma, and its symptoms, how untreated trauma informs health complications, and how untreated PTSD affects family members and others. We will also discuss how to manage PTSD, the natural healing process, and the impact of past trauma on an individual’s present and future experiences.
What is Trauma and What Experiences Might Be Traumatic?
Trauma is an emotional response to a distressing or disturbing event that exceeds an individual’s ability to cope. Traumatic experiences are not always easy to identify because what is traumatic for one person may not be for another. However, the following are some common types of traumatic experiences that can be distressing and difficult to cope with:
- Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual)
- Natural disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, etc.)
- Accidents (car accidents, plane crashes, etc.)
- Violence (domestic violence, gun violence, etc.)
- Serious illnesses
- Traumatic losses (death of a loved one, divorce, etc.)
- Military combat or exposure to war zones
Traumatic experiences can have a significant impact on an individual’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. They can cause an individual to feel overwhelmed, helpless, and powerless, leading to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What Happens If Trauma Goes Untreated?
Trauma can have short-term and long-term effects on an individual’s life. Short-term effects may include:
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Emotional instability
- Depression
- Mood swings
Long-term effects of untreated trauma may include:
- Chronic pain
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Increased risk of self-harm and suicide
- Cognitive difficulties
- Social isolation
- Eating disorders
- Physical health conditions
- Relationship problems
Lifelong effects of trauma can be devastating and may include difficulties in establishing and maintaining healthy relationships, employment, and overall life satisfaction.
How to Identify Trauma and Its Symptoms
It is essential to recognize the signs of trauma and seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent the development of more severe symptoms. Some common symptoms of trauma include:
- Hypervigilance and constant scanning of the environment
- Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
- Feeling emotionally numb
- Difficulty sleeping
- Irritability and anger
- Hyperarousal
- Difficulty concentrating
- Intrusive thoughts and memories
The following are additional signs of emotional trauma in adults:
- Feeling disconnected from others
- Dissociation
- Inability to regulate emotions
- Negative self-image
- Difficulty trusting others
- Difficulty coping with stress
Untreated PTSD can also impact family members and others close to the affected individual.
How Untreated PTSD Affects Loved Ones
When an individual experiences untreated PTSD, it can significantly impact their relationships with loved ones, leading to feelings of isolation, frustration, and resentment. The following are ways in which untreated PTSD affects family members, friends and others:
- Family members may become secondary traumatized by the individual’s trauma and PTSD symptoms
PTSD symptoms can disrupt family routines, leading to tension and conflict - PTSD symptoms may prevent the individual from fulfilling their responsibilities, leading to financial and emotional strain
- Family members may feel helpless and unsure of how to support the individual
- Children living in a household with an untreated individual with PTSD may experience developmental delays, behavioral problems, and difficulties with school performance
Untreated trauma can also inform various health complications, including mental and physical health conditions.
How Untreated Trauma Informs Health Complications
Trauma can have a significant impact on an individual’s health, leading to an increased risk of developing mental and physical health conditions. The following are some health complications related to untreated trauma:
Physical Health Complications:
- Chronic pain
- Cardiovascular disease
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Asthma
- Headaches and migraines
- Autoimmune disorders
Mental Health Complications:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Eating disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Dissociative disorders
Substance abuse and addiction are common coping mechanisms for individuals experiencing untreated trauma.
How to Manage PTSD
If you or a loved one is experiencing PTSD, there are several ways to manage symptoms and seek support. The following are some available treatments for PTSD:
- Medications (antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications)
- Psychotherapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Alternative therapies (yoga, meditation, acupuncture)
- Support groups
Self-care practices are also crucial for managing PTSD symptoms. The following are some self-care practices for managing PTSD:
- Exercise and physical activity
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet
- Getting enough sleep
- Practicing relaxation techniques (deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation)
- Avoiding alcohol and drugs
Does Trauma Go Away on Its Own?
While some people find relief over time, others may experience symptoms of trauma for a brief period. Others may find that the symptoms persist and interfere with their daily life. Trauma may naturally heal with time, but this is not always the case. Seeking treatment is essential to prevent the symptoms from worsening and interfering with daily life.
Can Past Trauma Affect Your Future?
Past trauma can significantly impact an individual’s current and future experiences. Untreated trauma can cause individuals to develop negative coping mechanisms that can interfere with their overall life satisfaction and ability to establish and maintain healthy relationships.The following are ways in which past trauma can affect your future:
- The development of maladaptive coping mechanisms that can lead to addiction and self-harm
- Interference with the ability to establish and maintain healthy relationships
- The development of mental health conditions that can impact overall life satisfaction
- The potential for the re-emergence of trauma symptoms
Meridian Advanced Psychiatry Can Help!
At Meridian Advanced Psychiatry, we understand how trauma can impact an individual’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being, and we provide trauma patients with the support and care they need. At Meridian Advanced Psychiatry, we understand how trauma can impact an individual’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being, and we provide trauma patients with the support and care they need. Our team of mental health professionals has experience in treating trauma and PTSD and can offer a range of alternative therapies and evidence-based treatments. Our team of mental health professionals has experience in treating trauma and PTSD and can offer a range of alternative therapies and evidence-based treatments. We also offer a supportive and non-judgmental environment for individuals seeking help for their trauma. Our goal is to help individuals understand and manage their symptoms, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and achieve a better quality of life. Remember, there is hope for healing, and seeking treatment is the first step towards recovery. If you or a loved one is experiencing trauma, Contact Us or call us at (208) 515-CARE.