What is psychological trauma? Causes, symptoms and treatment

Trauma is a common consequence when a person experiences distressing or stressful events beyond their ability to cope. This condition can cause serious and long-term problems and should be treated as soon as possible.

Trauma is the result of an unusually stressful event that is beyond our ability to cope

What is psychological trauma?

Psychological trauma is also known as psychological trauma. This term refers to the psychological trauma following an extremely frightening or distressing event that leads to challenges in functioning and coping after the event.

Simply put, trauma is the result of unusually stressful events that cause you to lose your sense of security. You will feel helpless in a world full of dangers. Trauma can leave you struggling with unpleasant emotions, memories, and worries that cannot be resolved. It can also make you feel numb, disconnected, and unable to trust others.

Everyone who experiences a traumatic event will react differently. Many people recover well with a proper support system and do not experience long-term problems. Whereas some will continue to develop challenges immediately after the event or a few months after.

Traumatic experiences are often associated with life-threatening events. However, any situation that leaves a person feeling alone and completely overwhelmed can be traumatic. Even if there is no physical harm.

It is important to remember that it is not objective circumstances that determine whether an event is traumatic or not. It is your subjective emotional experience that determines the problem. The more scared and helpless you feel, the more likely you are to experience trauma.

Signs and symptoms of psychological trauma

Many people experience strong emotional or physical reactions immediately after experiencing a traumatic event. Most people will notice that their feelings go away within a few days or weeks.

However, for some people, the symptoms of trauma can get worse and last longer. This is often related to the nature of the traumatic event, life stressors, personality type, and available coping mechanisms.

Some of the most common symptoms of trauma may include:

– Mentality:

• Overwhelming fear
• Obsessive and Compulsive Behavior
• Emotional paralysis
• Depression
• Separation from others
• Sin (especially if one lives while the others die)
• Shy
• Disbelieve
• Irritability and anger
• Worry
• Panic attacks

Psychological and emotional trauma can cause fear to take hold

– Awareness:

• “Ingrained” thoughts about the event that might happen unexpectedly
• Visual images of the event
• Nightmare
• Panic
• The mood is indescribable
• Disorientation
• Loss of memory and ability to concentrate

– Behavior:

• Avoid activities or locations that trigger memories of the traumatic event
• Isolate yourself and withdraw from society
• Lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities

– Physical:

• Easily startled
• Severe fatigue and exhaustion
• Insomnia
• Fast heart beat
• Chronic muscle tension
• Sexual dysfunction
• Change your eating and sleeping habits
• Pain all over the body
• Always be on the lookout for potential hazard warnings

Causes of psychological trauma

Traumatic events are believed to be the most common cause of trauma. Traumatic events can be caused by an occasion or by persistent, non-stop stressors.

An event is more likely to have lasting trauma if:

• A person who is not prepared for the event
• Unusual events occur
• That person feels powerless to stop the event
• Repeated events (such as child abuse)
• Events involving extreme cruelty
• Events that happened in childhood

Occupational accidents are quite common traumatic events

Potentially traumatic events are often powerful and upsetting. They infiltrate a person’s daily life. In general, a potentially traumatic event is associated with a major threat to a person’s physical and psychological well-being.

Traumatic events can threaten your life, your own life, or the life of a loved one. These events may have little effect on one individual but result in considerable suffering for others.

The impact of a potentially traumatic event can be related to the person’s mental and physical health, past traumatic experiences, level of support, and presence of coping skills.

Examples of events and situations that may lead to the development of trauma include:

• Natural disasters such as fires, earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes
• Interpersonal violence such as child abuse, rape, a loved one or friend’s suicide
• Get involved in a serious car accident
• Labor accident
• Violent acts such as armed robbery, terrorism or war

Often overlooked causes of trauma can include:

• Break up or divorce
• The experience of humiliation
• Surgery
• Falls or sports injuries
• A loved one dies suddenly, suddenly
• Diagnose a life-threatening or disabling condition

It’s important to note that some other situations, although less serious, end up causing stress. And they can trigger a traumatic reaction in some people.

Childhood trauma and the risk of future trauma

Traumatic events can happen to anyone. However, you are more likely to be traumatized by an event if you are under a great deal of stress, have recently experienced a series of losses or have had a previous trauma. Especially if the previous trauma occurred in childhood.

