When a patient has been exposed to a traumatic event or incident (automobile accident, slip and fall, a dog attack etc..), all those events would be subject to upsetting emotions, terrifying memories that are troubling the mind. The client may also feel disconnected, numb or go through a feeling of distrust ( PTSD. Anxiety, Insomnia, perseveration of thinking of the accident and depression, terrifying memories and the least is upsetting emotions). The clients might need some time to get through it and feel safe this take place by relying psychotherapy treatment strategies as well as support, they can then recover at a faster rate. Even if the traumatic events have taken place long back, the client can get help and move on ahead in life.
Psychological and emotional trauma is the outcome of grave stressful events that can often disturb your sense of security or make you feel vulnerable or helpless in this world.
The events of trauma often include threats to security or life, be it any situation that can make the client feel overwhelmed. Moreover, these situations need not cause any harm to the physical state of a person. It is not the facts that are objective which can determine whether the situation is traumatic or not. The subjective experience that a person feels emotionally often determines the amount of trauma that is related to a particular event. The more helpless and frightened the client feels the more the chances of being traumatized.
Psychological and emotional trauma can be caused by one time incidents or in a single blow. This may involve a natural disaster, violent attack or a horrible accident as well. Trauma can also be caused due to relentless and ongoing stress like being in a crime-ridden neighborhood or suffering from cancer.
People react in different ways when subjected to various types of trauma and they may experience a wide range of emotional as well as physical reactions. There is no judgment when it comes to the way they feel, think or even respond. So, there are no real judgement to the reaction or that of other people. The client might seem that the reactions are Normal when they are part of Abnormal incidents.
Nightmares or insomnia
Getting startled effortlessly
Racing heartbeat
Pains and aches
Fatigue
Trouble concentrating
Restlessness and agitation
Muscle tension
These feelings or symptoms typically last for a duration of a few days or months psychotherapy may help fade away gradually as successfully processing the trauma is helped to work through. Nevertheless, even if you are feeling better, the mind may be troubled by all the incidents that are a part of traumatic events. This may be in response of triggers like sound, image, situation or anniversary of the event that may reminding of the traumatic event.
Everyone needs different time for healing or getting out of the traumatic situation.
Experiencing any trouble working at home or at your workplace
Going through anxiety, fear or depression, irritability or insomnia
Inability to make satisfying or close relationships
Experiencing flashbacks, traumatic memories and nightmares
Avoiding things that can refresh your memory about the traumatic event
Being disconnected emotionally or feeling numb when in a group
Using drugs or alcohol to revive and feel better
Suffering through trauma can be painful, creepy and potentially re-traumatizing. Only an experienced trauma specialist will be able to heal the client in a better way when there are associated risks of re-traumatization.
It may take you some time for the right therapist such those with in Dr. Francisco’s office with the experience in handling trauma related issues. Maintaining a quality relationship with the therapist is also of prime importance. A sense of trust should be built between the client and the trauma specialist.
To get out of any psychological and emotional trauma, you must first learn to face as well as resolve the feelings that are unbearable. This may also involve the memories that you have avoided for a long time. If not done this way, they will keep hitting your brain and can become uncontrollable in the later stages.
Dealing with feeling and memories that are related to trauma
Releasing unexpressed “fight-or-flight” energy
Earning to regulate all emotions that are strongly felt
Rebuilding the trust issues that you have for others.
Trauma disturbs the natural equilibrium of the body, thus freezing it in a state of fear and hyper arousal. This sets the nervous system in a state of freeze. Any trauma treatment can be termed as successful, if it is able to address the imbalance and help in reestablishing your sense of safety. Below mentioned are a few therapies that are used in treating psychological and emotional trauma.
CBT or Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Psychological and Emotional Trauma helps in processing and evaluating about the traumatic events
Somatic Experiencing for Psychological and Emotional Trauma uses the ability of the body to heal from any event on its own. The therapy focuses on the sensations that are felt by the body apart from the memories as well as the thoughts that relate to the traumatic event. By concentrating on the feelings that are experienced by the body, you actually are in touch with the energy that is related to the tension and trauma. From here, the body takes all the natural instincts of survival
For Psychological and Emotional Trauma includes fundamentals of cognitive-behavioral therapy
It takes time to recover from psychological and emotional trauma. A client will have to give oneself some time to heal and mourn in the losses that they have gone through. You should never try to force the process of healing. Try to be patient with the entire process and be prepared to handle any emotions that are volatile. You have the liberty to say or feel anything without making any judgments or feeling guilty.
Never try to withdraw yourself after any traumatic event as it can only make the feelings worse. Try to connect with people and maintain the bond so that you can maintain the relationships that you share
Seek support. It is important to speak about the things you feel and ask for the help. Rely on a family member whom you can trust or a friend, clergyman or counselor
Take part in various social activities. The normal routine work that you do just like other has nothing to do with the experiences that has caused you trauma. If you are retreating from certain relationships make a point to connect with them
Join support groups. Being with others who have survived trauma can help you in coping with the feelings in a better way. This may also help you in getting rid of feelings of isolation and get some inspiration from others as well
Choose to volunteer. Volunteering can help you in challenging the helplessness that you are feeling due to traumatic events. You can reclaim all your strength by helping others
You will have to follow a schedule for staying grounded after Psychological and Emotional Trauma.
Allot time for relaxing and social activities apart from other chores. Be sure to follow the planned schedule
Break all large tasks into smaller ones that can make it more manageable. Appreciate yourself after any smaller accomplishments
Find tasks or activities that tend to make you happier and release all the bottled up energy after a traumatic situation
Let yourself free and allow your body to feel that way it wants to. Accept all the feelings and this is a major part of the process of grieving.
The ability of your body to handle the psychological and emotional trauma increases if you have a healthy body.
Get enough sleep. You may have a disturbed sleep pattern if you are feared or worried. Lack of sleep can worsen your symptoms and it may be difficult to be in a state of balance. Aim to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep
Avoid consuming drugs or alcohol as it can boost the symptoms and intensify the feelings of anxiety, depression and isolation
Exercise daily. This helps in boosting the endorphins, serotonin and other chemicals that facilitate good mood. Choose to be physically active for at least 30 to 60 minutes every single day
Eat a balanced diet. Make sure to eat small and balanced meals at regular intervals throughout the day. This will help you to be energized through the day and control your mood swings as well. Instead of eating sugary foods, choose to include complex carbohydrates
Plan to reduce stress. Allot time for relaxation and rest as it is necessary to restore balance
Help is definitely needed to a person who is exposed to a psychological and emotional trauma. You may find it difficult to understand about helping your friend or relative to revive from a traumatic event. At such times, remember, it is your support that they need the most. Below are few ways by which you can help your close ones deal with psychological and emotional trauma.
Be enduring and thoughtful. It takes time to heal from a psychological and emotional trauma. Be patient and do not judge the reaction of your loved ones based on your response to a particular situation
A practical support can be of great help to bring your loved one back to their normal routine. You can choose to listen or speak to them when they will speak to you about something
Do not pressurize them to speak with you when they do not feel like doing it. Choose to speak or listen only when they are emotionally ready or mentally available
Help them in socializing and relaxing. Encouraging them to participate in social activities can tend to soothe their mind and relax them completely
Do not tend to take the symptoms that are related to trauma on a personal level. Your loved one can be irritable, angry or feel distant on an emotional basis. At such times, it is important for you to understand that it is the outcome of trauma and has nothing to do with you.