Friday, March 29, 2024

Can Depression Be Caused By Trauma

Abuse Trauma And Mental Health

Childhood Trauma and the Brain | UK Trauma Council

Abuse, whether physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual, can have long-term effects on your mental health. Trauma can affect how you feel about yourself and how you relate to others. Women who have gone through abuse or other trauma have a higher risk of developing a mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder . Trauma and abuse are never your fault. You can get help to heal the physical, mental, and emotional scars of trauma and abuse.

Could Childhood Trauma Be The Cause Of Your Adult Depression

The relationship between childhood trauma and adult depression is one that mental health experts have researched for years. And ample evidence points toward a clear connection.

At EXIS Recovery Inc, our team of highly trained trauma specialists and mental health providers understands the many factors that can contribute to adult depression. From genetics to hormones, many elements can influence your susceptibility to depression. One thats garnered significant attention is the link between childhood trauma and adult depression and we explore that here.

What Does The Freeze State Look Like

When facing extreme stress, our bodies can go into survival mode and react with the following defense mechanisms that have parallels with the symptoms of depression:

On the other hand, PTSD differs from depression with these signs:

  • reliving the traumatic event, such as intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, or being triggered
  • avoiding situations that remind you of the traumatic event
  • increase in negative thoughts about yourself that werent there before the traumatic event
  • a tendency of being on high alert, jittery, and continuously looking for danger, known as hypervigilance

Psychotherapy is the recommended treatment for both PTSD and depression. Within therapy, trauma-focused treatments are often even more effective.

Therapies that address trauma may focus on:

  • intrusive memories
  • avoidance and escape behaviors

If you decide to seek help for the aftereffects of a trauma, it can help to talk with a therapist who specializes or has experience in treating PTSD. Theyll be able to offer specifically designed therapies to meet the unique needs that people have after experiencing trauma.

Common treatments for PTSD include prolonged exposure and cognitive processing therapy .

For example, therapists may use exposure therapy to help you face and manage your fears in a safe environment. Therapists dont tend to use these techniques for depression or other related disorders.

Psychotherapy for the treatment of depression may focus on:

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Akua Mind And Body Treatment

AKUA Mind and Body is a full-service treatment program that offers a wide range of east meets west treatment modalities for many different populations struggling with depression and other mental health and substance use disorders. AKUA Mind and Body treats co-occurring disorders and works diligently with each client and their family to ensure that treatment is specifically tailored to their needs, and not just their disorder.

AKUA Mind and Body offers detoxification, intensive treatment programs, and outpatient treatment programs. AKUA Mind and Body uses a blend of holistic approaches combined with evidence-based treatment to help individuals who have been affected by depression to recognize their underlying triggers and develop healthy coping skills. Regardless of where you are in your recovery process, AKUA Mind and Body can help.

Assessments Of Emotional Disturbances

Are You Suffering From Major or Accumulated Traumas?

To measure depressive symptoms, the Korean version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale was used. The severity of depression is reflected in CES-D scores, with higher scores indicating more severe depression. The Korean version of the CES-D is well verified. It consists of 20 questions and has an internal reliability coefficient of 0.89. The Korean version of the CES-D tends to produce higher scores than the original version .

The Korean version of the StateTrait Anxiety Inventory was used to measure current anxiety. A high score indicates high levels of anxiety. STAI is divided into subscales assessing state anxiety and trait anxiety . In this study, the state anxiety subscale was used to measure the current anxiety level. The scale comprises 20 questions designed to measure state anxiety, and has an internal reliability coefficient of 0.87.

The Korean version of the StateTrait Anger Expression Inventory was used to measure current anger. High scores indicate more severe anger symptoms. As with STAI, STAXI is divided into subscales assessing state and traits . We used the state anger subscale to measure current anger in this study. This questionnaire consists of 24 questions and has an internal reliability coefficient of 0.89.

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Effects Of Early Trauma And Recent Stressors On Depression

The mean CES-D score of those who had experienced early trauma was significantly higher than that of subjects who had not . Similarly, those who had experienced recent stressors had higher mean CES-D scores than those who had not . The mean CES-D scores for the four groups were as follows: ET-RS, 19.4 ± 12.8 ET-NRS, 11.7 ± 8.2 NET-RS, 12.1 ± 10.3 NET-NRS, 10.1 ± 8.0 . The difference among the groups was significant . Post hoc tests showed that the mean CES-D score of the ET-RS group was significantly higher than that of the ET-NRS and NET-NRS groups . In the multiple regression models, the CES-D score was predicted by the interaction of early trauma and recent stressors , but not by early trauma or recent stressors alone . Similar results were found in the regression model after logarithmic transformation of CES-D.

Table 2 Effects of early trauma, recent stressors, and the early traumarecent stressors interaction on depression, anxiety, and anger.

