Trauma is a response to a deeply distressing event that impacts an individual's ability to cope. Trauma can cause feelings of helplessness or hopelessness. Trauma can also trigger anxiety and emotional dysregulation. Trauma survivors may feel they lose their sense of self. It is normal to have a physical and emotional response to an upsetting event, and this experience is called a trauma response.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health disorder that affects individuals that have experienced a traumatic event or series of events. This response is acute and on-going even after the distressing event is over and safety is restored.
Symptoms of PTSD include:
Every person's experience is unique to them, and what is traumatic for one person may not be traumatic for another. Since each person's experience of trauma is unique to them, it is important that they know there are many options available to help them to heal as well. Many clients find it helpful to seek support from a mental health therapist who can work with them to create a treatment plan catered to their needs and address concerns related to mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellness.
Evidenced based interventions that are proven helpful for treating trauma include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), and traditional talk based psychotherapy. Treatment may also include aspects of emotional regulation, healthy coping strategies, grounding and mindfulness techniques.
