Understanding the Link Between Depression and Trauma
The link between trauma and PTSD can come in collaboration with depression and anxiety. Those that have suffered from trauma may experience PTSD symptoms. As a result, may also suffer from depression as well. This article will talk about the link and what some of the symptoms are that you have depression alongside trauma symptoms. If you have concerns about the symptoms you or a loved one may be experiencing as a result of depression or PTSD it is best to talk to a mental health professional to get their opinion. This article is not a replacement for therapy services.
Symptoms of Traumatic Stress and Depression
Symptoms of PTSD and depression may include:
Trouble Concentrating
Avoiding socially interacting with others.
Increased use of substances including alcohol or drugs.
Feeling more agitated than normal.
Changes in appetite patterns either eating more or less.
What Can Be Done to Help?
Some interventions that can be helpful in managing symptoms of both PTSD and depression include medication, therapy, and peer support. It is also important to recognize if you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts to harm themselves or others if that is the case then calling a crisis line like 988 would be recommended. Mental health therapy may include talk therapy or things like EMDR. Both can be effective in treating trauma and depression.
What Is the Prevalence of This?
It is said that about half of people that experience symptoms of PTSD also experience depression. That means that there is a significant prevalence between depression and traumatic stress. There is no shame in seeking out help if you are experiencing symptoms and it is impacting how you are able to function.
What Is Happening for Depression to Also Occur?
When experiencing symptoms of trauma your body can go into a state of fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. While your body is trying to cope through the experience of trauma through these responses it also in response maybe repressing memories making it difficult for you or someone else to process and find closure from what had happened. As a result, an individual may turn to substances to cope with negative feelings and emotions associated with the body’s trauma response. Therapy can help to uncover the unhealthy ways that you are coping to replace them with better methods. Talk therapy can also be a safe space to explore how the trauma has impacted you. Our bodies become exhausted from the trauma responses we use to protect us which can lead to depression.
Other Links Between Trauma and Depression
Trauma can also occur in childhood and the impacts of childhood PTSD are also potentially in play to cause depression symptoms. High levels of stress and trauma on a child’s development. Chronic stress can damage children’s brain and body development as it interferes with developing a healthy immune and hormone system. Increased risks associated with childhood trauma can also put individuals at a higher risk of substance use dependency.
Trauma changes the way the hippocampus region of the brain impacting memory and ability to be able to regulate emotions.
This struggle with being to regulate emotions then creates risks for depression. But with processing trauma experienced and building up resiliency one can start to heal from the trauma that they had experienced. It’s not too late to get help to help heal from past traumas that are still having negative impacts on your life or your loved one’s life. Reach out to us to start your healing journey.
Address Trauma And Depression With A Depression Therapist in Charlotte, NC
You don’t have to struggle with the effects of depression and trauma alone. Our team of caring therapists would be happy to offer support in addressing the symptoms affecting you most from our Charlotte, NC-based practice. You can start your therapy journey by following these simple steps today:
Fill out our contact form
Meet with a caring therapist
Start giving your relationship the support it deserves!
Other Services Offered With Inward Counseling
Depression counseling isn’t the only service our team offers. We know that you may experience more than one mental health concern at a time. This is why we are happy to also offer therapy for anxiety, family, Christian counseling, and EMDR. We also offer trauma therapy and couples counseling. Visit our blog or about page to learn more today.