This article was written by the clinical content team at Grand Rising Behavioral Health and reviewed by licensed mental health clinicians with advanced training in trauma-informed care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and EMDR.

All content follows DSM-5-TR diagnostic standards, aligns with American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines, and is updated regularly to reflect current trauma research.

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Trauma is more than a single event; it is a deep, often hidden response to experiences that overwhelm a person’s ability to cope. Learning what causes trauma and how it affects the mind and body is key to recovery.

In this post, we outline common causes, forms of trauma, typical symptoms, and evidence-based treatments that support healing.

As you read, you will learn why professional, trauma-informed care, such as the personalized programs at Grand Rising Behavioral Health, can make a meaningful difference on the path to recovery.

Common Experiences that Lead to Psychological Trauma

Psychological trauma can follow many experiences. Some causes are sudden and acute, while others build over time. The most frequent sources include childhood abuse or neglect, exposure to violence, serious accidents, and prolonged stress. Recognizing these causes helps people and clinicians choose appropriate support and interventions.

Childhood abuse and neglect

Abuse and neglect in childhood shape how a person feels safe, connects with others, and manages emotions. These early wounds often leave long-term effects on development, self-worth, and relationships.

In the United States, an estimated 546,159 children were victims of abuse and neglect in 2023, a rate of 7.4 per 1,000 children. At least 1 in 7 children in the U.S. have experienced abuse or neglect, though this is likely an underestimate because many cases go unreported (Administration for Children and Families, 2025).[1]

This underscores how common and serious this issue is. Left unaddressed, childhood trauma can contribute to anxiety, depression, and struggles with trust and intimacy. This is why early support and treatment are so important.

Sadly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 61% of adults across 25 states reported experiencing at least one ACE (Adverse Childhood Experience) in their lifetime, and nearly 1 in 6 reported experiencing four or more types of adversity.[2]

Violence and accidents

Violent incidents, whether domestic, community-based, or otherwise, can trigger intense, immediate trauma responses. Unexpected accidents like car crashes or workplace injuries can also combine physical harm with psychological shock.

Recent data underscores how pervasive this impact is. A 2025 systematic review published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that approximately 20% of road traffic accident survivors develop PTSD within one month of the event.[3]

People who go through these events commonly develop symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, or depression, and may benefit from targeted therapies and strong support systems during recovery.

Chronic Stress or Prolonged Adversity

Repeated exposure to stressful or harmful environments can lead to trauma, even if no single event is catastrophic. Examples include long-term caregiving stress, chronic illness, bullying, or living in unsafe neighborhoods.

Chronic stress disrupts emotional regulation, increases vulnerability to depression or anxiety, and affects overall physical health.

Relational and Medical Trauma

Relational trauma occurs within close relationships, such as family, romantic partnerships, or caregiving situations. It often involves betrayal, neglect, or abuse, which erodes trust and creates long-term attachment issues.

Medical trauma can result from serious illness, invasive procedures, surgery, or prolonged hospitalization, combining physical stress with emotional distress.

What Types of Trauma Affect Mental Health?

Trauma isn’t one-size-fits-all. It shows up in various forms, and each type may necessitate a distinct therapeutic approach.

Acute, Chronic, and Complex Trauma

Acute trauma results from a single, sudden, distressing event such as a natural disaster, assault, or serious accident. Although brief, it can trigger strong emotional reactions, including fear, anxiety, and hypervigilance.

Chronic trauma develops over time, often from repeated exposure to stressful or harmful situations. Examples include ongoing domestic violence, bullying, or long-term neglect. Chronic trauma can disrupt emotional regulation, coping strategies, and relationships.

Complex trauma occurs when individuals experience multiple, prolonged traumatic events, often beginning in early childhood. This trauma can profoundly affect attachment, emotional development, and self-concept. People with complex trauma may experience persistent anxiety, depression, difficulty trusting others, and challenges in forming healthy relationships.

Treatment for each type of trauma should be individualized, taking into account the nature of the trauma, its duration, and the person’s emotional and physical response.

Relational and Medical Trauma

Relational trauma arises within close relationships, such as family or intimate partnerships. It can leave deep emotional wounds, including shame, betrayal, and abandonment fears, and may make it difficult to trust or maintain healthy relationships. 

It often involves betrayal, neglect, or emotional abuse, which erodes the trust needed for a healthy connection. Researchers have formalized attachment trauma, noting that it impairs the development of self-regulation and identity, distinct from general PTSD.[4]

Relational trauma often requires therapy that addresses emotional healing and rebuilding secure relational patterns.

Medical trauma occurs after serious illness, invasive procedures, surgery, or prolonged hospitalizations. Individuals may experience physical pain, emotional distress, and post-traumatic stress symptoms, such as intrusive memories or heightened anxiety related to medical settings. Effective care combines physical recovery support with trauma-informed psychological therapy.

