Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Mental Health
At Psych Connect Carex, we recognize that trauma can affect every part of your life—your mind, body, relationships, and sense of safety. Whether the trauma happened recently or many years ago, its effects can linger, disrupt your functioning, and keep you from living the life you deserve.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is any deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms your ability to cope. Trauma is not defined only by what happened—but also by how it impacted you emotionally and psychologically.
Trauma may result from:
- Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Domestic violence
- Childhood neglect or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- Loss of a loved one
- Medical trauma or chronic illness
- Witnessing violence or accidents
- Natural disasters or war
- Racial, cultural, or systemic oppression
- Immigration or displacement trauma
Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, but untreated trauma can affect brain function, emotional regulation, and relationships.
What Is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD affects how you process memories and stress, and can cause intense emotional and physical responses—even long after the trauma has passed.
Symptoms of PTSD may include:
- Intrusive memories (flashbacks, nightmares, unwanted thoughts)
- Avoidance of people, places, or topics related to the trauma
- Hyperarousal (feeling on edge, easily startled, angry outbursts)
- Negative changes in mood (guilt, shame, numbness, detachment)
- Cognitive symptoms (trouble concentrating, distorted self-beliefs)
In children and adolescents, PTSD may also show up as:
- Regression (bedwetting, clinginess)
- Behavioral outbursts
- Trouble sleeping or eating
- Withdrawal from activities or friends
Treatment for Trauma & PTSD at Psych Connect Care
Our trauma-informed care approach is grounded in safety, trust, and collaboration. You are never forced to talk about the trauma before you’re ready. We create a space where healing happens at your pace.
We may use:
- Trauma-focused medication management to reduce anxiety, sleep problems, or depression
- Evidence-based therapies (referrals for EMDR, TF-CBT, or somatic approaches)
- Strength-based, humanistic, or narrative therapy elements to help reframe your story
- Mindfulness and grounding techniques to manage symptoms in real-time
- Coordination with your therapist or other providers if you’re receiving therapy elsewhere
Our Commitment to You:
- We believe healing is possible at any stage of life.
- We respect your voice, your choices, and your timeline.
- We offer care that is culturally responsive, trauma-sensitive, and confidential
