2.

Traumatize
Trauma is defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as the emotional
response someone has to an extremely negative event. While trauma is a normal reaction to a
horrible event, the effects can be so severe that they interfere with an individuals ability to
live a normal life. In a case such as this, help may be needed to treat the stress and
dysfunction caused by the traumatic event and to restore the individual to a state of emotional
well-being.

What Are the Main Sources of Trauma?

Trauma can be caused by an overwhelmingly negative event that causes a lasting impact on
the victims mental and emotional stability. While many sources of trauma are physically
violent in nature, others are psychological. Some common sources of trauma include:

Rape

Domestic violence

Natural disasters

Severe illness or injury

The death of a loved one

Witnessing an act of violence

Trauma is often but not always associated with being present at the site of a trauma-inducing
event. It is also possible to sustain trauma after witnessing something from a distance. Young
children are especially vulnerable to trauma and should be psychologically examined after a
traumatic event has occurred to ensure their emotional well-being.

What Are the Signs of a Person Suffering from Trauma?

While the causes and symptoms of trauma are various, there are some basic signs of trauma
that you can look out for. People who have endured traumatic events will often appear shaken
and disoriented. They may not respond to conversation as they normally would and will often
appear withdrawn or not present even when speaking.
Another tell-tale sign of a trauma victim is anxiety. Anxiety due to trauma can manifest in
problems such as night terrors, edginess, irritability, poor concentration and mood swings.
While these symptoms of trauma are common, they are not exhaustive. Individuals respond
to trauma in different ways. Sometimes trauma is virtually unnoticeable even to the victims
closest friends and family. These cases illustrate the importance of talking to someone after a
traumatic event has occurred, even if they show no initial signs of disturbance. Trauma can
manifest days, mhs or even years after the actual event.

Emotional Symptoms of Trauma

Emotion is one of the most common ways in which trauma manifests. Some common
emotional symptoms of trauma include denial, anger, sadness and emotional outbursts.
Victim of trauma may redirect the overwhelming emotions they experience toward other
sources, such as friends or family members. This is one of the reasons why trauma is difficult
for loved ones as well. It is hard to help someone who pushes you away, but understanding
the emotional symptoms that come after a traumatic event can help ease the process.

Trauma Medication: Drug Options

While trauma, unlike some other mental disorders, is induced by an event or experience, it
can be treated through the use of certain medications. Not all trauma requires medication, but
it can be a useful tool in treating the symptoms of trauma, such as anxiety and depression. It
is important to work with a healthcare professional to determine whether medication is
necessary.

Trauma Drugs: Possible Options

Drug options will depend on the individuals psychological and medical history as well as the
severity of the symptoms. If depression is severe and felt over an extended period of time, it
may be treated with common antidepressant drugs. Clinical depression is defined as any
depressive episode lasting longer than three months. Many trauma victims fall under the
category of anxiety sufferers who are eligible for anti-anxiety medication.

Medication Side Effects

One of the considerations in whether or not to medicate for the symptoms of trauma is the
presence of medication side effects. All medications have side effects, and the severity varies
widely depending on drug class and individual body chemistry. Some side effects are more
manageable than others, and potential negative side effects should always be compared to the
potential benefit to the patient.

Drug Addiction, Dependence and Withdrawal

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for victims of trauma to turn to drugs as a means of selfmedicating and coping with the effects of trauma. Government studies estimate that 25% of
people experience traumas before the age of 16, and those individuals are much more likely
to become addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Depression and Trauma

Depression and trauma have high comorbidity rates, and feelings of despair, malaise and
sadness can last longer than a few days or even weeks. When a trauma occurs, post-traumatic
stress disorder often occurs. The Department of Veteran Affairs estimates that depression is
between three to five times more likely to occur in trauma victims who develop PTSD than in
the general population.

Getting Help for Trauma-Related Issues

If you or a loved one is suffering from trauma, there is help available. With a variety
of Trauma treatment options and caring professionals willing to help, the outlook for
recovery is good. Often, people just need a little help with taking the first step. Our friendly
representatives are available 24/7 to take your call and speak with you about getting help for
trauma-related issues. Call our hotline at 1-866-956-1718 to start the journey toward recovery
today.
Source: http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=First_Episode

1. Emotional and psychological trauma

Emotional and psychological trauma is the result of extraordinarily stressful events that
shatter your sense of security, making you feel helpless and vulnerable in a dangerous world.

