MenuClose

Do I Need Trauma Therapy?

Girl learns about trauma therapy

Many people go through traumatic experiences at least once during their lifetimes. Not all reactions to these experiences are the same. In some cases, they only have short-term effects that fade as time passes. However, in other cases, the effects of trauma lead to much more serious, longer-term problems. If you or your teen fall into this second category, you may require a trauma therapy program to support your recovery. How can you tell when this kind of program is needed? Signs of damaging trauma can manifest in a variety of ways.

What Is a Therapy Program for Trauma?

Traumatic reactions are a natural part of the human emotional repertoire. In their short-term form, they may include terror or emotional numbness. They may also include a strong urge to deny the fact that a traumatic event has occurred.

Most people who experience such reactions regain their sense of well-being without formal help. But unfortunately, that’s not always what happens. Some people don’t get better without help. Instead, they develop additional, more serious problems that disrupt their ability to function. Trauma therapy is designed for children, teens, and adults affected by such problems.

Many people in need of help have posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Others have a related condition called acute stress disorder, or ASD. However, you may need professional support even if you don’t qualify for a diagnosis of either of these conditions.

Cognitive Signs That You May Need a Therapy Center for Trauma

The term cognitive refers to your ability to use your higher mental functions. In many ways, these functions are what make humans unique as a species. Lingering trauma can interfere with your normal cognitive abilities. Potential signs that this is happening include:

  • Trauma-related nightmares
  • Flashbacks that make you feel like the trauma is occurring again
  • Mood swings
  • A down or depressed mental state
  • Feelings of helplessness, shame, or guilt
  • Jitteriness and/or anxiety

Unusual anger and irritability are also common.

Behavior Changes That May Point to a Need for Trauma Therapy

Certain changes in your typical behavior may be signs that you need help from a trauma healing center. For example, you might begin avoiding anything that reminds you of your trauma exposure. You may also start isolating yourself and withdrawing from your normal social circle.

Some affected people suddenly lose interest in doing things that once gave them pleasure. In addition, you may startle easily and compulsively check for threats in your surrounding environment. Finally, a person affected by lingering trauma may act in unusually aggressive or violent ways.

Physical Problems That May Prompt You to Enter a Trauma Healing Center

A number of physical health issues are also potential indicators that you need trauma therapy. Examples of these conditions include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Insomnia or other kinds of sleep problems
  • Fatigue or exhaustion

It’s important to know that virtually all potential trauma indicators have other possible causes. The more problems you have, the greater the odds that trauma is the underlying issue. Be aware that only a doctor or mental health expert can officially diagnose PTSD or ASD.

Find a Teen Therapy Center for Trauma at Imagine Fort Collins

Concerned that you or your teenager need help for trauma-related issues? Turn to the specialists at Imagine Fort Collins. We feature a therapy program for trauma designed to meet teens’ unique recovery needs. No matter the source of lingering trauma symptoms, we’ll devise a customized, comprehensive recovery plan. Help is available on an intensive outpatient basis as well as through partial hospitalization programs. To learn more about our trauma therapy services, just call us today at 888.291.2309. We’re also available through our brief online form.