TRAUMA

What is trauma?

Many of us will experience trauma at some point in our lives: an experience which is threatening, scary, overwhelming, or out of our control. Traumas may include but are not exclusive of:

• accidents (road/work/personal)
• medical procedures
• being a victim of physical or sexual violence (current and/or historical)
• bullying
• emotional abuse and/or psychological maltreatment
• neglect
• being in a life-threatening situation such as a war or natural disaster
• losing a limb
• loss of a loved one through tragic circumstances (for e.g. suicide); learning about/witnessing
• grief and/or separation
• loss of our home (floods/earthquake/road traffic accident)
• birth difficulties
• forced displacement
• military trauma

What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD can develop after trauma and has four main groups of symptoms:

Traumatic event

1.    Re-experiencing memories (possibily including nightmares and/or dreams) or feelings from the trauma

2.    Avoidance of reminders of the event and/or feelings about it

3.    Changes in your beliefs about yourself, the world, other people, or your future

4.    Hyper-arousal for e.g. being vigilant in your surroundings, irritability, anger or feeling jumpy or on edge

In addition to the above it is not uncommon for you to experience the following emotions:

• shock and disbelieve “I can’t believe this is happened to me; it’s not true”
• scared “I can’t go outside it’s not safe; I need to stay at home and lock the door”
• ashamed “I should have known better I let it happen”
• anger “I feel like I’m about to burst; I feel like I’m a volcano about to erupt at the smallest thing”
• vulnerable “they’re going to take advantage of me, why wouldn’t they it always happens to me”

Do I need to see a therapist?

Some people, over time and depending upon the severity of the trauma, may find they do not want support although a significant number people do need support.

Other people may deal with a trauma in another way. For e.g. it is not uncommon for people to distract themselves from their memory by such as working too much, alcohol and/or substance misuse, exercising too much, difficult relationships with food. Whilst they may seem an effective way of coping over time the coping mechanism may become an additional concern to them and their loved ones.

If you feel that you would benefit from talking to me please do contact me.