Trauma & Abuse

What You Should Know About Trauma and Abuse

Did you know that 60% of men and 50% of women experience at least one trauma in their lifetime? Or are you aware that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced physical abuse by an intimate partner? With stats like that, it’s very possible that someone you know or possibly even yourself has experienced trauma or abuse before. Both trauma and abuse can affect someone in significant ways, especially as it relates to their mental health. In fact, individuals who experience abuse or trauma are at a greater risk of developing mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Therefore, if you or someone you know is experiencing either, it’s important to consider therapy in San Diego.

 

What is Trauma?

Trauma is considered to be an emotional response to a tragic event like a natural disaster, rape, war, or a car accident. You may also hear it referred to as a psychological injury in the mental health community. Those who have experienced trauma will find it difficult to move on with their lives following the event, which is why therapy in San Diego is so beneficial. A licensed therapist would be able to help an individual navigate their emotions in a more constructive way.

 

The Signs of Trauma

The signs and symptoms of trauma will vary by individual, but there are some signs you can look for. The affected person will display different emotional and physical symptoms following a traumatic event. Some of those symptoms include:

Emotional Trauma Symptoms

  • Shock or disbelief

  • Hopelessness

  • Numb

  • Anxiety 

  • Anger

  • Confusion

  • Guilt or shame

  • Wiithdrawn/detached from others

Physical Trauma Symptoms

  • Muscle tension

  • Pain

  • Increased heart rate

  • Easily started

  • Fatigue

  • Insomnia

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, contact your primary care physician and look into therapy in San Diego. Medical and mental intervention can help you navigate and cope with your symptoms.

 

What is Abuse?

Many people believe that abuse and trauma are one and the same, but they’re actually a bit different. Abuse is any action that intentionally harms or injures another individual. Therefore, if you have someone in your life who is purposely causing you harm, then you are being abused.

 

Types of Abuse

There are several different types of abuse out there, and you should be familiar with those different kinds. Several individuals are unaware that they are even being abused because they think abuse is only physical violence. However, abuse can also occur in the following ways: 

  • Psychological abuse

  • Emotional abuse

  • Sexual assault or rape

  • Verbal abuse

  • Elder abuse

  • Spiritual abuse

  • Financial abuse

 

The Signs of Abuse

The type of symptoms one displays ultimately depends on the kind of abuse they are receiving. However, some sure tell signs that someone is being abused include: 

  • Denial that abuse is occurring 

  • Minimizing the seriousness of the abuse

  • Unexplained physical injuries

  • Harmful behaviors such as self-harm or substance abuse

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Withdrawal

  • More on guard

  • Increased aggressive behavior

  • Acting unlike normal self

  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed 

  • Mood changes

 

Treatment for Trauma and Abuse

Therapy is an excellent option for helping trauma and abuse survivors recover from their experiences. A mental health therapist will not only provide you with healthy coping strategies, but you’ll also have the opportunity to vocalize your feelings. This approach is much healthier than picking up harmful coping methods, like drugs and alcohol. If you or someone you know has experienced trauma or abuse, look into therapy in San Diego.

 

Contact Perlman Wellness for Therapy in San Diego

Our team of licensed mental health professionals is equipped with various evidence-based practices to help you get through your abuse or trauma experience. In addition, you’ll benefit from being able to speak with a therapist online, so you don’t have to worry about transportation to and from your appointments. If you’d like to learn more about working with a therapist in San Diego, schedule an appointment today to see how we can best assist you.