Traumatic experiences often involve a threat to life or safety, but any situation that leaves you
feeling overwhelmed and alone can be traumatic, even if it doesnt involve physical harm. Its
not the objective facts that determine whether an event is traumatic, but your subjective
emotional experience of the event. The more frightened and helpless you feel, the more likely
you are to be traumatized.
Causes of emotional or psychological trauma:
An event will most likely lead to emotional or psychological trauma if:
It happened unexpectedly.

It happened repeatedly.

You were unprepared for it.

Someone was intentionally cruel.

You felt powerless to prevent it.

It happened in childhood.

Emotional and psychological trauma can be caused by single-blow, one-time events, such as
a horrible accident, a natural disaster, or a violent attack. Trauma can also stem from ongoing, relentless stress, such as living in a crime-ridden neighbourhood or struggling with
cancer.
Commonly overlooked causes of emotional and psychological trauma
Falls or sports injuries
The breakup of a significant relationship
Surgery (especially in the first 3 years of
life)

A humiliating or deeply disappointing

experience

The sudden death of someone close

The discovery of a life-threatening illness or
A car accident

disabling condition

Childhood trauma increases the risk of future trauma

Experiencing trauma in childhood can have a severe and long-lasting effect. Children who
have been traumatized see the world as a frightening and dangerous place. When childhood
trauma is not resolved, this fundamental sense of fear and helplessness carries over into
adulthood, setting the stage for further trauma.
Childhood trauma results from anything that disrupts a childs sense of safety and security,
including:

An unstable or unsafe environment

Sexual, physical, or verbal abuse

Separation from a parent

Domestic violence

 Serious illness

Neglect

Symptoms of emotional and psychological trauma

Following a traumatic event, or repeated trauma, people react in different ways, experiencing
a wide range of physical and emotional reactions. There is no right or wrong way to
think, feel, or respond to trauma, so dont judge your own reactions or those of other
people. Your responses are NORMAL reactions to ABNORMAL events.
Emotional and psychological symptoms of trauma:

Shock, denial, or disbelief

Confusion, difficulty concentrating

Anger, irritability, mood swings

Anxiety and fear

Guilt, shame, self-blame

Withdrawing from others

Feeling sad or hopeless

Feeling disconnected or numb

Physical symptoms of trauma:

Insomnia or nightmares

Fatigue

Being startled easily

Difficulty concentrating

Racing heartbeat

Edginess and agitation

Aches and pains

Muscle tension

These symptoms and feelings typically last from a few days to a few months, gradually
fading as you process the trauma. But even when youre feeling better, you may be troubled
from time to time by painful memories or emotionsespecially in response to triggers such
as an anniversary of the event or an image, sound, or situation that reminds you of the
traumatic experience.

When to seek professional help for emotional or psychological trauma

Recovering from a traumatic event takes time, and everyone heals at his or her own pace. But
if months have passed and your symptoms arent letting up, you may need professional help
from a trauma expert.
Seek help for emotional or psychological trauma if you're:

Having trouble functioning at home or work

Suffering from severe fear, anxiety, or depression

Unable to form close, satisfying relationships

Experiencing terrifying memories, nightmares, or flashbacks

Avoiding more and more things that remind you of the trauma

Emotionally numb and disconnected from others

Using alcohol or drugs to feel better

Finding a trauma specialist

Working through trauma can be scary, painful, and potentially retraumatizing. Because of the risk
of retraumatization, this healing work is best done with the help of an experienced trauma specialist.

may take some time. Its very important that the therapist you choose has
experience treating trauma. But the quality of the relationship with your therapist is equally
important. Choose a trauma specialist you feel comfortable with. Trust your instincts. If you
dont feel safe, respected, or understood, find another therapist. There should be a sense of
trust and warmth between you and your trauma therapist.
Finding the right therapist

After meeting a potential trauma therapist, ask yourself these questions:

Did you feel comfortable discussing your problems with the therapist?

Did you feel like the therapist understood what you were talking about?

Were your concerns taken seriously or were they minimized or dismissed?

Were you treated with compassion and respect?

Do you believe that you could grow to trust the therapist?