Childhood trauma can be caused by anything that disrupts a child’s sense of security. Such as:

• Unstable or unsafe environment
• Separation from parents
• Seriously sick
• Intrusive medical procedures
• Domestic violence
• Physical and sexual abuse
• Verbal abuse
• Neglect, not care

Frequent witnessing of domestic violence can cause childhood trauma

Experiencing childhood trauma can have serious and long-lasting consequences. When trauma is left unresolved, feelings of fear and helplessness carry over into adulthood. This will set the stage for further damage.

Consequences of psychological trauma

Many people have spent years living with symptoms of trauma as their worlds get smaller and smaller. The effects of untreated trauma can be devastating and pervade almost every aspect of life.

Here are some of the most common consequences and effects:

• Substance abuse
• Alcoholism
• Sexual problems
• Inability to maintain healthy close relationships or choose the right people to be friends with
• Constantly arguing with loved ones
• Social distancing
• Constant feeling of intimidation
• Self-destructive behavior
• Impulsive behavior
• Uncontrollable reactive thoughts
• Inability to choose a career or a healthy lifestyle
• Symptoms of dissociative disorder
• Feelings of depression, shame and despair
• Feeling worthless and worthless
• Compulsory behavior patterns appear
• Losing all faith in everything I used to believe in

Self-healing from the effects of trauma

Traumatic symptoms usually last from a few days to several months. They may gradually disappear as you deal with disturbing events.

However, even if you feel better, you may still have trouble with painful memories or emotions from time to time. Especially when there are triggers, such as an anniversary of an event or anything that reminds you of the trauma.

Whether the traumatic event is related to the death or not, you still have to deal with the loss. The natural response to this loss is emotional grief. Like those who have lost a loved one, you will go through a grieving process.

The following tips can help you cope with feelings of grief and heal your wounds to move on with life:

1. Physical activity

Trauma can disrupt the body’s natural balance. It puts you in a state of stress and fear. Besides burning adrenaline and releasing endorphins, exercise and movement can actually help regulate your nervous system.

Physical activity can help ease feelings of grief associated with trauma

• Try to exercise for about 30 minutes or more most days. If you can’t find the time, you can also break it up into 3 10-minute exercises a day, which is also very helpful.
• You should choose aerobic exercises that incorporate movements of both arms and legs. For example, walking, jogging, basketball, swimming or dancing. These exercises are said to give the best results.
• Instead of focusing on thoughts and distractions when you exercise, really focus on your body and how you feel when you move.
• Focus on body movements during physical activity to limit the risk of injury.

2. Instead of isolating yourself, connect with others

After a traumatic event, you may want to withdraw from those around you. But isolation only makes things worse.

Connecting directly with others can help you heal wounds. Therefore, you need to work on maintaining your relationships. Also limit spending too much time alone.

• Connecting with others doesn’t necessarily mean you have to talk about hurt. In fact, for some people this could end up making things worse. Comfort will come from feeling shared and heard by others.
• While you don’t have to talk about your hurt, you do need someone to share your feelings with directly. Make sure the person listens attentively without judging you. Could be directed to a family member or a close friend.
• Try to participate in social activities, even if you don’t feel like it. Doing activities that don’t involve the traumatic experience will help calm your negative emotions.
• If you have withdrawn from relationships that were once important to you, try to reconnect.
• Connecting with people who are facing similar problems will help reduce feelings of isolation. You can also hear others share how to deal with the effects of trauma.
• If you’re living alone or away from family and friends, it’s important to reach out and make new friends. Maybe join a class or a club so you can meet and connect with people with similar interests. Also you should reach out and connect with neighbors or colleagues.

3. Self-regulating nervous system

No matter how agitated, anxious, or out of control you feel, it’s important to know that you can regulate your nervous system and stay calm. Not only will it help reduce trauma-related anxiety, but it will also give you a greater sense of control.

Practicing mindful breathing can help calm and regulate the nervous system

• If you’re feeling confused, upset, or disoriented, practice mindful breathing. This is a simple way to quickly regain your composure. You just need to take 60 breaths and focus your attention on each out-breath.
• You can use your senses to rescue your nervous system. A particular image, smell, or taste can help you feel calmer. Alternatively, you can listen to music or pet an animal to soothe your emotions.
• You should acknowledge your feelings about hurts as they happen and accept them. This is also essential to help you stay calm and in control of your emotions.

