Adult trauma

Being exposed to distressing or life-threatening events can lead to emotional and psychological distress. Among those who experience such adult trauma in the line of duty are defence personnel, emergency staff and first responders. These experiences can have profound effects on your mental health, wellbeing and daily functioning.

Types of adult trauma

critical incident trauma: immediate psychological distress following exposure to life-threatening events, such as accidents, violence or natural disasters
occupational stress: chronic stress resulting from the demands and pressures of the job, including long hours, high-risk situations and frequent exposure to human suffering
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): develops after exposure to a traumatic event and may include symptoms such as intrusive memories, avoidance behaviours, hypervigilance, and mood disturbances commonly experienced by emergency responders and defence personnel
acute trauma: results from a single, overwhelming event such as an accident, natural disaster or violent attack
chronic trauma: stems from repeated and prolonged exposure to highly stressful events, such as ongoing abuse, domestic violence or living in a war zone, and
complex trauma: arises from exposure to multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive and interpersonal nature, leading to severe emotional and psychological consequences.

Get help for adult trauma.

Adult trauma affects many people. Seeking help to understand the causes and symptoms can enhance your recovery.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you manage the impact of adult trauma and improve your quality of life.

Symptoms of adult trauma

difficulty concentrating and memory issues
intrusive thoughts, flashbacks or memories related to traumatic incidents
hyperarousal, including heightened startle response and hypervigilance
emotional numbness, detachment from others and social withdrawal
avoidance of reminders or situations associated with the trauma
negative changes in mood, such as irritability or anger
intense fear, anxiety, depression and mood swings
fatigue, headaches or gastrointestinal issues, and
difficulty concentrating or sleeping.

Causes and risk factors

Trauma can result from various incidents, including:

personal experiences such as accidents, assaults, significant loss, cumulative stress and expectation to perform under extreme pressure
environmental factors, including natural disasters, war or community violence, and
interpersonal factors like abuse, neglect or dysfunctional relationships.

Risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing trauma-related symptoms include:

prior traumatic experiences
lack of social support
pre-existing mental health conditions, and
severity of the traumatic event.

How can Avive help?

If you or someone you know is struggling with adult trauma, seeking professional help is a vital step toward healing and recovery.

Avive’s stress, trauma and resilience (STAR) programs offer flexibility in the recovery journey. Choose between our immersive inpatient program or supportive day program. We’ll also ensure your supported by thorough discharge and aftercare planning.

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Adult trauma

Get help for adult trauma.

How can Avive help?

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