Today, the radio program “Vamos Falar de Saúde” addressed a profound and necessary topic: the influence of life trauma on mental health. The guest was psychologist Ana Ngueve, who offered clear insights into how our experiences shape the way we face challenges throughout life.
Right at the start, the expert pointed out that many of the experiences that mark adulthood originate in childhood. She explained that it is in the family environment and early relationships that the emotional foundations are laid that determine whether an event will be experienced as traumatic or not. In a clinical context, she said, it is often found that the root of anxiety and depression is linked to early family experiences.
When defining the concept of trauma, the psychologist made an important point: “Not everything is trauma. There is a growing tendency to dramatize difficult events. Situations such as a separation, for example, can be painful, but they need to be understood and processed in a healthy way, avoiding the crystallization of suffering.”
During the program, the impact of trauma on the development of anxiety and depression was discussed. The professional explained that treatment is multidisciplinary and begins in the family, supported by the so-called “therapeutic triangle”: patient, family, and health professionals. Social support, she emphasized, makes all the difference in the recovery process. In more advanced cases, medication may be necessary, always in conjunction with psychological counseling.
When asked about the consequences in adulthood of childhood trauma, such as abuse, the psychologist explained that, in some situations, it is necessary to promote a kind of “reframing” of experiences, helping the patient to reconstruct the meaning of what they have lived through, so that they do not remain stuck in the past. She also highlighted the importance of removing feelings of guilt, an essential element in overcoming trauma.
Another question raised was whether only psychological trauma can cause suffering of this nature. The expert clarified that this is not the case, since physical and contextual experiences can also have significant emotional impacts.
The psychologist also emphasized that dialogue is the main tool for identifying psychological problems. In addition to psychotherapy, practices such as leisure and physical exercise are mechanisms.
The edition reinforced the message that understanding one’s own experiences is a fundamental step in promoting mental health, reminding us that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but of awareness and self-care.