Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress
Healing from Trauma Is Possible
At Headwaters, we understand the profound impact of traumatic experiences and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on every aspect of life. Trauma can disrupt a sense of safety and leave lasting emotional, mental, and physical scars. Through compassionate, evidence-based care, we help patients reclaim their well-being and develop tools for lasting recovery.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma occurs when an individual experiences an event that overwhelms their ability to cope, leaving them feeling helpless and unsafe. While it often involves a direct threat to life or physical safety, trauma can also result from emotional distress or situations where a person feels isolated or unsupported. The impact of trauma depends more on the individual’s emotional response to the event than the event itself.
Examples of trauma include:
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- Accidents, injuries, or violent attacks
- Childhood neglect or abuse
- Domestic violence or bullying
- Sudden loss of a loved one
- Life-threatening illnesses or surgeries (especially in early childhood)
- Natural disasters or war
Symptoms of Trauma
Trauma survivors may struggle with persistent emotions of fear, sadness, or numbness and may experience lasting symptoms that disrupt their daily lives.
Trauma survivors often face a wide range of symptoms that can manifest physically, emotionally, or behaviorally such as:
- Insomnia and nightmares
- Persistent anxiety and fear
- Social withdrawal and relationship difficulties
- Compulsive behaviors or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating or memory loss
- Panic attacks or hypervigilance
- Physical symptoms like chronic pain or digestive issues
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops when an individual’s response to trauma becomes persistent and overwhelming, disrupting their ability to function in daily life. PTSD symptoms may include:
- Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or distressing memories
- Emotional numbness or detachment from loved ones
- Heightened fear responses or hypervigilance
- Unwarranted anger or mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating or insomnia
- Social withdrawal and avoidance of triggers
When these symptoms last longer than three months or interfere with work, relationships, or daily activities, a PTSD diagnosis is typically warranted.
Trauma and Co-Occurring Addiction
Your Path to Healing
Trauma and PTSD can feel insurmountable, but with the right support and treatment, healing is possible. At Headwaters, we guide patients toward recovery with compassion, expertise, and evidence-based care. Our tailored approach empowers patients to overcome trauma, rebuild their sense of safety, and create a fulfilling, balanced life.
Let Headwaters be your partner in healing. Contact us today to take the first step toward lasting recovery.