What is Emotional Trauma?

Emotional trauma is usually triggered by a single traumatic event or a series of events that have occurred over time.

The resulting trauma, which may be delayed for weeks, months or even years, overwhelms the individual’s ability to cope, or in the case of extreme trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), actually changes the person’s brain’s chemistry, making it difficult or impossible to handle stressful situations. Unresolved emotional trauma often leads to other disorders such as drug addiction, alcoholism and depression. Emotional trauma can be triggered by a wide variety of events, both mental and physical, including:

• Domestic violence
• Verbal abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Childhood trauma
• The death of a loved one
• Being involved in a violent crime or accident
• Experiencing indoctrination or torture
• Surviving an earthquake or other natural disaster
• Life-threatening situations such as combat or law enforcement

Victims of emotional trauma process that trauma in different ways, depending on the type of trauma experienced—and the symptoms can vary widely from person to person.

The symptoms of emotional trauma may include:

• Anxiety and fear
• Anger and irritability
• Guilt and shame
• Self-blame
• Difficulty concentrating
• Denial or disbelief
• Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Mood swings
• Withdrawal from others
• Feeling disconnected or numb

At Mellody House, we employ a full range of treatment options for emotional trauma including cognitive-behavioral therapy, Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, 12-Step meetings, equine therapy, expressive art therapy and other cutting-edge therapies. Our staff of specially trained trauma specialists helps victims of emotional trauma work through their feelings of anxiety, anger, hopelessness and fear to let the recovery process begin. If you would like to learn more about the extended care trauma program at Mellody House, call us at .