Trauma can happen to anyone at any time. It is estimated that up to half of all individuals will experience a traumatic event at least once. Women are at higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder and other types of negative aftereffects but are often hesitant to seek treatment for their symptoms. However, trauma therapy for women can make a big difference in healing. There are many ways that aftereffects of trauma can impact women’s physical, mental, and emotional health. When seeking mental health counseling in Texas, it may be good to look for a trauma-informed program focused on women’s recovery.
How Does Trauma Affect Women’s Health?
Even though the event that created the trauma may have happened a long time ago, the effects can be far-reaching. Sometimes, the woman may not make the connection between a traumatic event of the past and problems occurring in the present. Here are some ways in which trauma can affect women’s health:
- Women who have experienced trauma are at higher risk for mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
- Often, aftereffects of trauma can manifest in disordered eating or disordered sleeping.
- Post-traumatic stress can cause elevated blood pressure, poor circulation, increased heart rate, and other significant health issues.
- Women who are trauma survivors can be at the mercy of flashbacks, nightmares, and other manifestations of PTSD.
- Women can become prone to addiction due to trying to alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
- Post-traumatic stress symptoms can have a major impact on a woman’s ability to work, attend school, engage with family, and maintain healthy relationships.