Both relational and medical trauma can affect mental health in lasting ways. Trauma-informed care is critical for recovery.

Symptoms and Effects to Watch for After Trauma

Trauma can impact the mind, body, emotions, and behavior. Recognizing early signs is critical for timely intervention and healing.

Understanding the spectrum of symptoms helps clinicians provide evidence-based, trauma-informed care and empowers individuals and caregivers to seek support before issues escalate.

How PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression May Present After Trauma

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) often manifests as:

• Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event
• Nightmares and sleep disturbances
• Hypervigilance or heightened startle responses
• Avoidance of reminders or situations associated with the trauma

At Grand Rising Behavioral Health, our clinicians adhere to the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). 

Anxiety may appear as:

• Persistent worry or racing thoughts
• Panic attacks
• Physical tension, restlessness, or irritability

Depression can include:

• Prolonged sadness or feelings of emptiness
• Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
• Low energy or fatigue
• Hopelessness or negative self-perception

These conditions often co-occur after trauma, and a comprehensive evaluation can guide personalized treatment plans, including psychotherapy, trauma-focused interventions, and, when appropriate, medication management.

Emotional and Physical Signs of Unresolved Trauma

Unresolved trauma often affects emotional regulation and physical health, such as:

Emotional & Cognitive Signs:

• Mood swings, irritability, or sudden anger
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Emotional numbness or detachment

Physical & Somatic Signs:

• Chronic pain, tension headaches, or migraines
• Fatigue or low energy
• Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., stomach aches, nausea)
• Sleep disturbances or insomnia

Stress-Related Health Effects:

• Elevated blood pressure
• Heart rate irregularities
• Increased susceptibility to chronic illnesses

Viewing these symptoms through a trauma-informed lens shifts care from treating isolated issues to addressing the underlying trauma. Early intervention with evidence-based therapies such as CBT, EMDR, or trauma-focused therapy can reduce symptom severity and promote long-term resilience.

Evidence-Based Therapies That Support Trauma Recovery

Recovery from trauma is possible, especially when individuals access evidence-based interventions. Research shows that trauma-focused therapies help people process painful memories, reduce emotional distress, and build coping skills.

Key evidence based approaches are: 

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused CBT help individuals identify and reshape unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms.

Trauma-focused CBT directly addresses the effects of traumatic experiences, equipping clients with skills in emotional regulation, cognitive restructuring, and stress management.

Clinical studies consistently show that these approaches can significantly reduce PTSD and anxiety symptoms in both adults and adolescents.[5]

2. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another effective intervention for trauma. During EMDR sessions, guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation are used while clients recall distressing memories, allowing the brain to process and integrate these experiences.

Research demonstrates EMDR’s effectiveness in treating PTSD, trauma-related anxiety, and complex trauma, often producing improvements in fewer sessions compared to traditional therapy. 

A landmark study published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology (2025) found that intensive outpatient programs combining Prolonged Exposure (PE) and EMDR resulted in 65% of participants no longer meeting the criteria for PTSD after just six days of focused treatment.[6]

3. Trauma-Focused Interventions

Additional trauma-focused interventions may include somatic therapies, narrative exposure therapy, or mindfulness-based trauma approaches.

These methods address the emotional and physiological effects of trauma, fostering resilience, restoring a sense of safety, and helping clients regain control over their lives.

Clinical best practice emphasizes that the choice of therapy should be personalized, taking into account an individual’s trauma history, symptom profile, therapeutic goals, and personal preferences. Research in the journal Healthcare (2024) demonstrated that bottom-up somatic therapies significantly increase oxytocin levels, the bonding hormone, and reduce autonomic stress responses, making them essential for clients who cannot yet verbalize their trauma.[7]

In many cases, combining multiple evidence-based approaches yields the most effective and sustainable outcomes.

Different treatment approaches offer distinct strengths, which is why personalized care matters.

​By combining structured, evidence-based interventions with trauma-informed principles, Massachusetts residents can access treatment that alleviates symptoms and supports long-term healing, resilience, and functional recovery at our treatment center.

How We Deliver Trauma-Informed Care at Grand Rising Behavioral Health

At Grand Rising Behavioral Health, trauma-informed principles are embedded in all our programs to ensure every adult feels safe, supported, and heard. Our programs are led by licensed clinicians with advanced trauma certifications, ensuring each treatment plan is both evidence-based and tailored to individual needs.

• Safety First: Creating a predictable, supportive environment to reduce re-traumatization.
• Collaboration and Choice: Patients actively participate in planning and adjusting their treatment.
• Personalized Care: Programs are tailored to each adult’s experiences, history, and recovery goals.
• Evidence-Based Integration: Combining CBT, EMDR, trauma-focused therapy, and holistic supports to restore emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being.

