The Effects Of Psychological Trauma
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological syndrome that affects individuals who have experienced a critical incident in their lives. The cluster of symptoms including nightmares, flashbacks, hyperarousal, dissociation, depression, and avoidance was first noticed in war veterans returning from combat. At that time it was labelled "shell shock" or "battle fatigue." In the last several decades research in the area of psychological trauma has discovered that other types of life-and-death situations can produce a similar effect: earthquakes, rape, domestic violence, airplane crashes, car accidents, and violent crime.
For many individuals, the symptoms gradually disappear over time, but for others the symptoms can persist with varying intensity for decades. Generally, the symptoms of PTSD fall into three categories:
1. Intrusive symptoms:
These symptoms occur when the traumatic event unexpectedly "intrudes" into the person's consciousness whether through vivid memories, disturbing thoughts, or nightmares. Others are "triggered" by internal or external cues that resemble part of the trauma. When this happens, the trauma is, in a sense, re-experienced over and over again.
2. Avoidance Symptoms:
Because re-experiencing the traumatic event is usually so painful, many individuals develop avoidance patterns to dampen the intensity of the bad feelings. For example, an individual with PTSD may avoid situations that are reminders of the traumatic event. Others may become numb to emotions altogether. Depression is a common result of the withdrawal and "shutting down" that occurs.
3. Hyperarousal Symptoms:
Individuals with PTSD often feel like they need to constantly be on guard for danger; thus, they often experience exaggerated startle responses, irritability, or explosive anger. They may have difficulty concentrating or remembering new information. Many people have problems falling or staying asleep. There are several associated symptoms that may be present when someone develops PTSD. These include: alcohol or other drug abuse (to "self-medicate" painful feelings), panic attacks, suicidality, extreme guilt, or loneliness. If these symptoms last for more than one month and are disruptive to your life, you may consider counseling.
How Children Respond To Trauma
It is well known that traumatic events such as child abuse, the loss of ones parents, or abduction can have a profound effect on the psyche of children. In general, children will process their reactions to the event indirectly through their behavior, rather than talking about their thoughts and feelings. Initially, children may respond to the traumatic event by engaging in agitated or disorganized behavior. Children may attempt to resolve the painful emotions related to the traumatic event through play. If a certain aspect of the trauma is really bothering them, they may repeat this theme over and over again in their drawings or in stories they develop with their toys. Children also tend to express their discomfort through physical symptoms such as stomachaches or headaches, rather than state that they are upset by the event. Children may experience terrifying nightmares that do not necessarily seem to relate to the trauma. Years after the event, children may retain a foreshortened sense
of the future.
Rebuilding Your Life After Trauma
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Educate yourself.
There are many excellent self-help books on the market today which describe the course and treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (see back of pamphlet for suggestions).
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Understand that healing comes in stages over time.
After a traumatic event, your life may never go back to the way it was. Many of your assumptions about the world have been destroyed, and developing a new set of beliefs will take time. Don't expect to just "snap out of it."
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Get support.
Talk about your experience and consequent feelings with supportive friends and family members. If there were others involved in the traumatic experience with you, it may help to keep in contact to process the event. Many trauma-specific support groups (e.g, rape, combat, sexual abuse) may be offered in your community. Consider counseling if symptoms persist.
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Empower yourself.
After the turmoil and intense emotional processing has past, many people find they can build strength from the knowledge they have gained from the trauma. Some people volunteer to help other trauma survivors. Others write about and publish their experience. Some pursue legal avenues for compensation.
Additional Reading
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Herman, J. L. (1992) Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence - from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. Basic Books
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Janoff-Bulman, R. (1992) Shattered Assumptions: Towards a New Psychology of Trauma. The Free Press: New York.
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Matsakis, A. (1992). I Can't Get Over It: A Handbook for Trauma Survivors. New Harbinger Publications: Oakland, CA.
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Terr, L.(1990) Too Scared to Cry. New York: Harper Collins [Book about children's response to trauma]
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