Treatment for psychological and emotional trauma

In order to heal from psychological and emotional trauma, you must face and resolve the
unbearable feelings and memories youve long avoided. Otherwise they will return again and
again, unbidden and uncontrollable.
Trauma treatment and healing involves:

Processing trauma-related memories and feelings

Discharging pent-up fight-or-flight energy

Learning how to regulate strong emotions

Building or rebuilding the ability to trust other people

Trauma therapy treatment approaches

Trauma disrupts the bodys natural equilibrium, freezing you in a state of hyper arousal and
fear. In essence, your nervous system gets stuck in overdrive. Successful trauma treatment
must address this imbalance and re-establish your physical sense of safety. The following
therapies are commonly used in the treatment of emotional and psychological trauma:

Somatic experiencing takes

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) incorporates

Source: http://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=professional-helps

advantage of the bodys unique ability to heal itself. The focus of

therapy is on bodily sensations, rather than thoughts and memories about the traumatic event.
By concentrating on whats happening in your body, you gradually get in touch with traumarelated energy and tension. From there, your natural survival instincts take over, safely
releasing this pent-up energy through shaking, crying, and other forms of physical release.
elements of cognitivebehavioural therapy with eye movements or other forms of rhythmic, left-right stimulation.
These back-and-forth eye movements are thought to work by unfreezing traumatic
memories, allowing you to resolve them.

6. Emotional and psychological trauma recovery tips

Recovering from emotional and psychological trauma takes time. Give yourself time to heal
and to mourn the losses youve experienced. Dont try to force the healing process. Be patient
with the pace of recovery. Finally, be prepared for difficult and volatile emotions. Allow
yourself to feel whatever youre feeling without judgment or guilt.
Trauma self-help strategy 1: Dont isolate

you may want to withdraw from others, but isolation makes things
worse. Connecting to others will help you heal, so make an effort to maintain your
relationships and avoid spending too much time alone.
Ask for support. Its important to talk about your feelings and ask for the help you need.
Turn to a trusted family member, friend, counsellor, or clergyman.
Participate in social activities, even if you dont feel like it. Do normal things with other
people, things that have nothing to do with the traumatic experience. If youve
retreated from relationships that were once important to you, make the effort to
reconnect.
Join a support group for trauma survivors. Being with others who are facing the same
problems can help reduce your sense of isolation and hearing how others cope can
help inspire you.
Following a trauma,

Volunteer. As

well as helping others, volunteering can be a great way to challenge the sense of
helplessness that often accompanies trauma. Remind yourself of your strengths and reclaim
your sense of power by comforting or helping others.

Trauma self-help strategy 2: Stay grounded

In order to stay grounded after a trauma, it helps to have a structured schedule to follow.

Stick to a daily routine, with

Break large jobs into smaller, manageable tasks. Take

regular times for waking, sleeping, eating, working, and exercise.

Make sure to schedule time for relaxing and social activities, too.
pleasure from the accomplishment of

achieving something, even its a small thing.

Find activities that make you feel better

Allow yourself to feel what you feel when you feel it.

and keep your mind occupied (reading, taking a class,

cooking, playing with your kids or pets), so youre not dedicating all your energy and
attention to focusing on the traumatic experience.
Acknowledge your feelings about the trauma as
they arise and accept them. Accepting your feelings is part of the grieving process and is
necessary for healing.

Trauma self-help strategy 3: Take care of your health

A healthy body increases your ability to cope with stress from a trauma.

Get plenty of sleep.

Avoid alcohol and drugs

Exercise regularly.

Eat a well-balanced diet.

Reduce stress. Making time for rest and relaxation will help you bring your life back into
balance. Try relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

After a traumatic experience, worry or fear may disturb your sleep patterns.
A lack of sleep can make your trauma symptoms worse and make it harder to maintain your
emotional balance. Go to sleep and get up at the same time each day and aim for 7 to 9 hours
of sleep each night.
as their use can worsen your trauma symptoms and exacerbate feelings
of depression, anxiety, and isolation.
Regular exercise boosts serotonin, endorphins, and other feel-good brain
chemicals. It also boosts self-esteem and helps to improve sleep. For maximum results, aim
for 30 to 60 minutes of activity on most days.
Eating small, well-balanced meals throughout the day will help you
keep your energy up and minimize mood swings. While you may be drawn to sugary foods
for the quick boost they provide, complex carbohydrates are a better choice. Foods rich in
certain omega-3 fatssuch as salmon, walnuts, soybeans, and flaxseedscan give your
mood a boost.

