The 3 Types of Trauma

Experiencing a traumatic event is often something that isn’t easily forgotten. There are many cases where people literally repress memories of the event, sometimes without even realizing it. Even in these scenarios, the effects of the event are likely to be experienced though they can look completely different from person to person, depending on the situation. Legacy Healing Center Cherry Hill is breaking down the 3 types of trauma and what people should do in response.

The Different Types of Trauma Explained

The word “trauma” can be used in two different scenarios. In regards to a person’s physical wellness, it refers to a bodily injury caused by some kind of external factor. Mentally, the word references an emotional response to a deeply upsetting or disturbing event. This can include natural disasters, sexual assault, death, or accidents. How a person responds to these events helps to decipher which of the 3 types of trauma they are experiencing.

The three types include acute, chronic, and complex trauma, which can look different for each person dealing with them. Some people will go into shock, and others will be in denial. No matter the case, professional help is always encouraged to help these individuals heal.

Acute Trauma

Acute trauma is typically caused by a single disturbing event. It frequently results from either physical or sexual assault, an accident, or a natural disaster. The incident that caused the trauma will have been intense enough to severely affect the person’s psychological well-being. Such an event can leave a drastic impression on their mind and worldview.

Someone dealing with acute trauma may exhibit various symptoms, including distrustfulness of others, aggression, intense anxiety, and an inability to sleep, among others. If not properly addressed, it can result in prolonged symptoms reminiscent of the following form of trauma, chronic.

Chronic Trauma

When a person suffers from a collection of traumatic experiences over an extended time, this is considered chronic trauma. Someone dealing with the effects of such events is likely to experience severe symptoms of flashbacks, physical pain in their head and body, and nausea, and they might be prone to intense emotional outbursts.

Examples of chronic trauma can include:

• Domestic violence
• Bullying
• Prolonged sexual abuse
• Chronic or long-term illness

Trust issues are not uncommon, and it can become increasingly difficult to maintain relationships or employment without the care of a qualified counselor.

Complex Trauma

People who have struggled with domestic violence, child abuse, and other forms of familial trauma may begin to feel trapped in their situation. This is commonly experienced in the context of a personal relationship and results from exposure to continual traumatic experiences that can vary in severity. A person’s mind and understanding of healthy relationships as a whole can become very skewed, making it hard for them to function in such situations. Those who undergo this are experiencing complex trauma.

Our Cherry Hill Rehab Can Help

It is not uncommon for someone struggling with trauma to turn to substance abuse as a way to mask the pain. Sadly, these habits are likely to only further exacerbate what they are struggling with. That is why our drug rehab in New Jersey is equipped with a variety of therapy methods, including trauma-focused therapy. Our facility treats a variety of addictions, ensuring that we are able to accommodate people from many different backgrounds.

To learn more about these treatment options, call Legacy Healing Center in New Jersey at 856-263-4965 today.