A Discuss on Trauma
Most people experience traumatic event at some point in their lives. Intensely stressful events or situations can arise from time to time, and can happen to anyone at any age of life. They can have lasting effects on physical and mental well-being. But each person’s experience of trauma is unique. Some may experience symptoms of shock and distress, and mostly recover within a short period but some will experience more long-term traumatic effects.
Trauma can have long-term effects on the person’s well-being. If symptoms persist and do not decrease in severity, it can indicate that the trauma has developed into a mental health disorder called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Psychological trauma is a response to an event that a person finds highly stressful. Some examples of psychological trauma include being in a war zone, a natural disaster, or an accident.
Trauma can cause a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms. Emotional symptoms include intrusive thoughts (flashbacks or nightmares), avoiding things that remind you of the trauma (people, places, or objects), hyper-vigilant, that is, being very aware of danger. Physical symptoms like chronic pain, sleep problems, chest pain, and headaches can be experienced. Many people share some symptoms of stress, like anxiety, flashbacks, and sleep disruption.
Potential causes of trauma are; bullying, harassment, abuse (physical, psychological or sexual abuse), sexual assault, traffic collisions, childbirth and many others.
Trauma can affect many areas of life, including emotional, social, and physical well-being. Trauma can lead to a range of physical health problems such as chronic pain, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, sleep disturbances, and immune system dysregulation. The physiological stress response triggered by Trauma can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and other medical conditions. Trauma can disrupt social functioning and interpersonal relationships leading to social isolation, withdrawal, and difficulties in forming and maintaining connections with others. Individuals may experience challenges in trusting others, feeling safe in social situations, and establishing boundaries, which can further exacerbate feelings of loneliness and alienation. Psychological Effects of Trauma include Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety disorders, and dissociative disorders.
Trauma is associated with various health conditions, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Borderline personality disorder, Depression, Anxiety disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Dissociative Disorders, Self-Harm and Suicidal Behavior.
Though recovery from Trauma isn’t easy, but it’s possible. Trauma-focused Psychotherapy is one of the most effective things you can do for recovery. The American Psychological Association strongly recommends the following therapies for Trauma:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This is often considered the first line of defense against Trauma. Research shows that it can be effective in relieving the symptoms of PTSD. It works by helping you identify unhelpful thought patterns, learn coping skills to deal with difficult situations, and gain a better understanding of why other people behave the way they do.
Other treatment approach to Trauma include Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy. This treats trauma by gradually exposing patients to trauma memories and cues, reducing fear and anxiety over time.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can also be used, and it uses guided eye movements to process and integrate traumatic memories.
Alternative therapies, like yoga and acupuncture, can help regulate the nervous system and promote healing.
Expressive arts such as painting and music can be used to treat or manage Trauma, as it allows individual to express and process emotions non-verbally.
Reading healing stories about trauma from leading experts provides inspiration and empowerment, showing survivors they are not alone and offering strategies for recovery.-Prolonged exposure (PE) therapy.
In conclusion, while it is true that experiencing trauma can be natural part of living, there some strategies to lessen the blow; accept what has happened so you can move on with life, acknowledge your strength, talk to a mental health professional as soon as possible and also seek support from people who cares. With proper treatment and good social support, many people can overcome these negative affects, experience an improved quality of life, and move toward healing. We are here to help you navigate through this trauma until you can better handle the emotions all by yourself.
Author: Abimbola Omotosho, Clinical Psychologist, Arogi Trauma Care Foundation
Arogi Foundation
Arogi Trauma Care Foundation (ATCF) is like the silver lining in a dark cloud, making free counselling and therapy accessible to traumatised individuals, bringing healing to those who are hurting and helping people lift up burdens of pain, Read More>>
