Trauma is a psychological response to an event or series of events that cause physical, emotional, and/or mental harm. The effects of trauma can be short- or long-term, and severity can vary depending on the individual. Research shows us that trauma can affect everyone differently. There are several trauma types to know about. Read on to learn about each of them.
When we think of psychological trauma, we often think of a single event that causes great harm or pain. However, different types of traumas can occur throughout our lives. Trauma isn’t limited to physical events; it can also be emotional or psychological in nature. Some common trauma symptoms can include:
“Trauma can be caused by various situations ranging from natural disasters to abuse, vehicle accidents, and more.”
– Talkspace therapist Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD, C-DBT
While most people are familiar with the concept of trauma, many are unaware of the different types of trauma that exist. Trauma can be classified as acute, chronic, or complex.
Acute trauma is a psychological trauma that occurs in response to a single, highly stressful event. For example, it can come after experiencing a natural disaster, seeing a bad car accident, or witnessing violence. Acute trauma can lead to long-term mental health problems if not appropriately addressed.
Acute trauma can come from a single event threatening your life or safety. It can also result from an act of violence against you or after witnessing a traumatic event happening to someone else.
This type of trauma can lead to acute stress disorder (ASD), which is a mental health condition typically appearing within 3 days of a traumatizing event and lasting up to 1 month.
Chronic trauma is a response to ongoing or repeated traumatic experiences. It differs from acute trauma in this sense, as acute trauma occurs after just one traumatic experience or event.
Chronic trauma can result from any of the following:
Complex trauma is a type of stress similar to generational trauma that can occur when someone experiences multiple, chronic, or prolonged exposure to traumatizing events. It can happen to both children and adults. However, complex traumas like abandonment trauma, for example, are more common among those who experienced abuse or neglect during childhood.
Complex trauma can cause long-term problems with physical and mental health. Forming and maintaining healthy relationships can also be very isolating and challenging.
Complex trauma can harm mental and physical health due to repeated, continued traumatization. It can be the result of things like:
Trauma can come from many places or experiences. It can happen to anyone at any time and has lasting effects. Some sources of trauma might include the following:
Witnessing or being directly involved in a violent act can be traumatizing. It might include seeing or experiencing domestic abuse, sexual assault, child abuse, war combat, or anything else that’s graphic and violent.
A shocking accident can be jarring and cause trauma, whether you’re directly involved or just a witness to it.
Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can all be factors that lead to a traumatic response.
Rape or a violent assault can be the source of a traumatic reaction, whether you’re the one who experienced the attack or someone close to you did.
Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, wildfires, or any other natural disaster can be more than just frightening. They can be traumatic, especially if they cause death, displacement, or food or housing insecurity.
Death — especially if it’s sudden or unexpected — of a loved one can be traumatic for anyone to cope with.
If you or someone you love has experienced any of the types of traumas we’ve discussed here, seeking professional help can be instrumental in learning to cope with the aftermath and healing. Trauma isn’t something you have to go through alone, and certain coping mechanisms like trauma dumping can do more harm than good.
“Determining who will develop a trauma-related disorder is incredibly difficult, as every person will respond to traumatic incidents in their own unique ways. It’s important to note that some people may experience an event as highly traumatic, while others may not experience the same event as traumatic. If you’re dealing with the effects of trauma, finding a trauma-informed therapist is an excellent option.”
– Talkspace therapist Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD, C-DBT
It’s important to be aware of the different trauma types so you can understand how they might impact your mental and physical health. If you’re struggling with the aftermath of trauma, please know that you’re not alone. Many people have been through similar experiences and understand what you’re going through, and therapy can help you heal.
When it comes to how to deal with trauma, online trauma therapy with Talkspace can make the process of getting help simple. In just a few clicks, you’ll be connected with a therapist who understands what you’re going through. Talkspace therapists are experienced in trauma therapy and can help you work through your feelings and recover from traumatic experiences you’ve endured.
