Trauma Treatment
Trauma refers to a profoundly distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope. It may arise from a single incident, a series of events, or prolonged exposure to challenging circumstances. What makes an experience traumatic is not only the nature of the event, but also how it impacts a person’s sense of safety, control, and emotional resilience.
At Evergreen Behavioral Health, we provide compassionate and personalized trauma treatment. Our specialized programs are designed to support individuals as they navigate their path toward healing, recovery, and renewed well-being.
Understanding Trauma
Trauma can take many forms, including:
- Acute Trauma: Stemming from a one-time, high-impact event such as a serious accident, natural disaster, or physical assault.
- Chronic Trauma: Resulting from repeated, prolonged exposure to distressing situations, such as ongoing abuse, domestic violence, or living in a conflict zone.
- Complex Trauma: Involving multiple traumatic events, often interpersonal in nature and typically occurring over a long period. This is frequently seen in cases of childhood abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.
- Developmental Trauma: Occurs during key stages of childhood development and can significantly disrupt emotional and psychological growth.
- Secondary or Vicarious Trauma: Affects those who are regularly exposed to others’ traumatic experiences, such as therapists, healthcare workers, first responders, and caregivers.
At Evergreen Behavioral Health, we recognize the lasting impact trauma can have on an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical health. Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where healing can begin.
Effects of Trauma
Trauma can leave a deep and lasting imprint on a person’s life, affecting far more than just mental health. It can influence physical well-being, emotional stability, and the quality of relationships. Because trauma shapes the way individuals interpret and respond to the world around them, it often affects core beliefs, behaviors, and interactions—sometimes immediately, and other times long after the initial experience. In many cases, its effects may remain hidden until triggered by a related event or stressor.
Physical Effects of Trauma
Trauma is not only psychological—it has tangible effects on the body. During a traumatic experience, the body activates its stress response, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. While this reaction is essential for survival, prolonged activation of the stress response can contribute to serious health concerns over time. These may include high blood pressure, heart disease, digestive problems, immune system suppression, and chronic fatigue.
Survivors often report persistent physical symptoms such as headaches, body aches, insomnia, or ongoing tension. The brain is also impacted—trauma can alter the areas responsible for memory, emotional control, and decision-making. As a result, individuals may struggle with flashbacks, dissociation, concentration difficulties, or feeling emotionally numb. These are real, physiological responses to trauma, not imagined ailments.
Mental and Emotional Impact of Trauma
On an emotional level, trauma frequently leads to intense feelings of fear, anxiety, and hypervigilance. Many individuals develop mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, panic disorders, or turn to substances as a way of coping. Intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and overwhelming emotional responses may occur—even when there’s no immediate threat—because the brain continues to react to past trauma.
In addition, trauma can provoke feelings of shame, guilt, or self-blame—especially when it involves betrayal or abuse. Survivors may begin to question their worth, safety, or ability to trust others. These internal wounds can make it difficult to navigate daily stress, maintain emotional balance, or build self-confidence. Without proper care, trauma can interfere with a person’s overall growth, daily functioning, and ability to connect with others.
How Trauma Affects Social Life
Trauma often disrupts personal and social relationships. Many survivors withdraw from friends, avoid social interaction, or find it challenging to form deep or trusting bonds. If their trauma involved someone close to them, trust can become a major hurdle. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness, misunderstanding, or judgment, creating a barrier to connection and support.
Some may express their pain through anger, irritability, or emotional instability, which can strain relationships at home, at work, or within friendships. In family systems, trauma may shift roles—creating dependencies or emotional distance. When the pain of trauma is dismissed or unsupported, it can reinforce cycles of disconnection and deepen emotional wounds.
Healing from trauma often requires more than individual therapy—it also depends on a nurturing, empathetic community that provides validation, safety, and support.
Signs of Trauma
Trauma can manifest in many different ways, affecting a person’s body, behavior, thoughts, and emotions. These signs are often subtle and can vary widely from one individual to another. Being aware of the physical, behavioral, and psychological indicators of trauma is key to early recognition and effective support—whether you’re experiencing it yourself or looking to help someone else.
Physical Signs of Trauma
Even when the mind attempts to suppress distress, the body often continues to carry its weight. Physical symptoms may reflect a prolonged state of stress or hyperarousal, even long after the immediate threat is gone.
Common physical signs include:
- Persistent fatigue or exhaustion
- Muscle tightness, tension, or chronic pain
- Disrupted sleep patterns, including insomnia or frequent nightmares
- Rapid heartbeat or chest discomfort
- Digestive issues such as nausea, bloating, or cramps
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Heightened startle response or feeling easily alarmed
- Shifts in appetite or eating behaviors
Behavioral Signs of Trauma
Trauma can significantly alter a person’s behavior. These changes often emerge as coping strategies—conscious or unconscious—and may be misread by others as defiance, disinterest, or emotional instability.
