Assessing for Trauma: The First Step to Mental Health
I’ve developed a framework of eight pillars to guide individuals toward optimal mental health. The first, and perhaps most crucial, pillar is assessing for trauma. Trauma, whether experienced in childhood or adulthood, can profoundly shape our beliefs, thought processes, behaviors, and personality. It’s often hidden beneath the surface, influencing our lives without our conscious awareness.
Understanding Trauma
Trauma is a psychological response to an overwhelming event or series of events. It can be caused by physical or emotional abuse, neglect, accidents, natural disasters, or witnessing traumatic events, or a combo of any of these. The impact of trauma can vary widely, depending on factors like the nature of the event, individual resilience, and available support.
The Hidden Impact of Trauma
Many people who have experienced trauma may not realize its full extent or how it’s affecting their lives. They courageously adapt to their circumstances and learn to function in survival mode. However, unresolved trauma can manifest negatively in various ways, including:
- Emotional Dysregulation: Difficulty managing emotions, such as excessive anger, sadness, anxiety, or numbness.
- Relationship Difficulties: Challenges in forming and maintaining healthy relationships due to trust issues, fear of abandonment, or controlling behaviors.
- Physical Symptoms: Chronic pain, Mind Body Syndrome, fatigue, digestive problems, headaches, muscle aches.
- Substance Abuse: Turning to alcohol, drugs, shopping, eating ect as a coping mechanism for your pain.
- Self-Destructive Behaviors: Engaging in risky or harmful behaviors, such as self-harm or reckless driving.
The Importance of Assessment
Assessing for trauma is a vital step in the healing process. By identifying the root causes of our struggles, we can begin to address the underlying issues and develop healthier coping mechanisms. A trusted and confidential environment is essential for this process, it allows individuals to feel safe and supported while exploring their experiences.
The Healing Journey Once trauma has been identified, the healing process can begin. This may involve different types of therapy, medication, support groups, or a combination of these approaches. We assess what will be best for your personally. It’s important to remember that healing takes time and patience, you are the driver, and we won’t do anything that feels off to you. There may be setbacks along the way, but with consistent effort and support, it is possible to overcome the effects of trauma and build a more fulfilling life. By recognizing the impact of trauma on our lives, we can begin to take control and embark on the path to healing to a level of joy and peace you may not have ever known
