Trauma

Signs & Symptoms

Psychological trauma can affect thoughts, emotions, body responses, and behaviour. Common symptoms include:¹

• upsetting memories, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts
• nightmares or poor sleep
• feeling jumpy, on edge, or constantly alert for danger
• avoidance of reminders, places, conversations, or people linked to the event
• emotional numbing, detachment, or difficulty feeling safe or connected
• irritability, anger, guilt, or shame
• difficulty concentrating or functioning as you normally would
• using alcohol or other strategies to try to suppress the distress

Causes

Trauma symptoms can follow many kinds of overwhelming events. Examples include:¹

• serious accidents or injuries
• assault, abuse, or domestic and family violence
• witnessing violence or sudden loss
• medical trauma or life-threatening illness
• natural disasters or other major emergencies
• cumulative trauma, especially where a person has lived with repeated threat or instability

Not everyone responds to trauma in the same way. Previous trauma, limited support, chronic stress, and the severity of the event can all affect how symptoms develop.

Our Approach to Trauma Treatment

At Mind Health, trauma treatment starts with stabilisation and understanding the impact of the event on your nervous system, daily functioning, and sense of safety. Treatment is paced according to what you can tolerate and usefully engage with.

Trauma-Informed Assessment

The early phase of treatment usually focuses on what symptoms are present now, what feels unsafe or triggering, and what supports or coping strategies are already in place.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT can help reduce trauma-related avoidance, catastrophic beliefs, and the sense that the trauma is still happening in the present.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT can support people to respond differently to trauma-related thoughts and emotions, while reconnecting with values and day-to-day life.

Stabilisation and Grounding

Treatment may include grounding skills, emotional regulation work, sleep support, and strategies to reduce overwhelm before any deeper processing work is considered.

Tips on Managing Trauma Symptoms

1. Focus on safety first. Predictable routines and supportive people matter.
2. Use grounding strategies. Orienting to the room, the breath, or physical sensations can help bring you back to the present.
3. Reduce avoidance gradually. Avoidance can give short-term relief but often keeps symptoms going.
4. Watch the coping shortcuts. Alcohol, drugs, or overwork can temporarily numb distress but often worsen recovery over time.
5. Get help if symptoms persist. If trauma reactions continue beyond the initial aftermath, treatment is worth considering.

What to Expect

Your first appointment will usually focus on what happened only to the extent that it is helpful, what symptoms are present now, what situations feel difficult, and how your sleep, mood, body, and sense of safety have been affected. You will not be pushed to disclose details before you are ready.

Sessions are typically 50 to 60 minutes. Trauma work is paced carefully, and some people benefit from an initial stabilisation phase before anything more intensive is considered. Telehealth may be suitable in some cases, though in-person work may be preferable depending on symptom severity and safety needs.

Accessing Treatment

Further Reading