Trauma in Houston, TX
Trauma is defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as the emotional response someone has to an extremely negative event. While trauma is a normal reaction to a horrible event, the effects can be so severe that they interfere with an individual’s ability to live a normal life. In a case such as this, help may be needed to treat the stress and dysfunction caused by the traumatic event and to restore the individual to a state of emotional well-being.
Trauma can be caused by an overwhelmingly negative event that causes a lasting impact on the victim’s mental and emotional stability. While many sources of trauma are physically violent in nature, others are psychological. People who have endured traumatic events will often appear shaken and disoriented. They may not respond to conversation as they normally would and appear withdrawn or not present. Trauma can also cause heightened anxiety and depression, as well as leaving victims in a constant state of fight or flight. Some common sources of trauma include:
- Sexual assault
- Domestic violence
- Natural disasters
- Severe illness or injury
- The death of a loved one
- Witnessing an act of violence
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Emotional or spiritual coercion
If you are suffering from trauma there is help available. Therapeutic methods include cognitive behavioral therapy from a trauma informed perspective that addresses anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.