Trauma and Abuse Are Never Your Fault

Abuse can happen at any age and it comes in many forms, including emotional, verbal, physical and sexual abuse. Trauma is a psychological injury that can come from abuse, or from one or more particularly distressing life experiences. Abuse and trauma are never your fault. Instead, they are experiences that happen to you, and without care and treatment they can have a lasting impact on your mental health and your life. There is help and hope for your situation. You’re not alone.

Long-Term Effects

Not everyone recovers quickly from trauma and abuse. Traumatic experiences often have lingering long-term effects that interfere with life. Abuse can often lead to feelings of shame. You might even start to  believe that there’s something wrong with you and focus on that belief.

Shame can also make you pull back from life, and space out and try to forget. If you’re experiencing shame, it doesn’t mean the abuse and trauma were your fault. Instead, experiencing shame is a common experience of those who have been abused or faced trauma.

Also, trauma can have an ongoing impact on mental health. People who’ve experienced trauma are at increased risk of certain mental health disorders, including:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression

 

Signs That Trauma and Abuse Are Affecting You

You may not be aware that the abuse and trauma you experienced is continuing to affect you. Often, the lingering effects aren’t noticed for months or years.

Sometimes the problems don’t start right away, or you simply don’t realize you’re having problems. For others, they don’t make the connection between their problems and the abuse or trauma.

How do you know if trauma and abuse are affecting you? Here are some of the signs:

  • Experiencing anxiety and/or depression
  • Feeling angry
  • Having difficulty sleeping
  • Going through mood or appetite changes
  • Engaging in risky behaviors
  • Abusing addictive substances

 

What to Do About Lasting Effects

If you have suffered from trauma and abuse, look for the signs that you are experiencing lasting effects. You might have noticed them already. If these signs are impacting your ability to carry out your life, a therapist can help.

This type of specialized mental health professional may provide you with talk therapy, medicine or both, depending on your situation and preferences. They may also recommend techniques such as mindfulness and yoga to facilitate healing and shift your focus and perspective to a healthier outlook. A therapist can help you on your path to heal the unseen mental and emotional scars caused by your experiences.

Help for Trauma and Abuse

Remember that trauma and abuse are not your fault, and you’re not alone. Jonas Hill Hospital is here to help with the ongoing impact of these experiences on your life. You are heard here, and we understand. Contact us if you think we can help you.

 

Jonas Hill Hospital & Clinic a division of Caldwell Memorial Hospital provides our community with safe, dignified and integrated care for adult patients experiencing an acute mental health need. We provide hope, treatment, and healing through a holistic program of evidence-based psychiatric treatment, team-based medical care, and education provided by engaging and dedicated professionals in a safe and healing environment. Contact Jonas Hill Hospital and Clinic today at (828) 394-6722 for more information.