Understanding Trauma
Trauma is defined as “severe emotional shock and pain caused by an extremely upsetting experience”. Trauma can arise out of a number of different situations, so what is traumatic for one person may not be for another. When a person experiences a traumatic event, their sense of safety and well-being are often so damaged that they cannot use their normal, daily coping skills. The normal coping skills we use in our day-to-day lives are not sufficient enough to deal with trauma.
Common reactions to trauma
People may react in a number of ways including physically, mentally, emotionally and behaviourally.
Some common physical reactions include:
Some common mental reactions include:
Some common emotional reactions include:
Some common behavioural reactions include:
There are a number of steps you can take to help restore emotional well-being and a sense of control following a traumatic experience.
Common reactions to trauma
People may react in a number of ways including physically, mentally, emotionally and behaviourally.
Some common physical reactions include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive sweating
- Increased heart rate
- Aches and pains.
- Dizziness
Some common mental reactions include:
- Poor concentration
- Difficulty making decisions or plans
- Confusion and disorientation
- Unwanted and upsetting mental images of the distressing event
- Nightmares
- Feeling overly suspicious
- Forgetfulness
- Short attention span.
Some common emotional reactions include:
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Guilt
- Anger
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Feeling detached, numb or apathetic
- Outbursts and inability to control emotions.
Some common behavioural reactions include:
- Blaming others
- Changed appetite, such as eating a lot more or a lot less
- Turning to substances such as alcohol, cigarettes and coffee
- Sleeping problems.
There are a number of steps you can take to help restore emotional well-being and a sense of control following a traumatic experience.
- Give yourself time to adjust and to mourn the losses you have experienced. Most importantly, try to be patient with changes in your emotional state.
- Ask for support from people who care about you and who will listen and empathize with your situation.
- Communicate and talk about your experience in whatever ways feel comfortable to you to those that are willing to listen.
- Find out about local support groups as these can be especially helpful for people with limited personal support systems.
- Eat well-balanced meals and get plenty of rest. If you experience ongoing difficulties with sleep, you may be able to find some relief through relaxation techniques. Sleep is a necessity.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Take some time off from the demands of daily life by pursuing hobbies or other enjoyable activities.
- Avoid major life decisions such as switching careers or jobs if possible as these activities tend to be highly stressful.