Therapy for Trauma
A traumatic event is a shocking, scary, or dangerous experience that affects someone emotionally. Typically the person feels like their life, or someone else’s life, was in danger (i.e., natural disaster, car accident, terror attack, community violence, domestic violence, physical assault, sexual assault, child abuse, and more). There are many different responses to potentially traumatic events. Many people have intense responses and physical symptoms immediately following, and often for several weeks or even months after, a traumatic event. In some cases, the stressful thoughts and feelings after a trauma continue for a long time and interfere with everyday life.
Some signs that an individual may be experiencing trauma reactions and need help include:
- Feeling anxious, sad, or angry
- Trouble concentrating and sleeping
- Continually thinking about what happened
- Worrying a lot or feeling very anxious, sad, or fearful
- Crying often
- Having trouble thinking clearly
- Having frightening thoughts, reliving the experience
- Feeling angry
- Having nightmares or difficulty sleeping
- Avoiding places or people that bring back disturbing memories and responses.
- Headaches
- Stomach pain and digestive issues
- Feeling tired
- Racing heart and sweating
- Being very jumpy and easily startled
Source: http://www.nimh.nih.gov
Therapy for Depression
Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the U.S. Current research suggests that depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated. The earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. If you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
- Irritability
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Decreased energy or fatigue
- Moving or talking more slowly
- Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight changes
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
- Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment
Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some people experience only a few symptoms while others may experience many. http://www.nimh.nih.gov
Therapy for Anxiety & Panic Attack
Anxiousness is a normal feeling, so to experience it occasionally is an expected part of life (i.e., before taking a test, when faced with a problem to solve. However, with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time, and the symptoms usually interfere with daily activities such as job performance, school work, and relationships. There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and various phobia-related disorders.
Some signs that an individual may need help include:
- Feeling restless, wound-up, or on-edge
- Being easily fatigued
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Being irritable
- Having headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, or unexplained pains
- Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
- Having sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep
Therapy for Panic
Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear, discomfort, or sense of losing control even when there is no clear danger or trigger. People who have experienced a panic attack often worry about when the next attack will happen and actively try to prevent future attacks by avoiding places, situations, or behaviors they associate with panic attacks. Panic attacks can occur as frequently as several times a day or as rarely as a few times a year.
Some signs that an individual may be experiencing panic attacks and need help include:
- Pounding or racing heart
- Sweating
- Trembling or tingling
- Chest pain
- Feelings of impending doom
- Feelings of being out of control
Therapy for Social Anxiety
Social anxiety includes an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others so have a general intense fear of social or performance situations. This fear of social situations may feel so intense that it seems beyond their control and might cause issues of going to work, attending school, or doing everyday things.
Some signs that an individual may need help for social anxiety include:
- Blushing, sweating, or trembling
- Pounding or racing heart
- Stomachaches
- Rigid body posture or speaking with an overly soft voice
- Difficulty making eye contact or being around people they don’t know
- Feelings of self-consciousness or fear that people will judge them negatively
Taking the step to seek support is an act of strength and self-care. At Mindshift Center, we offer a safe space to explore your challenges, find clarity, and create meaningful change. Reach out today and let us walk alongside you on your journey to healing and growth.
