Chronic traumatization is a lasting impact caused by prolonged distressing experiences, which can deeply affect a person’s life.
However, the darkness can be lifted with the right guidance and support.
This blog post will explore chronic traumatization and its causes and symptoms. We’ll also look at how the skilled psychotherapists at Avita PsyCare can help individuals heal and rebuild their lives.
What is Chronic Traumatization?
Chronic traumatization, or complex trauma, is a form of psychological distress resulting from prolonged exposure to traumatic events or adverse circumstances.
Unlike single-incident traumas, which can be equally devastating but are typically time-limited in nature, chronic trauma occurs over an extended period.
Individuals subjected to chronic traumatization may find it challenging to maintain a sense of safety, stability, and trust in their relationships and surroundings.
What Are The Causes of Chronic Trauma?
While the experience of trauma is subjective and can vary greatly from person to person, some common factors can contribute to chronic trauma.
Some common causes include:
● Childhood Abuse and Neglect. Enduring physical, emotional, or sexual abuse during childhood can have far-reaching consequences that persist into adulthood.
● Domestic Violence. Being trapped in an environment of domestic violence can lead to chronic traumatization due to ongoing exposure to fear and danger.
● War and Conflict. Survivors of war, conflict, or political oppression may experience chronic trauma due to continuous threats and losses.
● Chronic Illness or Medical Procedures. Long-term health issues or invasive medical treatments can lead to chronic traumatization, especially when associated with distressing symptoms or a lack of control.
What Are Some Chronic Trauma Symptoms?
Chronic trauma can manifest in many aspects of an individual’s life.
Some common symptoms include:
● Emotional Dysregulation: Intense mood swings, emotional numbness, or difficulty expressing feelings.
● Interpersonal Challenges: Struggles with forming and maintaining healthy relationships, fear of attachment, or difficulty trusting others.
● Hypervigilance and Avoidance: A constant state of alertness, often leading to avoiding triggering situations or environments.
● Flashbacks and Nightmares: Re-experiencing traumatic events through distressing flashbacks or nightmares.
● Low Self-Esteem and Self-Blame: Feelings of worthlessness, shame, and self-blame due to internalizing the trauma.
How Can An Avita Psychotherapist Help You Cope With Chronic Trauma?
While chronic trauma may seem insurmountable, the experienced and compassionate psychotherapists at Avita PsyCare provide psychological and counseling services to jumpstart the healing journey.
Here are some ways they can help:
● Creating a Safe Space: They offer a safe and non-judgmental environment for clients to share their experiences and emotions.
● Trauma-Informed Therapy: Psychotherapists at Avita PsyCare employ specialized trauma-focused therapy approaches like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address the root causes of chronic trauma and treat effects like personality disorders.
● Emotional Regulation Techniques: They teach coping strategies to manage intense emotions and promote emotional regulation.
● Building Resilience: The Avita psychotherapists will also equip clients with tools to cope with stress and adversity, fostering resilience in the face of challenges.
Psychotherapy for Chronic Trauma at Avita PsyCare
Healing from chronic traumatization takes time, but seeking professional support is essential to reclaiming your life.
By working with a psychotherapist at Avita PsyCare, you can live a more empowered and positive life.
Schedule an appointment today and take charge of your life.
Photo by Susan Wilkinson on Unsplash
