War, natural disasters, being assaulted, or experiencing a tragic loss are all clearly traumatic events and situations. Other situations, such as abrupt lifestyle changes, or experiencing a minor car accident, do not appear traumatic at first glance. The severity or type of event, however, does not distinguish trauma from PTSD.
Rather, it is defined by how each individual is affected by the traumatic event and how long the traumatic response lasts. Even when it is the same event, such as a natural disaster, the mental, emotional, and physical effects of any situation or event can differ from person to person. A traumatic event has been experienced by up to 70% of adults.
Similarly, some trauma can be processed more quickly, whereas other traumatic events become lodged in a person’s mind and body, replaying over and over and affecting all aspects of their life. Trauma can become embedded in the nervous system and progress to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) if it is not processed or treated.
Understanding Trauma vs. PTSD
The primary distinction between trauma and PTSD is the length of time involved. Trauma is defined as an individual’s experience during and immediately following a potentially life-threatening or highly distressing event. This trauma response is associated with a specific set of symptoms, which are listed below.
Unprocessed trauma in the mind and body can progress to PTSD, a specific mental health diagnosis. PTSD criteria include symptoms that last more than a month and are severe enough to impair daily functioning. The event, as well as the associated memories and fears, are replayed in a person’s nervous system like a broken record.
Signs of Trauma in Teens
A traumatic event can occur at any time, and the people around them may be unaware of what has occurred. Individuals may be hesitant to share their experiences for a variety of reasons, including shock, guilt, shame, and others. As a result, knowing how to recognize trauma symptoms is beneficial. Some of the symptoms of trauma include:
- Being nervous or tense
- Problems sleeping
- Night terrors or nightmares
- Anxiety attacks
- Suicidal thoughts
- Having flashbacks to the traumatic event
- Difficulties concentrating or making decisions
- Being perplexed or overwhelmed in everyday situations
- Acting cold or emotionless
- They are unable to enjoy things as they used to.
- Irritation, rage, aggression, and even violence
- Avoiding traumatic events, locations, or people
- Depression
- Anxiety
All of these symptoms indicate that the brain is still in fight-or-flight mode as a result of the traumatic event. These symptoms can last up to six months after the triggering event.
The Stages of Trauma
Both PTSD and the recovery process occur in stages, with no set time frame for each. These stages are as follows:
The emergency stage, which is frequently felt immediately following a traumatic event: Feeling shocked, anxious, guilty, and on edge all of the time.
Denial stage: Actively or subconsciously suppressing memories of the traumatic experience and may use substances to numb the pain.
Attempting to return to some semblance of normalcy, though symptoms are likely to persist.
Long-term recovery stage: This occurs when the trauma is addressed with the assistance of a mental health professional and with the support of family and friends. Symptoms begin to fade as the underlying trauma heals.
How PTSD Impairs Development
Being “trapped” in fight-or-flight mode can result in physical, cognitive, and/or emotional problems. Neurobiological changes such as increased cortisol (the stress hormone) can impede healthy brain development. This has a direct impact on executive functions, which emerge later in the brain maturation process and include planning, impulse control, emotional response, and complex decision-making.
Because long-term trauma affects the entire body through the nervous system, another distinction between trauma and PTSD is that PTSD can lead to chronic health problems over time. As a result, physical symptoms such as increased blood pressure or heart rate, nausea, muscle tension, headaches, backaches, or fatigue may occur.
PTSD has social and emotional consequences as well. It can make it difficult for individuals to connect with themselves and others. They may act out or respond inappropriately because they do not understand or are unable to change their behaviors. Furthermore, PTSD can manifest as substance abuse and/or post-traumatic depression. Indeed, research indicates that potentially traumatic events are more likely to result in multiple mental health issues than a single disorder. If untreated, PTSD can affect people for the rest of their lives.
Preventing PTSD Through Early Trauma Treatment
The most important thing to understand when researching the difference between trauma and PTSD is that early treatment is critical to limiting the negative impact of trauma. Because PTSD develops over time as a result of unprocessed trauma, early intervention can help prevent more severe and harmful consequences. Therapy is the most effective way to heal trauma before it becomes PTSD. There are numerous trauma treatment methods, or modalities, such as:
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy that uses eye movement, tapping, or other physical sensations to heal traumatic memories and shift the brain out of fight-or-flight mode.
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) reframes trauma-related thought processes and experiences, restoring a teen’s sense of safety.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches skills and stress management techniques that enable teens to more effectively regulate their stressors and emotions.
- Experiential modalities such as Adventure Therapy, Equine-Assisted Therapy, music therapy, and art therapy provide teens with hands-on experiences that help them change and grow.
Revival Mental Health in Orange County, CA offers expert care for a variety of mental health conditions. Our staff specializes in the treatment of mood and thought disorders. We can assist you if you are suffering from any of these conditions. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, contact us today and our caring staff will collaborate with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.
