Trauma

Experiencing a loss, a life transition, or a traumatic event can cause indescribable pain, resulting in trauma. The compassionate team at Holistic Health and Psychiatry in Arlington, Texas, led by board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner Peter Formusoh, PMHNPBC, FNP-BC, has the expertise, training, and experience to help you heal. Don’t hesitate to call today or book an appointment online. If you live in Texas, you can book a telehealth appointment for a virtual meeting. In-home visits are also an option.

What is trauma?

Trauma refers to an emotional or psychological response to a distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope. Traumatic experiences can be diverse, including but not limited to:

• Physical or sexual assault
• Accidents
• Natural disasters
• Witnessing violence

The impact of trauma can vary widely among individuals, and what is traumatic for one person may not be for another.

What causes trauma?

Causes of trauma can be categorized into various types, including interpersonal trauma (resulting from abuse, assault, or neglect), accidents and injuries, medical trauma, and natural disasters. 

In addition, collective or societal trauma may result from events that affect entire communities or populations, such as wars or large-scale disasters.

What are the signs of trauma?

The signs of trauma can manifest in three ways:

Physically

Individuals may experience sleep disturbances, fatigue, muscle tension, and changes in appetite. 

Emotionally

Trauma may lead to intense fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, or a sense of numbness and detachment. 

Behaviorally

These symptoms can include avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event, hypervigilance, difficulty concentrating, and increased irritability or aggression.

How is trauma treated?

The Holistic Health and Psychiatry team is highly trained in trauma-focused therapy, such as brainspotting, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). These therapies aim to help individuals process and make sense of the traumatic experience, manage distressing symptoms, and develop coping strategies.

Mindfulness-based interventions, relaxation techniques, and stress-reduction practices are also encouraged to help individuals regulate their emotions and reduce anxiety. Group therapy or support groups provide a sense of community and understanding, allowing individuals to share their experiences and receive support from others who have gone through similar situations.

Medication may be prescribed in some cases, particularly when individuals experience symptoms like depression, anxiety, or sleep disturbances. Medication is often used in conjunction with psychotherapy to address both the emotional and physiological aspects of trauma. The Holistic Health and Psychiatry team provides medication management as well.

If you suffer from trauma or know a loved one who does, reach out to Holistic Health and Psychiatry for professional help today by phone or online. Telehealth and in-home visits are also an option.