What Happens When Trauma is Left Untreated?

Trauma, an invisible force that can shatter the very foundation of one’s being, is an unfortunate reality for many individuals. Trauma therapy is designed to address the emotional and psychological impact of trauma. Whether it stems from a single catastrophic event or accumulates over time, the aftermath of trauma can be profound and lasting. If you’ve experienced trauma of your own, a trauma therapist, can provide the support and guidance you need to help you heal those wounds.

If you are looking for Trauma Therapy Thousand Oaks then reach out to Simi Psychological Group. Our expert team of Trauma Therapists are ready to guide you through this journey.

What happens, though, when trauma is left unaddressed and, instead, continues to lurk in the shadows of one’s psyche? In this article, we dive into the intricate web of consequences that occur when trauma is left untreated.

What is Trauma?

Trauma itself is the psychological and emotional response to an extremely distressing event or series of events that push someone beyond their ability to cope effectively. It can leave lasting emotional scars and significantly impact one’s life.

Trauma can result from a myriad of circumstances, including childhood experiences, accidents, loss, natural disasters, or ongoing emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse, and help is available for those who’ve endured such nightmares. When trauma is ignored, however, the emotional, psychological, and physical toll it extracts on individuals is profound. To learn more about Trauma and Trauma therapy check out our Comprehensive Guide to Trauma Therapy.

What are the effects of untreated Trauma?

Untreated trauma is akin to an untreated wound; it festers beneath the surface, causing a silent battle within the affected individual. Emotions that should be processed and released get buried deep within, giving rise to a range of psychological and physical complications.

Anxiety, depression, and chronic stress become unwelcome companions, casting a shadow over every aspect of life. The unaddressed pain from the past infiltrates the present, altering perceptions, relationships, and self-worth. For more on the connection between childhood trauma and PTSD, check out our blog 4 Things You Need to Know about Childhood Trauma and its Connection to PTSD.

Untreated Trauma impacts mental health.

As one might imagine, trauma itself has a significant impact on one’s emotional well-being and mental health. When that trauma is left untreated, conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and even substance abuse, often develop. Without proper treatment, these mental health issues not only go unresolved but may worsen over time.

The mind, grappling with the overwhelming impact of a traumatic experience, may easily resort to maladaptive coping mechanisms, leading to a downward spiral.

Trauma survivors often have difficulty regulating their emotions, leading to mood swings, anger, and irritability. They may feel guilt or shame, even when they were not responsible for the traumatic event. Flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts serve as constant reminders, keeping the traumatic experience alive in the individual’s consciousness. If you recognize yourself in any of these descriptions, know that there is hope.

Untreated trauma puts a strain on relationships.

Trauma has a way of casting its shadow over interpersonal relationships. Left unaddressed, it becomes a barrier to genuine connection.

Individuals with untreated trauma may struggle with trust, intimacy, and communication, leading to strained relationships with partners, family, and friends.

Those who have experienced trauma may struggle to express their needs. They may unintentionally push away those who care about them and withdraw from social connections. This only perpetuates a cycle of loneliness and isolation. The ripple effect can extend to future generations as the cycle of unresolved trauma perpetuates within families.

Untreated trauma leads to self-destructive coping mechanisms.

In the absence of proper treatment, individuals often turn to coping mechanisms that offer temporary relief but fail to address the root cause of their pain.

Substance abuse, self-harm, and other addictive behaviors may become crutches, providing an illusory escape from the haunting memories. The insidious nature of untreated trauma lies in its ability to drive individuals toward destructive habits to numb their pain, further complicating their healing journey.

Untreated trauma affects physical health.

The mind-body connection is well-documented, and the impact of untreated trauma on physical health is a powerful reality. The constant activation of the fight-flight-or-freeze response, which is the body’s hard-wired reaction to trauma, leads to a heightened state of arousal and chronic stress.

Chronic stress impacts physical health in a myriad of ways, including a weakened immune system, sleep disturbance, gastrointestinal issues, chronic pain, and even cardiovascular problems.

If you or a loved one has unresolved trauma, seeking professional help through trauma therapy is vital for your physical well-being. At Simi Psychological Group, we understand, and we can help.

Untreated trauma leads to an erosion of self-identity.

Trauma can have a profound impact on one’s self-identity and self-esteem, leading to negative self-perception and a loss of a sense of self. Untreated, this eroded or distorted sense of self overshadows everything. The individual may struggle with feelings of worthlessness and shame.

The trauma becomes their defining identity, taking away from any personal achievements, and negatively impacting goals and aspirations. Without therapeutic intervention, the journey to reclaiming a positive self-image and healthy self-esteem becomes an uphill battle.

Untreated trauma can impact professional life.

The workplace, often considered a refuge from personal struggles, is not immune to the repercussions of untreated trauma. Because trauma can impair cognitive functioning, making it challenging to concentrate, remember details, or make decisions, untreated trauma prolongs and exacerbates these issues.

Difficulty focusing, decreased productivity, and strained relationships with colleagues may emerge. In severe cases, individuals may find it challenging to maintain steady employment, perpetuating a cycle of financial instability and worsening existing stressors.

Breaking the Chains: The Importance of Treatment

While the consequences of untreated trauma are undeniably profound, there is hope in the form of treatment. Recognizing the signs and seeking professional help can be transformative. Therapy, support groups, and other therapeutic modalities offer individuals the tools to confront and process their traumatic experiences.

The professionals at Simi Psychological Group, provide trauma therapy in Thousand Oaks, helping individuals learn coping mechanisms, reframe their narratives, and reclaim control over their lives. The journey toward healing is unique for each person, but acknowledging the need for help is a crucial first step.

Untreated trauma casts a long and dark shadow, affecting every facet of an individual’s life. From mental health struggles to strained relationships, the consequences are far-reaching.

However, there is a path forward toward healing. By breaking the silence surrounding trauma and seeking professional help, individuals can reclaim their lives and embark on a journey toward wholeness. The human spirit is resilient, offering a glimmer of hope even in the darkest corners of untreated trauma. For a more in-depth view of trauma, please read our blog article, Unlocking Healing: A Comprehensive Guide to Trauma Therapy.

If you or a loved one are struggling with trauma, call us today at (805) 842-1994. We offer trauma therapy, therapy for depression and anxiety, online therapy, and group therapy. The caring professionals at Simi Psychological Group can support your whole family, offering services specifically geared toward kids, teens, adults, families, and couples.