Behavioral signs may include:
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities
- Avoiding places, people, or situations that trigger reminders of the trauma
- Increased reliance on alcohol, drugs, or other substances
- Difficulty focusing or maintaining attention
- Risk-taking or impulsive actions
- Sudden emotional outbursts or irritability
- Disruption in daily routines or responsibilities
- Struggles with performance at work or in school
Psychological Signs of Trauma
The psychological effects of trauma reflect deep emotional wounds and cognitive shifts. These symptoms may develop gradually or appear suddenly, and they can significantly interfere with day-to-day life.
Psychological signs include:
- Persistent anxiety, nervousness, or a sense of dread
- Depression, sadness, or emotional numbness
- Recurrent flashbacks or unwanted, intrusive memories
- Detachment from one’s emotions or surroundings
- Intense feelings of shame, guilt, or self-blame
- Reduced self-worth or confidence
- Difficulty forming or maintaining trust in relationships
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation
How to Treat Trauma
Trauma is an intense, distressing experience that can leave a lasting mark on a person’s emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. Whether stemming from a single event or prolonged exposure to stressful conditions, trauma affects everyone differently. The road to healing is highly personal and often requires a blend of therapeutic interventions, lifestyle changes, and supportive relationships tailored to each individual’s needs.
Therapy and Counseling
Professional therapy is a cornerstone of trauma recovery. Trauma-informed therapy offers a safe and supportive space to explore difficult emotions and experiences. Common therapeutic modalities include:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and reframe harmful thought patterns and behaviors resulting from trauma.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Uses guided eye movements to process and reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories.
- Somatic Experiencing: Focuses on physical sensations to release trauma stored in the nervous system.
- Narrative Therapy: Encourages individuals to retell and reshape their life stories, restoring a sense of agency and control.
Therapists may adapt these methods based on the individual’s personal history, symptoms, and comfort level, ensuring that treatment is both effective and empowering.
Medication Support
In some cases, medication can be an important component of a trauma treatment plan, especially when symptoms like anxiety, depression, or insomnia are severe. Though not a standalone solution, medications can help stabilize mood and improve day-to-day functioning, making therapeutic work more accessible. Commonly prescribed options include:
- Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (e.g., sertraline, fluoxetine)
- Anti-anxiety medications, for short-term relief
- Sleep aids, prescribed cautiously and closely monitored
Medication is often most beneficial when used alongside therapy and other self-care practices.
Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care Practices
Daily habits play a critical role in trauma recovery. Making intentional lifestyle changes can support emotional regulation and strengthen resilience. Key practices include:
- Regular physical activity, which helps reduce stress and boost mood through the release of endorphins
- Balanced nutrition, to fuel the brain and body and stabilize emotions
- Consistent, restorative sleep, essential for cognitive and emotional processing
- Mindfulness and meditation, to foster calm and presence
- Establishing boundaries, which promotes a sense of safety and self-respect
Social and Emotional Support
Strong social connections play a crucial role in recovery. Whether it’s emotional encouragement or practical help, a reliable support system makes the journey more manageable.
- Open Communication: Talking with trusted friends or loved ones can offer emotional relief and perspective.
- Support Groups: Sharing experiences in peer-led or therapeutic groups—online or in person—can reduce feelings of isolation.
- Professional Guidance: Working with therapists, counselors, or life coaches provides structure, tools, and accountability.
Holistic and Complementary Therapies
Many people also benefit from integrative approaches that address the mind-body-spirit connection. While not replacements for professional therapy, these complementary therapies can enhance overall wellness:
- Yoga and breathwork, to increase body awareness and emotional regulation
- Art or music therapy, which provide creative outlets for nonverbal expression
- Massage or acupuncture, to release physical tension and support nervous system balance
- Herbal remedies and naturopathy, used with guidance from a healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness
Get Trauma Treatment in South Portland, Maine
If you’re ready to take back control and move forward with strength, Evergreen Behavioral Health is here to help. Our compassionate team is dedicated to walking alongside you throughout your recovery journey, offering personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Through evidence-based therapies, holistic support, and a nurturing environment, we strive to create the foundation for lasting relief and personal transformation.
Call us at (888) 907-7290, email info@evergreenbh.com, or visit us in person at 707 Sable Oaks Drive in South Portland, ME (04106).
We’re here for you 24/7—you don’t have to face trauma alone.