Those of us who provide trauma training to professionals realize that trauma is sort of a hub for other mental health issues. Therefore, it is important to understand that trauma is a connector to many of the societal ills that we face in our country. In fact, we have frequently written about the impact of adverse child events (ACEs) as it relates to a host of physical and mental conditions later in life.
However, issues that are commonly labeled as anxiety disorders can have a significant correlation to traumatic experiences.
For instance, we have observed in both students and adults that quite a number of mental health labels describe certain behaviors, such as panic attacks, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and acute stress.
These behaviors can occur as the result of trauma or PTSD. That is, any of these symptoms (and others) can occur if someone has a history of trauma.
I refer to this article from Very Well Mind to clarify how trauma and PTSD strongly correlate to other symptoms and diagnoses. It may be helpful to those who have been labeled with these “hub” disorders to identify the appropriate cause, and hopefully, a possibly healing process.
It is my hope this article may be a resource to anyone struggling with a mental health issue as they consider the possible cause and a more accurate diagnosis. With this information in hand, the possibility of getting the right kind of therapy and help may improve. With appropriate therapy, a resolution and better emotional and relational health may occur.
Gerry Vassar, President/CEO
