Trauma

At PivotCare Precision Psychiatry, our board-certified nurse practitioners and LICSWs provide holistic, integrative, and customized mental health care using trauma-informed therapy and precision psychiatry principles.

They are  here to gently guide you through your trauma so you can put the pain and misery behind you. Call the Duxbury  or Hingham, Massachusetts, office or click online request an apoinment  to make your office or telehealth appointment now. 

What is trauma?

Trauma is an emotional response to a disturbing or frightening event. According to the National Council For Behavioral Health, 7 in 10 people experience trauma at least once in their lives.

People who experience traumatic events can sometimes live with the effects for months and years. Trauma can negatively affect your sense of self, emotional regulation, relationships, and many other aspects of your life. 

Are PTSD and trauma the same thing?

No, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma are related but not exactly the same. Many people experience traumatic events at some point in life and may need help processing that trauma but don’t develop PTSD. 

But, in about one-third of cases, people who have severely traumatic experiences go on to develop PTSD, in which they have stress reactions to the event such as anxiety, uncontrollable thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks.  

Complex PTSD is different from PTSD. It refers to PTSD resulting from long-term (chronic) trauma, which often stems from childhood but may also originate in teen or adult years.

Many things may contribute to your PTSD risk, including your genetics, environment, and other factors. 

What are the signs that I need help with trauma?

Trauma can affect you long after it occurs and rear its head in many different ways. Some symptoms that could point to unresolved trauma include: 

• Difficulty concentrating
• Angry outbursts
• Anxiety
• Feelings of guilt and shame
• Dissociation: disconnecting from your surroundings
• Being easily startled
• Always being “on guard”
• Avoiding thoughts of your trauma
• Avoiding people or places that bring the trauma to mind
• Insomnia 

It’s very common for people with unresolved trauma to have other mental health challenges; for example, about half of people with PTSD also have depression. 

Trauma is also connected to health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. 

What is trauma-informed care?

Trauma-informed care is mental and behavioral health care specifically tailored for people with a history of trauma. 

With trauma-informed care, understanding your life experiences fully is crucial for optimal therapeutic care. PivotCare Precision Psychiatry combines trauma-informed therapy with precision psychiatry, thereby evaluating and treating the biological, environmental, and lifestyle factors involved in your mental health. 

For help moving past trauma, call PivotCare Precision Psychiatry or book an appointment online now.