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Retirement isnt just a milestone its the start of something truly meaningful. After decades of hard work, youve earned the right to slow down, pursue your passions, and live life on your terms.But stepping into this exciting new chapter often comes with big decisions, and one of the biggest is this:Does your current home still match the lifestyle and budget you want for this next phase?Its a timely question. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of living has risen by 23% over the last five years. If youre thinking about how to make your retirement savings go further, those rising costs matter.Heres the good news: you may have more options and more control than you think.Many retirees are choosing to relocate to make the most of their retirement dollars. Moving to a lower-cost area (or even downsizing) can reduce major expenses like housing, utilities, and taxes, giving you more freedom to enjoy what truly matters.That could mean more travel, picking up a new hobby, spoiling your grandkids, or simply enjoying life with less financial stress.And you dont have to move across the country to make it work. For some, its about moving closer to family. For others, its trading city life for a quieter suburb where money stretches further.The key is making a plan that aligns with your retirement goals, and that starts with evaluating if your current home still serves you.Whether youre thinking about downsizing, relocating, or just exploring your options, partnering with a trusted real estate agent can make all the difference. They can help you understand your local market, simplify the selling process, and even connect you with vetted agents in other areas if youre considering a bigger move.Youve worked hard for this chapter. If your current home no longer supports the life you want, it may be time to ask:What does your ideal retirement look like?Could a move help you make it even better?Lets talk about how to turn that vision into reality. Connect with us at 941-275-2914 Or visit https://linktr.ee/NaplesParadiseLiving
By Sarah RichardEach May, Older Americans Month is observed to recognize the older adults in our lives. The 2025 theme, Flip the Script on Aging, focuses on transforming the way society perceives, talks about and approaches aging. This theme encourages Americans to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions about the older generation, while also shining a light on the opportunities for connections, exploration and purpose that we discover as we age.Aging is a beautiful thing. With each day and each moment, you obtain a wealth of knowledge that can only come from a life of lived experiences. The thrill of life doesnt have to stop once you transition to a resort-style senior living community. In fact, its the perfect time for life to become more exciting.Transitioning into a senior living community is a unique period in your life youre setting sail on a new way of living and seeking new, enriching experiences. With a different way of living comes a wave of fresh opportunities a chance to try that hobby you've never had the time to explore, to make a new friend or to unlock hidden passions. Moving into a new community is a perfect opportunity for you to step out of your comfort zone alongside a community of like-minded individuals. When the time is right, entering a resort-style senior living community poses several benefits for retirees seeking a new experience. In a life plan community, you have the freedom to adopt a new daily routine, fall in love with a new hobby and discover lifelong friendships. Most of all, making the move to a life plan community ensures that youre taking the right steps to provide yourself with a new quality of life.What is a life plan community?Life plan communities, also known as continuing care retirement communities, are a form of senior living that offer residents the full continuum of care. Life plan communities include independent living, assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing, but older adults can enter a life plan community at any stage and transition to a different level as their needs shift. Independent living is for retirees who do not require health services but no longer want to bear the burden of home ownership and upkeep, planning the grocery list every day, or the many other things that keep you from spending time doing what you enjoy. Assisted living is for adults who require help with daily activities, such as dressing or bathing, but also desire the independence and amenities of a life plan community. Memory support is a safe and controlled environment designed to care for adults experiencing cognitive decline. Skilled nursing is for adults recovering from an illness or procedure, or those with chronic conditions that require daily attention.Through independence and enriching lifestyles, life plan communities work to break the stigma that often surrounds the concept of senior living communities and the outdated stereotype of a nursing home. Life plan communities are an entirely new way of life, from the activities and events to the people you meet and experiences you gain. Opportunity for connectionSenior living professionals understand that older adults can suffer from depression and anxiety as they age. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control, about 4% of adults aged 70 and over have depression. To combat this issue, life plan communities curate robust activity calendars that encourage residents to get out, have fun, and make connections.Socialization leads to increased mental and physical health, which is particularly important for older adults. Spending time with other people, even through a phone call or video conference, promotes sharper memory skills, lowers stress and reduces risk of chronic illnesses, while also providing a sense of purpose. Gulf Coast Village, Cape Corals only life plan community, encourages new residents to attend events so they can meet new people and become more engaged with their new home. Oftentimes, residents will form their own friend group and will continue to participate in activities together in the months and years ahead. Taking the extra step toward socialization in a new environment can be a rewarding experience, leading to increased mental wellness and enjoyed experiences. Regardless of size, life plan communities make socialization convenient for older adults to spend time with one another through a tight-knit environment, robust activities and planned events.Retirement isnt the end of the enriching life youve always lived its the beginning of a new chapter filled with fresh opportunities and meaningful experiences. At Gulf Coast Village, residents are encouraged to keep pursuing their unique hobbies and share the joy with their neighbors. Residents are invited to collaborate to create their own clubs and activities, building connections with neighbors and friends.Some residents teach art classes, some teach in the woodshop, while others volunteer part-time in our on-campus thrift store or even join a committee.In a life plan community, youre never alone. You are surrounded by fellow retirees also navigating lifes journey.About the authorSarah Richard is the executive director of Gulf Coast Village. To learn more, visit GulfCoastVillage.org or call 239-510-8712.
