By Corey O’Connell
Have you ever heard the phrase “Fight, Flight, or Freeze?” We all experience this to some extent when we face something difficult, scary, or anxiety producing. But the reality of these responses can be overwhelming for some. For example, you may view certain things in your world as a constant threat, regularly feel on edge, have difficulty sleeping, and/or avoid certain thoughts/memories. These types of examples have the ability to make daily life unbearable.
Our history can play a difficult role in how we live our lives on a daily basis. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 61% of men and 51% of women report at least one traumatic event in their lifetimes. Trauma is a difficult experience that everyone hopes to avoid. It can happen out of nowhere, and its effects can linger for years or even decades. Sometimes traumatic experiences can cause mental and emotional problems that are hard to battle on your own. It is important to know that seeking help when dealing with trauma is okay. A therapist can provide you with the tools and safe space that you need to work through your feelings. Let's take a look at five signs that show you may need to talk with a trauma therapist.
1. You are experiencing prolonged and intense negative emotions:
A common sign that you may need a trauma therapist is when you experience negative emotions that interfere with your daily life. If you find yourself experiencing intense emotions that seem to come out of nowhere, such as anger, sadness, or fear, it could be a sign of unresolved trauma. You may feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster, and that you feel out of control. A therapist can assist you in identifying and processing your emotions. They can also help provide you with the necessary coping skills for a more fulfilling life.
2. You have painful flashbacks or nightmares:
If you find yourself with memories of a difficult event, experiencing flashbacks or nightmares, you may be dealing with trauma. These types of thoughts can make it hard to function in daily life. It may be helpful to a therapist you can work with to lessen the impact and effect of these symptoms. A therapist trained in trauma focused therapy can help you learn how to manage these memories and help you develop tools to lessen their impact.
3. You feel numb, disconnected, or detached:
Trauma can cause you to feel disconnected from your own emotions. Feelings of being numb, and/or disconnected from your surroundings are common. It might feel as if you're watching the world go by through a window. These disconnected feelings can cause problems with your relationships and limit your joy in life. These feelings are normal for people who have a past history of trauma. It is crucial to address them when they don't go away. A therapist can help you connect to your feelings and surroundings in a safe and supportive environment.
4. You have developed unhealthy coping mechanisms:
Trauma can cause a person to adopt unhealthy ways of dealing with their emotions. Substance abuse, eating issues, or risk-taking behaviors can be harmful ways of avoiding unwanted emotions. However, these behaviors only provide temporary relief. In the long run, they can cause significant harm to both your relational, physical, and mental health. A therapist can help you identify unhealthy coping skills and introduce new and positive habits to replace them.
5. You experience fear or avoidance of certain triggers:
Sometimes, people who have undergone traumatic experiences can develop a fear of people, places, or objects that remind them of the event. You may often try to avoid situations that remind you of your trauma. These fears and avoidance measures can affect your ability to live a meaningful life. A therapist can help address these fears by developing coping skills to help reshape the thought process about the traumatic situation.
Trauma is a challenging experience, but with the help of a trusted therapist, you can rebuild your life. It is normal to seek help from mental health professionals when needed. A therapist can provide the proper guidance you need to get on the path to healing. If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma, it is important to seek help from a licensed therapist who specializes in trauma treatment. Remember, healing is a journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone. Trauma can leave a lasting impact on a person's life if left unaddressed. A therapist can help you work through your trauma, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and improve your daily life.
For more information on the effects of trauma and our services, read the rest of our trauma series.
Part 1: 5 Signs You May Need a Trauma Therapist in Tampa, FL
Part 2: Identifying and Changing Negative Thought Patterns After Trauma
Part 3: Understanding and Coping With Painful Trauma Nightmares and Flashbacks
Part 4: Coping with the Numb, Disconnected, and Detached Feelings Caused by Trauma
Part 5: Unpacking Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms: Identify Behaviors You Need To Let Go Of
Part 6: Overcoming the Fear and Avoidance of Trauma Triggers with Therapy
INTERESTED IN getting started with a therapist IN TAMPA, FL?
Trauma is a struggle as complex as each individual suffering from it. You don't have to suffer in silence or feel overwhelmed. Our therapists can offer support for trauma from our North Tampa, FL office located in the Northdale neighborhood. To start grounding yourself and managing your symptoms, follow these simple steps:
Contact Christian Counseling of Tampa or call us at 813-254-3200
Schedule to meet with one of our counselors at our North or South office.
Start learning to manage your symptoms associated with your trauma.
OTHER SERVICES OFFERED WITH CHRISTIAN COUNSELING OF TAMPA
Our Tampa, FL-based therapy practice offers a wide range of services to meet your specific needs.
We understand the many ways your mental health may be impacted in life. As a result, our team is happy to also offer play therapy, premarital counseling, Christian counseling, counseling for teens and young adults, and therapy for depression. We use a variety of treatment modalities including CBT, EFT, grief therapy, and more! Feel free to learn more about us by visiting our FAQ or blog today.