Experiencing trauma can change the way a person sees themselves, others, and the world. When those experiences continue to affect daily life long after the event, it may be a sign of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or trauma-related symptoms. At Gianan Health, we offer thoughtful, individualized support for those living with trauma. While the journey may not always be linear, your care should reflect your needs with compassion and respect.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is the emotional response to a distressing or threatening event. It can result from a one-time incident or repeated exposure to harmful experiences. While many people recover over time with support, others may continue to experience symptoms that interfere with relationships, work, or daily functioning.
Everyone reacts to trauma differently. What feels manageable to one person might feel overwhelming to another. There is no right or wrong way to respond. And, no shame in needing help afterward.
What Is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. It is more than just a memory of something painful: it can cause ongoing physical, emotional, and psychological distress that doesn’t fade with time.
PTSD may develop after:
- A serious accident or injury
- Physical or sexual assault
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Domestic violence
- Combat or military exposure
- Medical trauma (e.g., ICU stays, childbirth complications)
- Natural disasters or fires
- Witnessing a violent or traumatic event
- Sudden loss of a loved one
- Ongoing emotional abuse, bullying, or neglect
Not everyone exposed to trauma develops PTSD, but many people still experience trauma-related symptoms that can affect their well-being and relationships.
Common Symptoms of PTSD and Trauma
Symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Some may experience flashbacks or nightmares, while others feel numb, on edge, or emotionally detached. Common symptoms include:
- Intrusive memories – distressing flashbacks, nightmares, or unwanted thoughts
- Avoidance – avoiding reminders of the trauma (people, places, conversations)
- Hyperarousal – feeling constantly on edge, irritable, or easily startled
- Negative mood and beliefs – persistent shame, guilt, hopelessness, or detachment from others
- Dissociation – feeling disconnected from your body, surroundings, or reality
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating – frequent fatigue, racing thoughts, or mental fog
- Relationship challenges – difficulty trusting others or feeling emotionally close
Some individuals with trauma don’t recognize these symptoms as trauma-related at first. They may simply feel anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally distant without understanding why. Over time, untreated PTSD can contribute to depression, substance use, and physical health problems.
Trauma in Children and Adolescents
Trauma can affect young people differently than adults. Children and teens may not have the words to describe what they’ve experienced, and their symptoms often show up in behavior, mood, or development.
Signs of trauma in children may include:
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Frequent physical complaints (e.g., headaches, stomachaches)
- Regression (e.g., bedwetting, clinginess)
- Irritability, tantrums, or withdrawal
- Problems in school or social settings
- Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response
Early support can help children process what’s happened and build resilience for the future. At Gianan Health, we offer age-appropriate, trauma-informed care that takes a child’s emotional and developmental needs into account.
When to Seek Help
You don’t need a formal diagnosis of PTSD to benefit from trauma-informed care. If past experiences are affecting your relationships, mood, or sense of self, you deserve support.
Consider reaching out if you:
- Avoid people, places, or situations that remind you of the trauma
- Feel numb, disconnected, or unable to enjoy things
- Have trouble sleeping, concentrating, or managing emotions
- Experience flashbacks, nightmares, or strong emotional reactions
- Blame yourself for something that happened
- Struggle with trust or intimacy
- Feel like you’re “stuck” in the past
Healing from trauma is not about forgetting, it’s about reducing the hold it has on your life.
Treatment at Gianan Health
Our approach to PTSD and trauma treatment is gentle, individualized, and grounded in compassion. We work at your pace and offer a range of services designed to help you feel safe, supported, and empowered.
Treatment may include:
- Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy – Our therapists use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help individuals process trauma and develop healthy coping strategies.
- Medication Management – For some, psychiatric medication may help manage symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, or mood changes. This is always discussed thoughtfully and monitored carefully.
- Collaborative Planning – We believe in working with you, not just for you. Together, we’ll determine what kind of support is most appropriate and build a plan that evolves as your needs change.
There is no pressure to share everything all at once. Your provider will meet you where you are, helping you regain a sense of control, safety, and self-understanding over time.
Support for PTSD & Trauma in Bolingbrook, Naperville, and the Chicago Suburbs
Trauma may shape your story, but it doesn’t have to define your future. Whether you’re still processing a recent event or carrying the weight of something that happened long ago, there is space for healing. And you don’t have to do it alone.
At Gianan Health, we are committed to providing care that honors your experiences and helps you build the tools to move forward—on your own terms. New patients are welcome and often scheduled within 1-2 weeks of reaching out. For appointments, call us today at 630-340-1620.