4. Health Care

Having a healthy body increases your ability to cope with the stress caused by trauma. So you need to pay attention to take good care of your health:

• Get enough sleep: After a traumatic experience, fear or anxiety can interfere with your sleep. A lack of sleep can worsen symptoms. Moreover, it makes it difficult for you to maintain emotional balance. You should go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Also aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs: Alcohol and drug use can worsen traumatic symptoms. Furthermore, it increases feelings of depression, anxiety and isolation.
• Maintain a balanced diet: You should eat many small and balanced meals throughout the day. This helps maintain energy and minimize mood swings. Fatty and sugary foods should be avoided. Instead, eat more omega-3 fats like salmon, flaxseeds, soybeans, walnuts, etc. to help boost your mood.
• Manage stress: Try relaxation solutions like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Schedule time for activities that bring you joy. Such as performing your hobbies.

Eating healthy helps maintain energy and minimize mood swings

Professional treatment for trauma

Recovery from trauma takes time. Most people heal at their own pace. However, after many months have passed and your symptoms do not improve, you may need professional help.

1. When to seek professional therapy?

Seek help for trauma if you fall into the following categories:

• Having trouble functioning at home or work
• Unable to form close relationships
• Severe fear, anxiety or depression
• Experiencing scary memories, nightmares or flashbacks
• Stay away from anything that reminds you of the trauma
• Numb feelings
• Lost connection with others
• Use alcohol or drugs to feel better

2. Methods of treatment of psychological trauma

Trauma treatment should be done with the help of a psychologist. It may take time to find the right therapist. It is important that a psychologist has experience in dealing with trauma.

In addition, the quality of your relationship with the psychologist is equally important. It is important to choose a therapist who makes you feel comfortable. If you feel unsafe, respected or understood, find another therapist.

To heal trauma, a psychologist will help you deal with uncomfortable feelings. Also get rid of memories you have long avoided, releasing pent-up fighting or escaping energy. In addition, a professional will also help you regulate strong emotions and rebuild your ability to trust others.

A psychologist can use a variety of therapies to treat your trauma. Commonly used methods include:

• Somatic Experience: This method focuses on bodily sensations rather than thoughts or memories of the traumatic event. By focusing on what is happening in your body, you can release pent-up energy associated with the trauma.
• This can be done through shaking, crying or other forms of physical release.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps you process and evaluate your thoughts and feelings about a trauma. This therapy is also applied in psychotherapy for many other problems. Such as anxiety disorders, depression, emotional disorders, sleep disorders, etc.
• Eyeball desensitization and reperception (EMDR): Combining elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy with EMDR or other forms of rhythm can help “unleash” traumatic memories.

Helping loved ones deal with trauma

When a loved one is traumatized, your help can play an important role in their recovery. Issues to watch out for include:

• Be patient and understanding: Healing from trauma takes time. Be patient with the speed of your recovery and always remember that everyone’s reaction to trauma is different. Don’t judge your loved one’s reaction by your own or anyone else’s.
• Provide practical support: You can help your loved one with the housework or simply be available to talk or listen. This will help your loved one return to normal routines soon.
• Don’t force a loved one to talk: Some people may find it difficult to talk about what happened. Don’t force your loved one to open up. Instead let them know you are there to listen whenever they want to talk.
• Help your loved one socialize and relax: Encourage them to exercise, pursue a hobby, find friends, or do whatever brings them joy.
• Don’t ignore the symptoms of trauma: Your loved one may become irritable, angry, withdrawn, or emotionally distant. Remember that this is the result of trauma. It may have nothing to do with you or your relationship.

If your child is traumatized, it’s important to help him or her recover that you communicate openly. Let your child know that it’s normal to feel scared or upset. Your child may also look to you for signs of how they should respond to trauma. So let your child see you deal with your symptoms in a positive way.

Trauma can have serious and long-lasting consequences if early intervention is not provided. If you can’t overcome it on your own, seek help from a psychologist as soon as possible. Early treatment will help ease the emotions, get rid of the traumatic event, and move on with a good life.