A person who has been sexually assaulted will generally experience high levels of distress immediately afterward. The trauma of being assaulted can lead to fear, anger, guilt, anxiety, and sadness. The stigma associated with sexual assault may cause embarrassment or shame for some people. In addition, survivors of sexual assault have an increased likelihood of developing symptoms of … Read more
Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are the leading cause of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the general population.1 Each year, there are an estimated six million MVAs in the United States, resulting in over 2.5 million injuries.2 According to a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) study, 39.2% of MVA survivors develop PTSD. Risk Factors for PTSD Several factors … Read more
Racial stress and trauma is a significant problem for people of color in the United States. Research suggests that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is more common among BIPOC children and young adults, which has been attributed in part to exposure to racial trauma, race-based stressors, and discrimination. Racial trauma is similar to PTSD and can lead to a PTSD diagnosis. … Read more
Childhood is a vulnerable time, and what happens to us then has long deep impacts. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) describe traumatic experiences that can have lasting effects into adulthood. The more ACEs someone experiences, the more challenging they may be to overcome.1 Let’s take a look at what adverse childhood experiences are, what impacts they … Read more
Scapegoating refers to the act of blaming a person or group for something bad that has happened or that someone else has done.1 Scapegoating can happen to protect the image of the family or people who are favored in the family, not just the self. It is common for one person to be scapegoated, but … Read more
Bereavement refers to the state of having experienced the loss of a loved one. It most often refers to the time after a loss when emotions are at their most profound. This time is marked by intense grief and tremendous sorrow. The term is sometimes used synonymously with grief and mourning. How people experience this … Read more
Bullying is most often recognized as a form of physically and verbally aggressive behavior that school children endure from their peers. However, there are actually six different kinds of bullying: physical, verbal, relational, cyber, sexual, and prejudicial. These types of bullying overlap and a bully may use more than one form to abuse a victim. Moreover, bullying … Read more
Betrayal trauma describes the emotional impact a person experiences after their trust or well-being is violated, either by people or institutions that are significant in their life.1 “This type of trauma usually relates to primary attachment figures like a parent, caregiver, or other important relationship from childhood. In adulthood, it tends to repeat among romantic partners,” says Sabrina Romanoff, … Read more
Psychological abuse, also known as mental or emotional abuse, involves using verbal and non-verbal communication to try to control someone or harm them emotionally.1 Though psychological abuse doesn’t leave bruises and broken bones, it can cause severe emotional issues and mental health conditions.2 This form of abuse can be harder to detect; however, it’s important to recognize … Read more
Emotional abuse, also known as psychological abuse, is a pattern of behavior perpetuated by a parent that causes a child to experience emotional distress, harms their sense of self-worth, and affects their emotional development.1 It can include rejection, constant criticism, threats, or emotional neglect.2 This article discusses the types of emotional abuse, the signs to look … Read more