The difference between trauma reactions and classic anxiety is where the distress comes from. A trauma reaction is a reaction that stems from something in the past. On the other hand, anxious reactions come from worrying about something in the future. Knowing what your symptoms are related to can help you identify helpful, appropriate coping mechanisms. 

Understanding the difference between trauma and anxiety is not just necessary, it's empowering when establishing a treatment plan. Trauma is your emotional reaction to an event that made you feel unsafe or put you directly in the middle of an unsafe situation. Examples of trauma are abuse, community violence, or experiencing significant injury or loss. After a traumatic event, it is common for people to notice they feel tired, lack energy/motivation, sad, or even hopeless. It is also common for people to experience mood swings and isolate themselves from others. PTSD symptoms from the trauma commonly include consistent flashbacks to a traumatic event, developing panic attacks, sleep problems, and feeling like you are reliving the event. When you have trauma responses, it is common for people to have a distrust of the world, a feeling that they are not safe, and they have to stay guarded to protect themselves. It is common to be jumpy or easily startled if you are experiencing a trauma response. 

Anxiety, on the other hand, is when you have relentless, consistent/persistent worry about what could go wrong in the daily situations you are likely to experience. When this worried thought is acknowledged in our brain, our brain attempts to problem solve and assist us with preparing for the possible negative event. When you have symptoms of anxiety, you may notice rapid thoughts, your heart racing, getting hot or cold, and your breath becoming more rapid. With anxiety, it is common to see yourself being fidgety, overreacting to things, struggling to fall asleep, and feeling IBS-like symptoms in your gut. 

When it comes to treating trauma and anxiety, it's crucial to establish healthy coping mechanisms before delving into the depths of your fears. This proactive step ensures you are in control and prepared, reducing the risk of becoming overwhelmed and flooded by your emotions. 

One approach that can help establish a peaceful mind-body connection is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT focuses on teaching mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills to help people manage overwhelming emotions and develop healthier ways of coping with distress. 

Another beneficial approach is somatic therapy, which recognizes the connection between the mind and body. Somatic therapy techniques, such as body awareness, breathing exercises, and movement, can help you release tension and trauma held in the body, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. 

Specifically for treating trauma, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are effective. EMDR involves reprocessing traumatic memories while focusing on external stimuli, helping to alleviate their emotional impact. ERP exposes individuals to anxiety-provoking situations and helps them learn healthy ways to respond to their fears, gradually reducing their anxiety. CBT for trauma focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors related to the traumatic event, promoting healing and a sense of control. 

On the other hand, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an excellent approach to treating anxiety. CBT helps you identify and challenge irrational thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to your anxiety. By learning to reframe negative thinking and develop effective coping strategies, you can reduce your anxiety and regain a sense of control. 

In conclusion, establishing healthy coping mechanisms is essential when addressing trauma and anxiety. Approaches such as DBT and somatic therapies can help you develop a peaceful mind-body connection, while EMDR, ERP, and CBT are effective in treating trauma. For anxiety, CBT can be a valuable tool in managing and reducing anxious thoughts and behaviors. By prioritizing the establishment of healthy coping mechanisms, you can lay the groundwork for successful treatment outcomes and long-term emotional well-being.

Struggling with trauma or anxiety is tough, but you don't have to go through it alone. At Southern Pine Counseling, we specialize in helping individuals dealing with these challenges. 85% of our caseload is made up of people seeking assistance with trauma. We are not just confident, but committed to providing the support and guidance you need to overcome these obstacles. 

We understand that reaching out for help can be daunting, but taking that first step is crucial to your well-being. Please text us and schedule a time to chat. 

You deserve to live a life free from the burden of trauma and anxiety. Let Southern Pine Counseling be your partner in this journey toward healing. Take the first step today by texting us, and let's work together to create a brighter, more peaceful future for you.