Schedule time for activities that bring you joyfavourite hobbies or activities with friends,
for example.

Source: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archieve/emotional-pain-recovery-tips.aspx

3. What Are Traumatic Events?

A traumatic event is an incident that causes physical, emotional, psychological, or mental
harm. The person experiencing the distressing event may feel threatened, anxious, or
frightened as a result. In some cases, they may not know how to respond, or may be in denial
about the effect such an event has had. The person will need support and time to recover from
the traumatic event and regain emotional and mental stability.
Examples of traumatic events include:

death of family member, friend, teacher, or pet

divorce

physical pain or injury

illness

war

natural disaster, such as a flood, tornado, or fire

terrorism

moving to a new location

parental abandonment

witnessing a death or other traumatic event

rape

domestic abuse

prison stay

How Do People Respond to Traumatic Events?

People respond to traumatic events in different ways. Often, there are no visible signs, but
people may have serious emotional reactions. According to the American Psychological
Association (APA), shock and denial shortly after the event is a normal reaction. They are
often used to protect oneself from the emotional impact of the event. The victim may feel
numb or detached, and may not feel the events full intensity right away. (APA, 2011)
Once a person has moved past the initial shock, responses to a traumatic event may vary.
Common responses include:

irritability

sudden, dramatic mood changes

anxiety and nervousness

anger

depression

flashbacks or repeated memories of the event

difficulty concentrating

altered sleeping or insomnia

changes in appetite

intense fear that the traumatic event will recur, particularly around anniversaries of the event

withdrawal and isolation from day-to-day activities

physical symptoms of stress, such as headaches and nausea

worsening of an existing medical condition

A condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can sometimes occur after a
person experiences a life-threatening event or witnesses a death. PTSD is a type of anxiety
disorder that affects stress hormones and changes the bodys response to stress. People with
this disorder require strong social support and on-going therapy. Many veterans returning
from war experience PTSD.

Source: http://m.medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001924.htm

4. How you can manage Traumatic Stress?

There are several ways to help restore your emotional stability after a traumatic event:
Communicate the experience with family or close friends or in a diary or online journal.
Give yourself time and recognize that you cannot control everything.
Ask for support from people who care about you or attend a local support group for people who have
had a similar experience.
Find a support group led by a trained professional who can facilitate discussions.
Eat a well-balanced diet, exercise, get adequate rest, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
Maintain a daily routine with structured activities.
Avoid major life decisions, such as changing careers or moving soon after the event.
Pursue hobbies or other interests, but do not overdo it.

Spend time with others to avoid becoming withdrawn, even if you do not feel up to it.

When Should You Contact a Professional?

You should seek professional help if symptoms persist and interfere with day-to-day activities, school
or work performance, or personal relationships.
Signs that a child may need professional help to cope with a traumatic event include:

emotional outbursts
aggressive behaviour
withdrawal
continued obsession with the traumatic event
serious problems at school

Psychologists and mental health providers can work with people individually to find ways to cope
with stress.

Source: http://www.psychology.org.au/publication/tip_sheet/trauma/#s5.com

5. Ten Steps to Healing From Trauma

By Martin V. Cohen, Ph.D.
Whether you have been a crime victim, involved in an accident or natural disaster,
or were the victim of childhood abuse, the resulting trauma is similar. Pervasive
fear and feelings of helplessness are natural reactions to events you probably had
little or no control over. I was totally traumatized, and I thought I was going to
die, are among the most often used phrases used to describe such occurrences.
Unfortunately, trauma and the stress that follows, is on the rise at the turn of the
new millennium in America.
Fortunately, there are ways to overcome the aftershocks of traumatic incidents. A
cluster of symptoms consisting of (1) Persistently REEXPERIENCING the event
(e.g., flashbacks, nightmares, etc.), (2) AVOIDANCE (e.g., avoiding people,
places or activities that trigger memories of what happened) and
(3) HYPERAROUSAL (e.g., jumpiness, feeling on edge, irritability, etc.) can be
treated effectively with the following steps toward healing this condition. In 22

years of practicing psychotherapy, specializing in treating trauma victims, Ive seen

