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Trauma

National Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2024

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sexual assault

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. National Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2024 April 2024 marks National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s 23rd annual National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a campaign dedicated to preventing sexual assault. Though each year focuses on a different theme pertaining to preventing sexual assault, NSVRC always centers visibility about sexual assault and how it can be prevented – whether that’s through education about healthy sexuality, consent, or bystander intervention.  NSVRC coordinates a national SAAM campaign complete with the resources and tools needed to hold an event or otherwise raise awareness. This makes it more accessible for communities, workplaces, and college campuses to develop their own programs related to preventing sexual assault.  Sexual Assault and Trauma The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) describes sexual violence/assault as “sexual activity when consent is not obtained or freely given. It is a serious public health problem in the United States …

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10 Types of Therapy for Trauma

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
woman smiling after exploring the different types of therapy for trauma

Trauma can significantly impact mental health, necessitating specialized therapeutic approaches. Various forms of therapy are designed to address the complex effects of trauma, helping individuals process their experiences and rebuild resilience. Understanding these therapies is crucial in finding the most effective path to recovery. Trauma affects individuals differently, presenting a spectrum of psychological challenges. Psychotherapy can help address these specific needs and offers various approaches, each employing unique techniques to aid in healing and recovery. This article outlines several types of therapy for trauma and their benefits. The Different Types of Therapy for Trauma When it comes to trauma recovery, therapy plays a pivotal role. The right therapeutic approach can make a significant difference in how individuals process and overcome traumatic experiences. These therapies range from cognitive and behavioral techniques to more holistic and group-based approaches. Here are several types of therapy for trauma: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Cognitive Behavioral …

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How Does Childhood Trauma Affect Adulthood?

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
how does childhood trauma affect adulthood

Childhood trauma can have enduring effects on adulthood, influencing mental health, relationships, and physical well-being. Adults who experience childhood trauma often face challenges like anxiety, depression, and difficulties in forming stable relationships, along with increased risks of physical health issues. Childhood trauma, a distressing experience that profoundly disrupts a young person’s sense of safety and well-being, can cast a long shadow into adulthood. It not only shapes the developing brain but also sets a blueprint for how adults perceive and react to the world around them. Understanding the impact of childhood trauma is crucial in addressing its long-term consequences, as it affects everything from mental health to interpersonal relationships. In this article, we’re exploring a common question we hear: how does childhood trauma affect adulthood? Understanding Childhood Trauma Childhood trauma encompasses a range of experiences, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, or enduring prolonged adversity. These experiences …

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How to Cope with War Anxiety 2023

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sexual assault

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. War Anxiety War anxiety, also known as nuclear anxiety, is a common reaction to the news and images about conflict. This has been extremely relevant in light of the devastation of the Israel-Hamas war. Though research is still being conducted on the long-term effects of war anxiety, a Finnish study found that teens worried about a nuclear war were at increased risk for mental health disorders (ex: generalized anxiety disorder) five years later (Poikolainen et al., 2004). Research also indicates that media exposure to mass violence events can fuel a cycle of distress, and those more prone to anxiety are also more likely to seek out media coverage of crises (Thompson et al., 2019).  Symptoms Symptoms of war anxiety are similar to many symptoms of anxiety disorders. Symptoms may be more cognitive, in the form of worries and anxiety thoughts. Symptoms can also be more physical, …

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How to Process Trauma in Therapy

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
doctor teaching client how to process trauma in therapy

Processing trauma in therapy involves creating a safe space where individuals can explore and understand their traumatic experiences. With the guidance of a qualified therapist, individuals can use various techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, or narrative therapy to work through emotions, memories, and develop coping strategies. It’s important for the therapy to be paced appropriately to avoid retraumatization. Reports suggest that 6% of Americans, over 8 million, will experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to research, traumatic experiences included 49% sexual assaults, 32% physical assaults, 16.8% serious accidents, and 15.4% shot or stabbed. In addition, 14.3% lost a loved one, 10.4% were parents of children who are dying, 7.3% witnessed violence against another person, and 3.8% survived a natural disaster. It’s important to mention that over 300 million war survivors worldwide have PTSD. Symptoms can interfere with daily functioning at work, school, and home. If you or someone you …

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