Trauma is a response to experiencing a traumatic event. Such events range from accidents, unstable living environments, abuse, natural disasters, bullying, violence, war, and other situations an individual perceives as threatening to their well-being.
Individuals who have experienced trauma may encounter symptoms such as flashbacks, mood swings, and avoiding things that remind them of the event. They may also have physical symptoms such as headaches, muscular tension, and nausea.
When trauma happens, it becomes stuck in the body and mind. Sometimes the experience of trauma can kickstart substance use and addiction as a way to cope with the pain. For this reason, it’s essential to incorporate both the body and the mind into the treatment of trauma.
When Trauma Becomes Stuck
Unexpected events in life resulting in trauma can become “stuck” in the nervous system. This is because the body is unable to properly process life-threatening experiences due to fear or other intense emotions. Likewise, traumatic events can often feel too overwhelming for the body to process without help. This is why receiving trauma-informed care and treatment is necessary to safely process these difficult experiences.
Healing From Trauma
There are several different forms of treatment that can help individuals heal from trauma. When it comes down to what treatment looks like, it’s important to meet with a mental health professional who will be able to help create an individualized treatment plan that aligns with each client’s goals, needs, and comfort levels.
Although treatment differs from person to person, there are a few gold-standard treatments that are particularly effective for healing from trauma. Types of therapy that help individuals heal both the mind and body include, but are not limited to:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Brainspotting
- Group therapy
- Somatic therapy
Choosing to enter treatment for trauma and addiction can be scary. While starting treatment can feel intimidating and take root in self-doubt, healing from mental illness, addiction, and past experiences that have caused trauma is possible. Through unconditional support and proper treatment, each person’s mind, body, and spirit can be healed.
Healing from trauma is a necessary part of healing from mental illness and substance use disorder. Sometimes trauma can activate an addiction to cope with the symptoms and emotions present as a result of the experience. At Avalon Malibu, we are here to assist and support you as you process past trauma that continues to affect your present life. Through a holistic treatment plan with therapies that aim to heal both the mind and body, healing is possible. Call Avalon Malibu today at (844) 857-5992.
