Journal of Psychiatry

Causes and Impact of Trauma on Mental Health

Shiraz Assu^* Department of Psychiatry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
^*Correspondence: Shiraz Assu, Department of Psychiatry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Email:

Received: 31-Dec-2022, Manuscript No. JOP-22-20167; Editor assigned: 03-Jan-2023, Pre QC No. JOP-22-20167(PQ); Reviewed: 17-Jan-2023, QC No. JOP-22-20167; Revised: 24-Jan-2023, Manuscript No. JOP-22-20167(R); Published: 31-Jan-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2378-5756.23.26.556

About the Study

Trauma is a psychological response to an event or situation that is overwhelming, frightening, and beyond our control. Trauma can have a significant impact on our mental health and wellbeing, often leading to long-lasting negative effects if left untreated. In this article, we will discuss the causes and impact of trauma on mental health.

Causes of trauma

Trauma can be caused by a variety of events and experiences, including but not limited to:

Physical or sexual abuse: Experiencing physical or sexual abuse, whether in childhood or adulthood, can cause trauma. The experience of being violated, physically or sexually, can leave deep scars that impact the individual's mental health [1].

Natural disasters: Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes can cause significant trauma, especially when there is a loss of life, injury, or damage to property.

Accidents: Being involved in an accident, whether as a victim or witness, can also cause trauma. This includes car accidents, workplace accidents, and other types of accidents.

War or conflict: Living through a war or conflict can cause severe trauma, especially for those who have been directly affected by violence, torture, or imprisonment [2].

Emotional or psychological abuse: Emotional or psychological abuse, such as bullying, gaslighting, or emotional neglect, can cause long-lasting trauma.

Impact of trauma on mental health

Trauma can have a significant impact on our mental health and well-being, often leading to long-lasting negative effects if left untreated. The following are some of the common ways in which trauma can impact mental health:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. It can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety [3].

Depression: Trauma can lead to depression, which is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable.

Anxiety: Trauma can also lead to anxiety, which is characterized by excessive worry, fear, and panic attacks.

Substance Abuse: Trauma can lead to substance abuse as individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with their feelings and emotions.

Self-Harm: Trauma can also lead to self-harm as individuals may engage in behaviors such as cutting, burning, or other forms of self-injury as a way of coping with their feelings.

Eating Disorders: Trauma can also lead to eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder.

Relationship Problems: Trauma can impact relationships, as individuals may struggle to form or maintain healthy relationships due to trust issues or fear of vulnerability [4].

Treatment for trauma

Fortunately, there are various treatments available for individuals who have experienced trauma. The following are some of the most common treatments:

Therapy: Therapy is often the first line of treatment for trauma. There are different types of therapy available, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing negative thought patterns, and exposure therapy, which involves facing the traumatic event in a safe and controlled environment.

Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

Support groups: Joining a support group can be beneficial for individuals who have experienced trauma, as it provides a safe space to share their experiences and connect with others who have gone through similar situations.

Self-care: Practicing self-care can also be beneficial for individuals who have experienced trauma. This includes engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as yoga or meditation, and prioritizing sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet [5].

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