Understanding the impact of trauma on mental health
Trauma can take many forms in our lives—childhood neglect, abuse, sudden loss, accidents, medical emergencies, relationship betrayals, or even ongoing stress from difficult environments. In America, trauma is far more common than many realize, and its effects can ripple into every part of daily life.
If you have experienced trauma and now struggle with your mental health, it is important to remember: this is not a flaw in your character. Developing PTSD or other trauma-related challenges is your brain and body’s natural response to overwhelming experiences. Trauma and mental health are deeply connected, and understanding that connection is the first step toward healing.
How Trauma Impacts Mental Health
Trauma and the Brain
When trauma happens, it changes more than just memory—it impacts the way your brain works. The amygdala, the brain’s “alarm system,” may become overactive, leaving you feeling constantly on edge. The hippocampus, which helps organize memories, can struggle to make sense of what happened, leading to flashbacks or intrusive thoughts. The prefrontal cortex, which helps with logic and calming the nervous system, may become less effective, making it harder to feel grounded.
Trauma and the Nervous System
The effects of trauma also show up in the body. The nervous system often gets stuck in “fight, flight, or freeze” mode, leaving you tense, restless, or unable to relax. This can affect sleep, digestion, and even your immune system. These changes are not just “in your head”—they are real physical responses to trauma.
Emotional Effects of Trauma
Emotionally, trauma can make it harder to feel safe or connected. You might find yourself overwhelmed by anxiety, flooded with emotions, or numb and disconnected. These shifts can make daily life—work, relationships, and even moments of rest—much more difficult.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Trauma
Everyone’s trauma response looks different, but some common effects of trauma include:
Feeling anxious, hypervigilant, or easily startled
Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
Trouble concentrating or feeling “foggy”
Flashbacks or intrusive memories
Emotional numbness or feeling disconnected from others
Struggles with trust and relationships
Carrying shame, guilt, or self-blame
If you recognize these signs in yourself, know that you are not alone. These responses are your brain and body’s way of trying to keep you safe—even if they feel overwhelming or exhausting.
Therapy for Trauma Recovery
Trauma-Specific Therapies
The good news is that healing is possible. Trauma-specific therapies, such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), are designed to help the brain reprocess painful experiences in a safe, manageable way. These approaches help reduce the intensity of trauma memories and support your ability to live more fully in the present.
How Therapy Helps Rebuild Safety and Resilience
Therapy for trauma recovery provides space to slow down, make sense of what happened, and learn practical tools for feeling grounded and in control. With the right support, many survivors find they can reclaim their sense of safety, improve relationships, and build resilience for the future.
In my practice, I specialize in helping trauma survivors heal and move forward. I see clients in Dallas in person, and I also offer online therapy across Texas, Florida, Louisiana, and Virginia. For clients who want more space for deep healing, I provide therapy intensives—extended sessions designed to support focused breakthroughs.
Take the Next Step Toward Healing
If you’ve recognized yourself in these signs and want to begin the process of recovery, you don’t have to do it alone. Therapy can provide support, tools, and a path toward resilience. I invite you to schedule a consultation and take your first step toward healing from trauma.
Michelle Spurgeon, LCSW-S, EMDR Consultant
Michelle is a licensed therapist with over 15 years experience supporting clients in Dallas, Texas. She specializes in treating trauma, anxiety, and divorce and uses evidence-based therapy like EMDR to help clients feel unstuck and steady again. At Steady Healing, she is committed to providing compassionate, expert care both in-person in Dallas and online for clients across Texas, Florida, Louisiana, and Virginia.