It is illegal for an insurance agent to call you regarding Medicare, Do not talk to someone you have not given permission to call. Ask them for their National Producer number and report them to Medicare for an unsolicited call. CMS has made many changes for Medicare recipients. If you want to enroll or review your plan over the phone, you need to agree to be recorded, and Medicare requires us to keep the recording for 10 years. In person, appointments do not have that requirement, but you need to sign a scope of appointment that authorizes us to talk to you about Medicare Advantage or a Drug Plan. It does not allow us to do anything but talk to you about these topics. One of the biggest changes for 2025 related to Medicare Part D Prescriptions whether withing a Part C Advantage plan or a stand-alone Part D drug Plan. Your yearly Part D out-of-pocket costs will be capped at $2,000 in 2025. You must buy medications using your plan and the medication must be in formulary to go toward the cap. You will also have a payment option to pay out-pocket costs in monthly amounts over the plan year, instead of paying when you receive the medications. This is done through the insurance company that you purchased your plan. When you turn 65 you are eligible for Medicare, once you have worked 40 quarters roughly 10 years there is no cost for Medicare Part A. Part A covers Hospitals, Skilled Nursing, Home Health & Hospice. Medicare Part B you can choose to take at 65 or you can hold off if you are still working and have credible coverage. If you do not have group health insurance that is considered qualified, and then you want it you would have a late enrollment penalty for each month you did not have Part B & Part D and that penalty will last for the rest of your life. Part B covers doctors, imaging, blood work, ambulance, durable medical equipment, etc. Part D is a Medicare Drug Plan and covers medications. During your initial enrollment period it is especially important to understand your options! Medicare Supplements/Medigap Plans are NOT guaranteed issue you may need to medically qualify. You can purchase a Medigap Plan during your 1st 6 months on Medicare Part B without medical underwriting. There are a lot of things you need to know. Again, work with an agent you can trust! Especially important: when you move you need to know your options. Can you keep the same plan? Do you need to make a change and what does that look like? Special Enrollment Periods You moved out of your plans service area, New to Medicare, Retiring and coming off of your employer group plan, Going into or out of Skilled Nursing, Medicaid and others may apply. We offer Free Medicare Seminars in Lee & Collier County please e-mail info@logicalinsurance.com to register or call 239-362-0855 for dates. Medicares website is www.Medicare.gov. Travel Insurance Did you know that most health insurance does NOT cover you outside of the country and that includes a cruise, in international waters (4 miles out). Travel insurance is not just about trip cancelation but most importantly what if you got sick or had an accident on your trip. Medical Trip insurance is very important and most of the time not very costly when you out way the benefits. Life Insurance You are never too young to have life insurance, and many types offer living benefits. As an example, I purchase life insurance for my grandchildren almost as soon as they are born. Their policy continues to build cash value that they can use during their lives, for education, wedding or even a 1st home purchase. The younger you are the lower the cost. There are many types of life insurance, and it is important to understand the differences between them. You also have payment options, such as 10-Pay, this type of policy you can pay the premium in full in 10 years, there are other terms available as wellLong Term Care Insurance Overall, 48.7% of older adults with ADL difficulties (or an estimated 3 million persons aged 70 and older) reported needing some sort of personal assistance with one or more ADLs, and, of those individuals with need, 20.7% (or an estimated 629,000 persons) had an unmet need. Long Term Care Insurance helps pay for in-home or facility-based needs, such as assistance with acts of daily living or help with paying for a facility. Start shopping for this insurance in your 40s, but its never too late to try. Your overall health will pay a major roll in the cost of the plans premium. The sooner than later for affordability. You have payment options such as a single payment, 10-Pay where the premium is paid-in-full in 10 years. You also get a discount with most companies doing a joint policy with your spouse. Remember Medicare is NOT meant for Nursing Home Care/Skilled Nursing. Logical Insurance Solutions is a SWFL Insurance Broker that works with most of the carriers, we are happy to help you through the maze. This is what we do daily, it is second nature to us. We offer virtual seminars, one on one Webex, phone and in-person appointments.To learn more about your options call to schedule an appointment contact: Logical Insurance Solutions for all your insurance needs, I am licensed in 36 states. www.Logicalinsurance.com 239-362-0855 info@Logicalinsurance.com By Ulla-Undine Merritt (Dee) National Producer Number (NPN) 8853366