them work.
1. -- Recognize that your symptoms are normal reactions to abnormal
circumstances. Although you may feel like you are out of control or going
crazy, in reality, you are experiencing what are called post-traumatic stress
symptoms.
2. -- Talk about your thoughts, feeling and reactions to the events with people you
trust. Then, talk about it some more. Keep talking about it until you have no need
to talk about it anymore.
3.--Do whatever it takes to create a feeling of safety and tranquillity in your
immediate environment. Do you need to sleep with a night light on for a while?
Can you develop a discipline of meditation or listening to soothing music?
4. -- As much and as quickly as possible, resume your normal activities and
routines. Traumatic events can throw your life into a state of chaos. The sooner you
resume these activities and routines, the more normal your life will feel. Structure
can provide feelings of security as you etch your way back to stability.
5. -- You are in a recovery process. Give yourself the proper rest, nutrition and
exercise. If you were recovering from the flu you would not forget these health
tips. Do the same for yourself as you recover from traumatic stress.
6. -- Take an affirmative action on your behalf. For example, if you were a victim
of crime, prosecuting the perpetrator may be an empowering experience. If this is
not an option for you, write in your journal. Strike out at the perpetrator with
words. Take some action on your behalf.
7. -- Become aware of your emotional triggers and learn to cope with them
creatively. You may have a flashback to your trauma by engaging in a similar
activity, going to a similar place, seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting or feeling
something that reminds you of the original trauma. One way to cope with this is to
recognize that you are experiencing an emotional trigger and engage in positive
self-talk (e.g., This is frightening but I am safe now.)
8.--Try to find some deeper meaning in what happened to you. True, you were
victimized but you can become a survivor. Survivors often find that changes in
their outlook on life are possible, even preferable. What have you learned from
your traumatic experience? Record these insights in a journal or voice them in a
support group that is sympathetic to your situation.
9. -- Seek therapy. Psychotherapy, particularly with a certified EMDR practitioner
who specializes in trauma, is often very effective in helping people overcome the

aftermath of trauma. If you cant stop thinking about what happened; if you are
always feeling anxious and on guard; if you find yourself avoiding your normal
routines or if you are experiencing some of the other symptoms of post-traumatic
stress, you can probably benefit from professional help. The EMDR International
Association can give you a referral to a certified EMDR practitioner in your area
(www.emdria.org), telephone (512) 451-5200. If you were a crime victim, most
states offer victims assistance to pay for psychotherapy. For more information call
the National Organization for Victim Assistance at (202) 232-6682. In California,
call the Victims of Crime Program at (800) -VICTIMS (842-8467).
10. -- Be patient with yourself. Healing takes time. Your recovery will have its ups
and downs. Follow the guidelines in this article and know that you are in a
recovery process that will take time.
Remember, you may have been victimized but you do not have to continue being a
victim. In this unfortunate case you were rendered helpless but to continue in that
status is very limiting. By following the steps outlined above, you will emerge as a
survivor. Your traumatic experience can make you a stronger and wiser person. The
potential is there for you to learn and grow in ways you may not have considered
had the trauma never occurred.
Source: http://www.martinvcohen/trauma.com

7. Helping someone deal with emotional and psychological

trauma
It can be difficult to know how to help a loved one whos suffered a traumatic or distressing
experience, but your support can be a crucial factor in their recovery.

Be patient and understanding. Healing from emotional or psychological trauma takes time. Be
patient with the pace of recovery and remember that everyones response to trauma is different. Dont
judge your loved ones reaction against your own response or anyone elses.

Offer practical support to help your loved one get back into a normal routine. That may mean
help with collecting groceries or housework, for example, or simply being available to talk or listen.

Dont pressure your loved one into talking but be available when they want to talk.Some
trauma survivors find it difficult to talk about what happened. Dont force your loved one to open up
but let them know you are there to listen whenever they feel ready.

Help your loved one to socialize and relax. Encourage them to participate in physical
exercise, seek out friends, and pursue hobbies and other activities that bring them pleasure. Take a
fitness class together or set a regular lunch date with friends.

Dont take the trauma symptoms personally. Your loved one may become angry, irritable,
withdrawn, or emotionally distant. Remember that this is a result of the trauma and may not have
anything to do with you or your relationship.
Source: http://www.psychguides/trauma.com