Understanding the Relationship Between Emotional Trauma and PTSD

Understanding the Relationship Between Emotional Trauma and PTSD

A deeper look at what PTSD is, what its main symptoms are, and how non-physical traumas can also lead to it.
— by Carl Yazbek

 

When we hear about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), we often associate it with physical trauma such as sexual or physical assault, accidents, wars, or terrorist attacks. However, this is only one aspect of this mental health disorder. Studies have revealed that other factors can also contribute to the development of PTSD. Emotional abuse, for instance, can also lead to a person suffering from this condition.

What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

It’s important to understand what Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is and what its symptoms are. People develop PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event. These traumatic events can be a car accident, natural disaster, violence, or any other life-threatening event, and can have physical and emotional reactions.

The symptoms of PTSD are very distinctive and can be quite severe. Some of the symptoms include:

  • Intrusive thoughts: These are involuntary and upsetting thoughts and feelings that can occur frequently and unexpectedly.
  • Difficulty concentrating: PTSD sufferers often find it hard to focus on simple daily tasks.
  • Trouble sleeping: People with PTSD may experience insomnia, nightmares, and night terrors.
  • Panic and anxiety attacks: PTSD can cause extreme physical and mental distress, leading to panic and anxiety attacks.
  • Flashbacks: Memories, feelings, and images from the traumatic event keep resurfacing, causing significant distress.
  • Feelings of isolation and guilt: The person may feel alone in experiencing these feelings, and sometimes, they might even believe that they are responsible for the trauma itself.

It’s essential to recognize the symptoms of PTSD and seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing them. PTSD is a treatable condition, and with the right support and treatment, sufferers can recover and lead a fulfilling life.

Common Causes of PTSD

Typically, physical trauma is most associated with causing PTSD. When an individual undergoes a distressing event that causes physical harm or injury, they are at risk of developing PTSD.

This likelihood increases if the individual feels a fear for their life during the traumatic event. PTSD is often linked to situations where individuals believe they are on the brink of death, such as war veterans or victims of severe accidents. Even in situations where there was no immediate threat to life, the mere perception of impending death can trigger PTSD symptoms.

Common physical triggers of PTSD include:

  • participating in warfare
  • involvement in car accidents
  • experiences of sexual or physical assault
  • significant health issues
  • traumatic childbirth or stillbirth experiences

What Are Emotional and Psychological Causes of PTSD?

While people often associate physical trauma with PTSD, emotional trauma is equally crucial to consider. Those who have experienced psychological trauma are at a high risk of developing PTSD.

Emotional and psychological traumas could include:

  • Relationship abuse
  • Family abuse
  • The sudden death of a loved one
  • Involvement in a distressing event without physical harm

To delve deeper into each aspect, PTSD may arise from a relationship characterized by consistent verbal abuse, belittlement, mockery, or humiliation from one partner towards the other. A similar situation can occur within families, where a child is continually subjected to verbal abuse from a close family member, which may lead to PTSD later in life. An unexpected loss, such as the sudden, violent death of a close relative or the loss of a baby during or shortly after birth, can also spark PTSD symptoms.

Reflecting on distressing events that did not result in physical harm, we can consider the experience of frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite not contracting the virus themselves, these individuals were exposed to distressing situations on a daily basis for months, contributing to the onset of PTSD for many.

These circumstances, despite not being physically violent, can cause significant trauma and affect the nervous system in a similar way to physical trauma. Consequently, PTSD symptoms can start manifesting either immediately after the traumatic event or even years down the line.

Treating PTSD Caused by Emotional Trauma

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) should not remain unaddressed as it can lead to the development of persistent and crippling symptoms. The key to treating PTSD lies in addressing the emotional trauma endured by the individual. This involves employing various mental health services to help them unravel their traumatic experiences and equip them with coping strategies and skills to better manage their symptoms.

There are several effective therapeutic approaches to treating PTSD triggered by emotional trauma. These include psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and psychodynamic therapy. Each of these therapies offers unique benefits and can be used alone or combined, depending on the individual’s needs.

  • Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, provides a safe space for individuals to express their feelings and thoughts about their traumatic experiences. It also allows them to gain a better understanding of their reactions to trauma, and how to handle their emotions.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals to understand and change thought patterns that lead to harmful behaviors or feelings of distress. With the guidance of a therapist, they can learn to identify and challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs stemming from the trauma.
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals reduce their reactions to distressing memories. It involves recalling the traumatic event while the therapist guides the individual’s eye movements.
  • Psychodynamic therapy, particularly effective with emotional trauma, focuses on uncovering the unconscious symptoms in an effort to promote self-awareness and an understanding of past influences on present behavior. Patients explore unresolved conflicts from past dysfunctional relationships, delving into the root causes of emotional distress.

While these treatments are all effective, it’s crucial to recognize that everyone’s experience with PTSD is unique. Therefore, the most effective treatment approach is one that is personalized to the individual’s unique circumstances and symptoms. It should be a comprehensive plan that takes into consideration the individual’s personal history, the nature of the trauma, their current situation, and their specific symptoms. A mental health professional can help develop a personal treatment plan that ensures you get the most appropriate and effective treatment for your needs.

Acknowledging The Effects of Emotional Abuse

The repercussions of emotional abuse can be deeply impactful, sometimes even resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We must underscore the importance of recognizing that emotional and psychological trauma, just as physical trauma, can be potent precursors to PTSD. This realization is pivotal in helping those grappling with this disorder to seek and find the right assistance and treatment methods for their journey toward recovery.

If you or a loved one are struggling with PTSD, we strongly encourage you to seek help as soon as possible. Psyclarity Health is a trusted provider of specialized trauma-informed treatment specifically tailored for PTSD, and our mental health services administration is one call away from helping. Reach out to learn more about the range of treatments we offer and how they can be customized to your unique needs. Remember, the path to recovery begins with a single step, and we are here to walk alongside you on this journey. Get in touch with us today.