The Difference Between Trauma And Depression

Is trauma the same as depression? No, but as weve explored, the two are often interrelated in complex ways. Depression is typically a longer-term response to trauma. In the traumatic moment and immediately following, the traumatized person may actually be in a highly anxious, energetic, hyper-focused, or even agitated state.

Living with the aftermath of the traumatic event day after day is what leads to eventual depression and hopelessness. Depression and hopelessness then lead to further issues. You can use trauma as a noun to refer to the traumatic event itself. Depression is not trauma but an emotional response to the overwhelm of trauma which manifests in some persons more than others. The despair and hopelessness of a depressed state can also lead to behaviors that increase the risk of experiencing additional trauma.

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What Is Catatonic Depression

Catatonia comes from two Greek words Kata meaning down and tonas meaning tension. This depression occurs when a person enters the catatonic state . Catatonic depression affects the individuals motor skills. People with catatonia remain still and do not respond to any events/things around them. There are three types of catatonia, namely akinetic catatonia, excited catatonia, and malignant catatonia. Akinetic catatonia is the most commonly observed in people with catatonic depression, whereas malignant catatonia can be dangerous, causing severe health effects.

Common Signs And Symptoms Of Depression After Brain Injury

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An adequate diagnosis of clinical depression usually has two requirements: at least two weeks feeling sad or apathetic, and experience four or more types of symptoms including:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Suicidal thoughts or death

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support 24/7 to everyone in the United States. If you are having thoughts of suicide, please call the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Sometimes, depression symptoms may look similar to other conditions such as adynamia, or lack of motivation. However, these are two different effects of TBI that are treated separately, according to the causes they stem from.

One noticeable difference in differentiating between depression and other conditions is the loss of interest in your most favorite activities.

Its understandable, after having sustained a brain injury, to not enjoy loud or crowded places as much, especially if the brain is sensitive to noise. However, when participating in activities that you once enjoyed seems like a drag or youre simply not interested, it may be a sign of depression.

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Effects Of Early Trauma And Recent Stressors On Anger

Participants who had experienced early trauma had higher STAXI-S scores than those who had not . However, recent stressors showed no significant effect on anger. The mean STAXI-S scores in the four groups were as follows: ET-RS, 14.8 ± 6.0 ET-NRS, 13.3 ± 4.6 NET-RS, 13.0 ± 5.7 and NET-NRS, 11.9 ± 3.3 . Overall, the groups did not differ significantly , but a direct comparison of the ET-RS and NET-NRS groups revealed a significant difference . No other group differences were found. STAXI-S scores were predicted by the interaction of early trauma with recent stressors , but not by early trauma or recent stressors alone . After logarithmic transformation of STAXI-S scores, similar results were found in the regression model.

How Can You Treat Pain When You Dont Know If It’s Psychological Or Physical

Having chronic pain may mean setting boundaries.

In my case, Ive learned the hard way that I shouldnt be doing anything where I can get physically bumped or bounced around.

If I do, my fibromyalgia will without a doubt cause my pain receptors to go into overdrive.

This means no roller coasters, no water slides, and I have to be really careful when I ski .

These restrictions can become more severe over time, leading to loss of sleep, lack of appetite, and, yes, an increase in depression.

The good news is, if there was ever a good time to have chronic pain, its now.

There are more books and research available that help explain the various kinds of chronic pain, the potential causes , and available treatment options.

Depression and chronic pain sufferers can benefit from talk therapy,cognitive behavioral therapy , pain-centered clinics, mindfulness-based therapy , and specialty massages, along with chiropractors and restorative yoga .

Some of these treatments may feel uncomfortablephysically, mentally, or bothbut with a willingness to be open and honest about your symptoms, there are options available that can help separate the depression and physical pain and hopefully make both more bearable.

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How Is Depression Treated

There are many treatment options for depression. You should be assessed by a healthcare professional who can decide which type of treatment is best for you. In many cases, milder forms of depression are treated by counseling or therapy. More severe depression is treated with medicines or with both therapy and medicine.

Research has shown that certain types of therapy and medicine are effective for both depression and PTSD. Since the symptoms of PTSD and depression can overlap, treatment that helps with PTSD may also result in improvement of depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that is proven effective for both problems. CBT can help patients change negative styles of thinking and acting that can lead to both depression and PTSD. A type of medicine that is effective for both depression and PTSD is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor . See Treatment Basics for more information.

A Closer Look At Emotional Trauma

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The American Psychological Association explains the many impacts which trauma can have on a human being. Denial and shock are common responses, especially as the human psyche struggles to come to terms with what has happened. Emotional trauma can furthermore have mental and even physical impacts. It’s not uncommon for traumatized individuals to experience post-traumatic stress disorder , headaches, and trouble connecting with others who haven’t been through the same trauma.