Online Mental Health TherapyMental health support from anywhere, available fast Talkspace provides mental health support privately and conveniently online. Receive live video therapy appointments from a highly qualified licensed therapist covered by your Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan with little wait. Individual therapy, psychiatry, or couples counseling covered by your private insurance plan is also readily available.Talkspace provides:A private space to discuss relationships, retirement, grief, health conditions, financial concerns, life changes, and anything thats on your mindLive one-on-one therapy sessions from your computer or phoneTreatment for over 150 mental health conditions including anxiety, stress, grief, depression, OCD, BPD, and moreMessaging therapy allows you to share with your therapist 24/7 and receive feedback and advice, and is proven to be as effective as traditional therapy..Connect with a therapist within daysTalkspace will match you with a therapist who is licensed in your state and should be a good fit for your needs. Start communicating with your therapist in 1-2 days.Receive care on your scheduleTalkspace removes all the scheduling hassles so you can get mental health support anytime, anywhere. Send your therapist text, voice, or video messages through the secure Talkspace platform and hear back daily, 5 days / weekStart your care journey with Talkspace today, visit www.talkspace.com
Online Mental Health TherapyMental health support from anywhere, available fast Talkspace provides mental health support privately and conveniently online. Receive live video therapy appointments from a highly qualified licensed therapist covered by your Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan with little wait. Individual therapy, psychiatry, or couples counseling covered by your private insurance plan is also readily available.Talkspace provides:A private space to discuss relationships, retirement, grief, health conditions, financial concerns, life changes, and anything thats on your mindLive one-on-one therapy sessions from your computer or phoneTreatment for over 150 mental health conditions including anxiety, stress, grief, depression, OCD, BPD, and moreMessaging therapy allows you to share with your therapist 24/7 and receive feedback and advice, and is proven to be as effective as traditional therapy..Connect with a therapist within daysTalkspace will match you with a therapist who is licensed in your state and should be a good fit for your needs. Start communicating with your therapist in 1-2 days.Receive care on your scheduleTalkspace removes all the scheduling hassles so you can get mental health support anytime, anywhere. Send your therapist text, voice, or video messages through the secure Talkspace platform and hear back daily, 5 days / weekStart your care journey with Talkspace today, visit www.talkspace.com
Online Mental Health TherapyMental health support from anywhere, available fast Talkspace provides mental health support privately and conveniently online. Receive live video therapy appointments from a highly qualified licensed therapist covered by your Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan with little wait. Individual therapy, psychiatry, or couples counseling covered by your private insurance plan is also readily available.Talkspace provides:A private space to discuss relationships, retirement, grief, health conditions, financial concerns, life changes, and anything thats on your mindLive one-on-one therapy sessions from your computer or phoneTreatment for over 150 mental health conditions including anxiety, stress, grief, depression, OCD, BPD, and moreMessaging therapy allows you to share with your therapist 24/7 and receive feedback and advice, and is proven to be as effective as traditional therapy..Connect with a therapist within daysTalkspace will match you with a therapist who is licensed in your state and should be a good fit for your needs. Start communicating with your therapist in 1-2 days.Receive care on your scheduleTalkspace removes all the scheduling hassles so you can get mental health support anytime, anywhere. Send your therapist text, voice, or video messages through the secure Talkspace platform and hear back daily, 5 days / weekStart your care journey with Talkspace today, visit www.talkspace.com