Trauma & Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Understanding Trauma & PTSD

Trauma and PTSD can arise in individuals following exposure to traumatic or life-threatening events. These events encompass natural disasters, accidents, combat situations, physical or sexual assault, and other profoundly distressing experiences. People with PTSD may relive the trauma in painful recollections, flashbacks, or recurrent dreams or nightmares; avoid activities or places that recall the traumatic event; or experience physiological arousal, leading to symptoms such as an exaggerated startle response, disturbed sleep, difficulty in concentrating or remembering, and guilt about surviving the trauma when others did not.

What is Trauma?

Psychological trauma refers to the emotional and psychological response of an individual to an extremely distressing event or series of events. These events are often perceived as life-threatening, deeply disturbing, or beyond the scope of everyday human experience.

Traumatic experiences can encompass a wide range of situations, including but not limited to:

  • Natural Disasters

  • Deaths or Serious Injury

  • Physical or Sexual Assault

  • Combat and War

  • Accidents

  • Loss of a Loved One

The impact of trauma can vary widely among individuals. Some may experience symptoms immediately after the event, while others may develop them over time. Some groups, such as First Responders, may be particularly susceptible to trauma, given the nature of their work.

Recognizing the Signs & Symptoms of PTSD

Individuals with PTSD often experience a range of symptoms, which can be classified into four primary clusters:

  1. Intrusive Thoughts & Memories

    This cluster involves distressing, recurrent memories, flashbacks, or nightmares associated with the traumatic event. These memories can be so vivid that individuals feel like they are reliving the event.

  2. Avoidance & Numbing

    People with PTSD may go to great lengths to avoid situations, places, people, or activities that might trigger memories of the traumatic event. Emotional numbing can also occur, leading to a sense of detachment and reduced interest in once-enjoyed activities.

  3. Negative Changes in Thinking & Mood

    This cluster includes feelings of persistent fear, guilt, shame, or a distorted sense of blame. Additionally, individuals with PTSD may experience difficulty in experiencing positive emotions, memory problems, self-esteem challenges, and difficulty in maintaining close relationships.

  4. Hyperarousal

    Hyperarousal involves a constant state of edginess, irritability, and a heightened startle response. This can lead to difficulties in sleeping concentrating, and an increased likelihood of anger outbursts.

Seeking Help & Treatment for PTSD

Guidance from Professionals

It is crucial to understand that not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD. Additionally, the severity and duration of symptoms can widely vary among individuals. Seeking professional help, such as therapy and support from mental health professionals, is crucial for individuals struggling with PTSD. With appropriate treatment and support, individuals with PTSD can work towards healing and regaining a sense of normalcy in their lives.

 
Mills | Gosse Psychology - Therapy for Trauma & Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Durham Region by a Psychologist.

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