Despite the prevalence of trauma, it’s not as widely talked about as it should be. With many women experiencing at least one traumatic event in their life, this issue should be put in the spotlight more since it affects women’s mental health.
Trauma has always been a prominent women’s issue. Women tend to handle trauma differently than men. Instead of acting aggressively, they internalize the effects, which can later develop into substance abuse issues. But before discussing how trauma can affect women’s mental health, you should first know what trauma is. If you need treatment for trauma and addiction, contact The Willows at Red Oak today at 855.773.0614.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is an ancient Greek word that means wound. This condition results from an event that overwhelms one’s capacity to cope. It includes events that are threatening to one’s life or those that cause severe injury or death. A traumatic event can range from the loss of a loved one to experiencing natural disasters.
Although trauma is included in the emotional terrain people navigate throughout their lives, it can still have long-lasting adverse effects on women’s mental health if left unchecked. This condition can impact how you regulate your emotions and view the world around you.
When one experiences a traumatic event, the body’s defenses take over to create a stress response. This response can manifest through a variety of physical symptoms, behavior changes, and intense emotions.
Here are some ways trauma can affect women’s mental health.
1.Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
People who live through a traumatic event have a higher chance of developing PTSD, which is a mental health disorder. Not everyone will develop PTSD, but if you do, it’s important to get trauma counseling, trauma-informed care, and trauma therapy.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is characterized by an overwhelming feeling of anxiety. Most of the time, people with PTSD will also have nightmares or unwanted flashbacks about the trauma they experienced. Many people with PTSD also have a higher chance of becoming depressed and suicidal. They may also turn to alcohol and drugs to cope instead of applying proper coping skills.
This women’s mental health issue can manifest physically through symptoms which include:
- Tiredness
- Stomachaches
- Headaches
- Easily startled
Those who experience PTSD also have heart palpitations. And one of the most severe effects of PTSD is that it can negatively affect relationships and make someone feel disconnected from their loved ones.
2. Anxiety
After a traumatic event, many people can experience anxiety. Its symptoms include:
- Feeling physically sick
- Being on the edge
- Feeling disoriented
- Stress
In some instances, these negative feelings can persist for a long time. The anxiety may even become so severe that it can hamper one’s everyday activities. Anxiety disorders are very common, and it could also occur alongside other problems like depression, substance abuse, and PTSD. Because of this, seeking dual diagnosis treatment is essential. Looking for trauma-informed care is also critical.
3. Depression
Most people think depression is similar to merely feeling sad. However, it’s a severe women’s mental health issue. A woman who is depressed will experience intense anxiety, negativity, and hopelessness. Instead of going away, these feelings will stay with them. To get rid of these negative feelings, taking part in trauma counseling or trauma therapy is recommended.
The Willows Can Help with Women’s Mental Health
Looking after your health and well-being is crucial. When left untreated, women’s mental health problems caused by trauma can drive someone to engage in destructive behaviors. If you are experiencing any of the cases listed above in your daily life, you may want to seek professional help. We offer a range of addiction treatment programs, including:
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Heroin addiction treatment
- Opioid addiction treatment
- Prescription pill addiction treatment
- Cocaine addiction treatment
Here at The Willows at Red Oak, we can help you take part in the right interventions. Contact The Willows today at 855.773.0614 to find out how we can help.
For women in search of change, recovery, and trauma resolution, transformation begins at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery®. Located just south of Asheville, we offer gender-specific, clinically-focused, and trauma-informed care in an environment conducive to healing.