This structured approach ensures care is effective and compassionate, addressing not just symptoms but the root causes of trauma. By combining structured, evidence-based interventions with trauma-informed principles, Massachusetts residents can access treatment that alleviates symptoms and supports long-term healing, resilience, and functional recovery at our treatment center.

Our Trauma Recovery Programs

We offer comprehensive, evidence-based programs to help adults process trauma safely and rebuild resilience through:

• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
• Outpatient Therapy

Every program prioritizes safety, trust, and collaboration to ensure patients feel respected and empowered. Our team of licensed clinicians, psychologists, and trauma specialists stays current with the latest research, integrating evidence-based methods and compassionate care to support long-term recovery and functional well-being.

At Grand Rising Behavioral Health, trauma recovery isn’t just about managing symptoms, but about restoring your life, relationships, and overall well-being.

Why Choose Grand Rising Behavioral Health

• Decades of Combined Experience: Our clinicians have extensive experience treating acute, chronic, complex, relational, and medical trauma.
• Evidence-Based & Personalized Care: Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual, drawing on the latest clinical research.
• Holistic Healing: We address emotional, cognitive, physical, and relational aspects of trauma for comprehensive recovery.
• Local Expertise in Massachusetts: Serving Norwood and surrounding communities with licensed, trauma-informed care programs.

If you or a loved one is struggling with trauma, Grand Rising Behavioral Health is here to help. Our Massachusetts-based PTSD treatment programs provide structured, compassionate, evidence-based support tailored to your needs.

Call us today at (781) 604-1956 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward lasting healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the long-term effects of trauma on mental health?

Long-term effects vary but can include PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, chronic stress, and relationship difficulties. The severity depends on the trauma type, duration, and available support. Early intervention, ongoing therapy, and community resources can reduce long-term impact and promote resilience.

How can I support someone who has experienced trauma?

Offer steady, nonjudgmental support: listen, validate their experience, and respect their pace. Avoid pressuring them to “move on.” Encourage professional help when they’re ready and offer practical support, like helping find resources or accompanying them to appointments. Consistent empathy and patience are powerful aids in recovery.

What is the difference between trauma and stress?

Stress is a typical response to challenges and often resolves when the situation changes. Trauma results from experiences that overwhelm coping capacities and can cause lasting psychological and physical effects. Trauma may produce intrusive memories, emotional numbing, and functional impairments that require specialized care.

Can trauma be inherited or passed down through generations?

Intergenerational trauma refers to how the effects of trauma experienced by one generation can influence the next through behaviors, family dynamics, and sometimes biological stress responses. Awareness of these patterns can help families break cycles and pursue healing together.

What role does community support play in trauma recovery?

Community support reduces isolation, offers practical help, and fosters belonging — all of which strengthen recovery. Peer groups, support networks, and community services can complement clinical care and reinforce long-term resilience.

How can mindfulness and self-care aid in trauma healing?

Mindfulness and regular self-care help with emotional regulation, grounding, and reducing physiological stress. Practices like mindful breathing, gentle movement, creative expression, and consistent sleep and nutrition support can make therapy more effective and improve daily functioning.

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Resources

1. Administration for Children and Families. (2025, January 8). Child maltreatment 2023. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.acf.gov/cb/report/child-maltreatment-2023/ Administration for Children & Families
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, November 5). Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). CDC Vital Signs. https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/aces/index.html
3. Trajchevska, M., & Jones, C. M. (2025). Post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from road traffic accidents (RTA): A systematic literature review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22(7), Article 985. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22070985
4. Ford, J. D. Conceptualizing Attachment Trauma: A Developmental Trauma Perspective. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 22(5), 397. https://doi.org/10.36131/cnfioritieditore20250508
5. Schrader, C., & Ross, A. A Review of PTSD and Current Treatment Strategies. Missouri Medicine, 118(6), 546. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8672952/
6. Rentinck, E. M., van Mourik, R., de Jongh, A., & Matthijssen, S. J. M. A. (2025). Effectiveness of an intensive outpatient treatment programme combining prolonged exposure and EMDR therapy for adolescents and young adults with PTSD in a naturalistic setting. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 16(1), Article 2451478. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008066.2025.2451478
7. Dale, L. P., Dana, A. N., Lamont, H., Nazarloo, P., Carter, C. S., Porges, S. W., Cuffe, S. P., & Van Vleet Goelz, D. (2025). Somatic psychoeducational intervention is associated with increased oxytocin levels, improved autonomic function, and reduced psychological distress symptoms in medical and social care professionals. Healthcare, 13(24), Article 3236. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13243236

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this content is not a substitute for professional mental health care. 

If you are experiencing symptoms related to trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, or emotional distress, please seek evaluation and treatment from a licensed mental health professional. 

In the event of a mental health emergency, contact local emergency services immediately.

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