By Dr. Nilsana Charkhande, PsyD, RCC, CCC, ACS — therapist and clinical supervisor with 15+ years treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and family concerns.
Exposure to a single traumatic event, and certainly repeated exposure to trauma, can create serious mental health challenges. Trauma-specialized care is linked to improved mental health and quality of life.
Key points
- Trauma and PTSD tend to respond well to treatment.
- PTSD describes a long-term condition characterized by significant distress.
- Untreated trauma can have long-term effects on your mental and physical health.
- Trauma-informed CBT for children and teens, other approaches for adults.
In this article
What is trauma?
Trauma occurs when someone experiences something so overwhelming that they feel unsupported or unable to cope with it. Trauma may come from a single frightening event, such as an assault, a car accident, or a natural disaster. It may also come from repeated experiences that feel “small” on the surface but leave lasting impact, such as ongoing criticism or verbal mistreatment from caregivers in childhood.
It is important to remember that trauma looks different for everyone. What might seem manageable to one person could deeply affect someone else for years. Rather than judging how “serious” an event was, it is more helpful to consider how the experience shaped your life and continues to affect you today.
At Canada Psychotherapy, we provide therapy for trauma, anxiety, depression, and related challenges with compassion and respect for your unique story.
At Canada Psychotherapy, we provide therapy for trauma, anxiety, depression, and related challenges with compassion and respect for your unique story.
How trauma can affect daily life
The effects of trauma are wide-ranging and may show up in unexpected ways. Some common signs include:
Persistent anxiety or depression
Rumination or compulsive overthinking
Difficulty making decisions
Sleep disturbances
Low energy or motivation
Irritability or mood swings
Struggles with relationships or employment
A sense of feeling stuck in life without knowing why
Even if you are not always aware of the link, unresolved trauma can influence your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Trauma and PTSD
Experiencing trauma does not automatically mean you have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a long-term condition that can develop after trauma and is marked by flashbacks, intrusive memories, avoidance of reminders, and significant distress that affects daily functioning.
Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, but many people still struggle with lingering effects that disrupt their ability to live fully.
The impact of trauma
Everyday functioning
When your body feels unsafe, your brain shifts into survival mode. This is helpful in moments of danger, but it can be difficult to return to normal once the threat has passed. Many people find it harder to focus, learn, or stay present after trauma.
Mental health
Trauma is strongly linked to conditions such as anxiety, depression, phobias, and ADHD. It can also affect executive functioning skills like organization, time management, and maintaining routines.
Unhealthy coping behaviors
Some people develop coping mechanisms such as avoidance, substance use, compulsive behaviors, or self-harm as a way to manage overwhelming emotions. While these behaviors may bring temporary relief, they often create new challenges.
Physical health
Research shows that trauma is connected not only to mental health struggles but also to physical health issues. Children exposed to trauma are at higher risk of developing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and obesity later in life.
Causes and risk factors for PTSD
Some factors that increase the likelihood of developing PTSD or ongoing trauma-related struggles include:
Family history or genetic predisposition
Repeated exposure to traumatic events
Feeling helpless during the traumatic experience
Effective treatments for trauma
The good news is that trauma can be treated, and healing is possible. At Canada Psychotherapy, trauma-informed therapy may include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and reactions.
Exposure Therapy: A CBT technique that reduces fear by gradually facing avoided situations or memories.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Uses mindfulness and values-based strategies to reduce distress and build resilience.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and building healthier coping strategies.
Mindfulness-based approaches: Teach clients how to stay grounded in the present and reduce reactivity to triggers.
Therapy is tailored to each person’s needs, and healing is possible at any age.
Begin your family's healing journey
Taking the first step towards change can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Dr. Nilsana Charkhande guides your family towards a more harmonious and fulfilling life. If you are ready to begin, please reach out today by calling (604) 500-3443 or filling out the contact form and clicking send. We look forward to hearing from you!
Related information
Briere, J., Hodges, M., & Godbout, N. (2010). Traumatic stress, affect dysregulation, and dysfunctional avoidance: a structural equation model. Journal of traumatic stress, 23 6, 767-74
Dimopoulou, I., Anthi, A., Mastora, Z., Theodorakopoulou, M., Konstandinidis, A., Evangelou, E., Mandragos, K.E., & Roussos, C. (2004). Health-Related Quality of Life and Disability in Survivors of Multiple Trauma One Year After Intensive Care Unit Discharge. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 83, 171-176.
López-Martínez, A., Serrano-Ibáñez, E.R., Ruíz-Párraga, G.T., Gómez-Pérez, L., Ramírez‐Maestre, C., & Esteve, R. (2018). Physical Health Consequences of Interpersonal Trauma: A Systematic Review of the Role of Psychological Variables. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 19, 305 – 322.
Sanderud, K., Murphy, S., & Elklit, A. (2016). Child maltreatment and ADHD symptoms in a sample of young adults. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 7.
Schnurr, P.P., & Green, B.L. (2004). Understanding relationships among trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and health outcomes. Advances in mind-body medicine, 20 1, 18-29
By Dr. Nilsana Charkhande, PsyD, RCC, CCC, ACS.
Her clinical work focuses on trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, OCD, addiction, eating concerns, family relationships, and self-harm. Her training includes EMDR, CBT, DBT, hypnotherapy, art therapy, and Safe and Sound Protocol.