When emotional trauma is not dealt with, it can ripple out and have long-lasting, toxic impacts on the lives of afflicted individuals and those around them. This manner of trauma can also lead to mental health issues this is more common than most people would like to imagine. What’s important to remember is that no one can heal from trauma if they are not willing to address the events which triggered emotional trauma. It’s understandable to want to free oneself from past hurts, but ignoring trauma will not make it go away.

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How Are Depression And Trauma Related

Depression can sometimes seem to come from out of the blue. It can also be caused by a stressful event such as a divorce or a trauma. Trouble coping with painful experiences or losses often leads to depression. For example, Veterans returning from a war zone may have painful memories and feelings of guilt or regret about their war experiences. They may have been injured or lost friends. Disaster survivors may have lost a loved one, a home, or have been injured. Survivors of violence or abuse may feel like they can no longer trust other people. These kinds of experiences can lead to both depression and PTSD.

Many symptoms of depression overlap with the symptoms of PTSD. For example, with both depression and PTSD, you may have trouble sleeping or keeping your mind focused. You may not feel pleasure or interest in things you used to enjoy. You may not want to be with other people as much. Both PTSD and depression may involve greater irritability. It is quite possible to have both depression and PTSD at the same time. To find out more about the symptoms of PTSD, see What is PTSD?.

What Are The Symptoms Of Depression

Depression is more than just feeling sad. Most people with depression feel down or sad more days than not for at least 2 weeks. Or they find they no longer enjoy or have interest in things anymore. If you have depression, you may notice that you’re sleeping and eating a lot more or less than you used to. You may find it hard to stay focused. You may feel down on yourself or hopeless. With more severe depression, you may think about hurting or killing yourself. See Suicide and PTSD.

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Depression And Ptsd: What’s The Connection

People who continue to experience extreme symptoms of stress long after a traumatic event may have post-traumatic stress disorder , which can also lead to depression a continued feeling of intense sadness that interferes with a person’s ability to function normally.

Depression and PTSD often coexist, and their symptoms may overlap. A study on Vietnam veterans counducted 40 years after the war, published in 2015 JAMA Psychiatry, found that about a third of those who suffered from PTSD also had major depressive symptoms.

Symptoms of depressioninclude sadness, feelings of loss, disillusionment, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping, Firstein says.

  • Reliving traumatic events through flashbacks or nightmares
  • Avoiding experiences that remind you of the trauma

How Can I Support Someone Who Has Experienced A Traumatic Event

Trauma Causes Emotional Dysregulation: Here’s How to Heal It

The following things can help to support someone who has been through something traumatic:

  • Be there Offer to spend time with them. If they dont want to see you, it can help to let them know that you will still be there if they change their mind. While you should avoid nagging them, it may be helpful to nudge them to accept your support.
  • Listen Try not to pressure them into sharing if they dont want to. If they do want to talk, try to listen and not interrupt or share your own experiences.
  • Ask general questions If you do ask questions, try to make them general and non-judgemental. For example, you might want to ask have you spoken to anyone else about this? or can I help you to find some extra support?
  • Offer practical help They may find it more of a struggle to look after themselves and keep to a daily routine. Offer some help, such as cleaning or preparing a meal.

You should try to avoid:

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Did I Suffer From Childhood Trauma

Whether or not you have experienced trauma can be difficult to answer. If you experienced any events or situations with the potential to cause trauma, it is certainly possible and even likely. The statistics regarding childhood trauma paint an unfortunate picture, one that demonstrates how many children really go through it and suffer as a result:

  • Over two-thirds of all children in the U.S. report having experienced at least one event by the age of 16 that was potentially traumatic.
  • More than nine in 1,000 children are victimized by physical abuse or have been neglected.
  • Among children between the ages of 12 and 17, eight percent have been sexually assaulted, 17 percent have been physically assaulted, and nearly 40 percent witnessed violence.

If you have been through any potentially traumatic event early in life, you may have experienced trauma. The risk that you had a traumatic response to such events increases if they were repeated. For instance, if you were physically abused once, your risk of being traumatized is lower than if you were repeatedly abused.

What Is Samhsas National Helpline

SAMHSAs National Helpline, , or TTY: is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.

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Causes Of Emotional Trauma: Abandonment Depression Abuse And Other Sources

Emotional trauma is an innate aftermath when an individual is subjected to something terrible or horrific. In many cases, emotional trauma can lay dormant and manifest in undesirable ways if it’s not effectively dealt with. Each person is definitely, and some individuals may be more susceptible to emotional trauma than others. At the end of the day, everyone has their coping mechanisms, and as long as the issues which have caused trauma are dealt with appropriately, there’s nothing to worry about.

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