Trauma & PTSD
(Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Understanding Trauma and PTSD
Trauma is a word used to describe a response following an event that was considered by our nervous system as life- threatening to oneself or others, often causing emotional, physical, and social harm. It can be anything from a car accident or natural disaster to abuse or violence.
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a type of mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can affect anyone, the loss of a loved one, physical violence, a vehicle accident, or sexual assault are events that can lead to trauma.
Symptoms of PTSD
People with PTSD may experience a range of symptoms, including:
Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the traumatic event
Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
Negative changes in thoughts and mood
Hyperarousal, such as being easily startled or feeling on edge
These symptoms can be overwhelming and interfere with daily life.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy can be a crucial part of healing from trauma and managing PTSD. Here's how:
Creating a Safe Space: Therapy provides a safe and supportive environment where you can talk about your experiences without judgment.
Learning Coping Skills: Therapists can teach you coping skills to manage symptoms like anxiety and intrusive thoughts. This might include relaxation techniques, grounding exercises, or ways to challenge negative thoughts.
Processing Trauma: Through techniques like EMDR, therapy helps you process traumatic memories in a safe and controlled way, reducing their emotional impact over time.
Building Resilience: Therapy can help you build resilience and develop a sense of empowerment, so you feel better equipped to cope with challenges and move forward in life.