Depression and Trauma: What is the Connection?

Mental health issues are universal. At some point in our lives, we will all feel just not right. Sometimes it’s a big “not right” that can’t be ignored. Other times it’s a nagging “not right” that lingers. Sometimes these lingering feelings — sadness, nostalgia, hopelessness — can be a sign of depression.

If that’s the case, you are not alone. It is estimated that around 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem each year. This could be anything from depression and anxiety to bipolar disorder to schizophrenia.

Even though we all experience mental health issues, it is still considered a taboo topic. People are reluctant to open up about their challenges and share experiences with others. This can lead to us feeling isolated and alone with our problems.

It's important to remember that you are not alone, and there are people who want to help AND who have experienced mental health issues too.

In this post, we'll explore the link between trauma and depression and discuss some of the ways to get help if you're struggling.

What is depression, and what are the symptoms?

Depression is a mental health condition that impacts our minds, bodies, spirits, and relationships. For some, depression might feel like muscle aches and exhaustion. For others, it might be intrusive thoughts and a sense of hopelessness for the future. And still for many, it is a combination of psychological and physical experiences.

Symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms include feelings of sadness, emptiness, or irritability; loss of interest in activities once enjoyed; fatigue; changes in weight or appetite; difficulty concentrating; thoughts of suicide.

One of the first things I want to understand in therapy is how depression shows up in your mind, body, spirit, and relationships. Understanding the ways that depression related to you, as a person, is a really important starting point.

We can’t heal what we don’t understand.

What is Trauma and How Does it Relate to Depression?

Trauma can be difficult to understand, and it is often misunderstood. Many people think that trauma is only something that happens as the result of a major event, such as a war, car accident or physical assault.

Trauma is an event or experience that is so shocking, threatening, frightening, or distressing that it overwhelms a person's ability to cope. This can lead to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as nightmares, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts.

It can cause physical, emotional, or psychological harm. Trauma can also lead to depression, feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness.

Many people who have experienced trauma develop depression.

When we experience a trauma, our body goes into survival mode. We are focused on one thing and one thing only. Surviving. Our body shuts down any process that is not integral to our survival. Our mind filters any and all thoughts that are not focused on our survival.

If you’re reading this now, it means you survived.

You’re breathing. You’re reading. You’re living.

However, our body sometimes does not get the message that we survived. It can stay shut down and detached even when we are safe. That way of being becomes an automatic response to the world, which can become depression.

What are the Signs of Trauma?

I see SO MANY PEOPLE in my trauma therapy practice who tell me they haven’t experienced a traumatic event. Then we start their intake session and I learn that my clients lived through—

Childhood with a parent who was a drug addict or alcoholic

Educational discrimination during school

The death of a best friend, family member, or loved one

Divorce and/or separation from a romantic partner

Partner betrayal

Just to name a few….

These could all be traumatic events. They could also have just been difficult moments. The difference depends on the person, the timing, and the coping skills.

Some common experiences following a traumatic event, include changes in appetite, trouble sleeping, irritability, regression to behaviors they have outgrown (like fear of the unknown), extreme fear or withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed, anger, and aggression towards others or self.

These could all be traumatic events. They could also have just been difficult moments. The difference depends on the person, the timing, and the coping skills.

Some common experiences following a traumatic event, include changes in appetite, trouble sleeping, irritability, regression to behaviors they have outgrown (like fear of the unknown), extreme fear or withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed, anger, and aggression towards others or self.

Want to learn more about What is What is mental health, exactly? click HERE

How does trauma affect us?

When trauma is left unhealed in the mind, body, and spirit, we can suffer. This suffering can turn into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is a diagnosis that can include nightmares, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts. When PTSD is left untreated, people can experience depression, anxiety, agitation, substance use issues, relationship problems, and more.

When PTSD is treated, the pains that followed the trauma can transform into deeply powerful skills and internal resources. We just need to work together to heal the wounds, so can you move forward with the resilience that came from your trauma, not the negative consequences.  

What type of treatment is available for adults with depression and trauma?

People who experience depression and trauma often benefit from a combination of therapies and medications. Some common treatment options include EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, exposure therapy (e.g., safe reliving of the traumatic event), medications, and complementary medicine.

Can we prevent depression?

Although it is not always possible to prevent depression, some ways that people can try to reduce their risk include maintaining a healthy lifestyle (e.g., exercising regularly, eating healthy foods), avoiding substances during times of distress, coping with stress in positive ways (e.g., talking with supportive friends or family members, using relaxation techniques), and getting enough sleep.

How can depression and trauma be treated effectively?

If you have a trauma history and are experiencing depression symptoms, please know that there are a lot of resources out there for you. Some common treatments include therapy, medication, and self-care.

• Therapy is a type of treatment where a person talks to a therapist about their thoughts and feelings. This can help people understand why they feel depressed and learn how to cope with their emotions. I practice a particular type of therapy, called EMDR, that is the gold standard therapy for trauma recovery.
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• Medication is a type of treatment that involves taking medication to help improve mood. There are many different types of antidepressant medications available, and a doctor can prescribe them. You can start by talking to your primary care doctor.
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• Self-care is another important way to treat depression. Self-care can help improve mood and overall well-being. This includes things like getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly.

Conclusion

While there is a clear connection between depression and trauma, not everyone who experiences trauma will develop depression. Some people may experience only short-term symptoms of trauma, while others may not experience any symptoms at all.

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression that seem to be related to a traumatic event, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. Treatment for depression can be very effective, and most people who receive treatment see significant improvement in their symptoms.

We hope this post has helped you better understand the connection between depression and trauma. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, please reach out to me or another therapist for help. There are many resources available to you, and there is no shame in seeking treatment.

Trauma can be a very difficult experience to overcome, but it is possible to heal with the right support.

If you want to talk to a licensed therapist, click HERE to learn more about Dr. Cammy