Verywell / Sydney Saporito

Types of Trauma

Trauma can either be physical or emotional.

Physical trauma is a serious bodily injury.

Trauma-causing events do not have to be directly experienced.

Types of Trauma - Illustration by Sydney Saporito

Verywell / Sydney Saporito

Symptoms of trauma can be bothemotionaland physical.

Psychotherapy, ortalk therapy, is the primary treatment option for trauma.

Treatment plans for those with PTSD regularly include medications to help with mood and sleep.

In addition to professional support, many strategies can be used to cope with and overcome trauma.

Talking and spending time with trusted friends and family members can be helpful.

There are alsosupport groupsspecifically for trauma.

Some things can be done to alleviate symptoms, support for coping and moving forward in life.

Additionally, without professional help, symptoms can escalate and become life-threatening.

If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.

A mental health professional may provide psychotherapy and other support to help overcome the trauma.

It is essential to seek help if trauma symptoms impact daily life.

The National Child Traumatic Stress internet.Complex trauma.

American Psychological Association.Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

HelpGuide.org.Emotional and psychological trauma.

American Psychological Association.Stages of grief.

Cohen JA, Mannarino AP.Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for traumatized children and families.Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am.

2015;24(3):557-570. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2015.02.005

National Institute of Mental Health.Coping with traumatic events.

Mental Health Foundation.The impact of traumatic events on mental health.