Acute Trauma

Acute trauma is caused by a single traumatic event that causes extreme emotional or physical stress. Common examples of acute trauma include the following:

• An accident
• An act of violence
• A natural disaster
• A loved one’s passing
• Physical or sexual assault

Experiencing a traumatic event, even it if it just a onetime occurrence, can be terrifying. The thoughts of fear, terror and helplessness can be overwhelming. If left untreated, acute trauma can progress into acute stress disorder, PTSD and other mental health illnesses such as depression, anxiety disorders and more.