Trauma can affect our physical and emotional well-being. It results when an event causes a person to feel an overwhelming sense of vulnerability and loss of control. Some people will get through a trauma without many after-effects. However, some people will be profoundly affected. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) occurs when a person has been exposed to a traumatic event in which: - they have witnessed or experienced an event that involves actual or threatened serious injury or death of self or others
- their response to this event includes intense fear, helplessness, and/or horror
The following symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder will show up quickly, and will last for more than one month. Following a severe trauma, a person may experience: - feeling numb, or in a daze
- tries not to think about the event but has intrusive memories of the trauma - images, thoughts, sensory memories
- recurrent, stressful dreams of the traumatic event
- intrusive, vivid memories of the trauma that cause a person to feel as if they are reliving the event (flashbacks)
- hypersensitivity to stimuli that remind them of the traumatic event
- avoidance of people or places that might be reminders of the trauma
- change in eating and/or sleeping habits
- increased irritability
- easily startled
- constantly checking their surroundings to make sure they are safe
- trouble focusing
- sense of loss or sadness
Help is available for those with PTSD. Many people find relief through talking with a therapist or counselor. The therapeutic relationship can help normalize the symptoms and let the person know that they are not alone in their struggle. Treatment often includes learning various relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety and bring about a sense of peace. Therapists may also use special treatment modalities to help the person resolve the trauma. These treatments might include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, also known as EMDR, or hypnotherapy.Recovery from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can be a slow process. Again, it depends a lot on the persons history of trauma and their individual coping style. PTSD does not have to dominate your life. You can get help. You can get your life back. 2006 Cynthia McKenna LPC, NCC - All Rights Reserved Worldwide. |
