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You may recover within a few weeks of a traumatic event, or your trauma may cause severe symptoms for months or even years if you don’t get treatment. Natalie Chigozie, MSW, LCSW, and the compassionate team at IOP Mental Health in Cary, North Carolina, have years of experience and the sensitivity that’s crucial when providing trauma-informed care. They offer intensive outpatient treatment, devoting the time and attention needed to help you overcome severe trauma. Call the office to learn more about trauma treatment or request an appointment online today.
Trauma Q & A
What causes trauma?
Psychological trauma occurs after experiencing or witnessing a threatening, scary, or disturbing event. You may live through one trauma or experience many repeated events, such as living with physical abuse or bullying.
The most common causes of trauma include:
- Sexual assault
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Childhood neglect
- Military duty
- Gun violence
- Domestic violence
- Car crashes and other accidents
- Robbery or household invasion
Natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, and tornados can also cause trauma.
Can trauma lead to mental health disorders?
Trauma naturally causes fear, anxiety, and distress in most people. These symptoms occur within days of the trauma and may be severe at first, but for many people, they improve in a few weeks. If your symptoms last longer than a month, you have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The symptoms you may experience, whether immediately after the trauma or for an extended time, include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Irritability
- Anger
- Aggression
- Insomnia
- Social isolation
- Guilt or shame
- Avoidance
Avoidance refers to purposefully staying away from the people, places, and events that remind you of the trauma. You may have such severe avoidance that you don’t socialize, go to work, or fulfill other daily responsibilities.
How is trauma treated?
Natalie and the compassionate IOP Mental Health team specialize in trauma-informed care. That means you’re getting help from professionals who understand the effect trauma has on your life. More importantly, they have the skills and sensitivity to provide therapy that helps you deal with your symptoms without adding to your anxiety and trauma.
The IOP Mental Health team provides intensive outpatient treatment using a group therapy approach. You have group therapy at least three times a week, with each session lasting three hours. You can also get medication management from the team’s board-certified psychiatrist.
A highly trained therapist leads your group therapy and provides a structure for each session. They guide conversations, provide information, and use therapies proven to help people deal with trauma.
You’ll learn how to overcome your anxiety and cope with the trauma as the group uses their shared experience to support each other through recovery.
Don’t wait to seek help for the emotional and psychological effects of trauma. Call IOP Mental Health for an evaluation or book online today.