Trauma can be caused by a variety of events, including war, terrorism, natural disasters, automobile accidents, criminal and domestic violence, and child abuse and neglect. Exposure to these events can have long-term physiological and psychological consequences.
WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF TRAUMA?
When you’ve been through a traumatic event or series of events, you may develop psychological symptoms that revolve primarily around the intrusion of the past event into the present. Flashbacks and nightmares are well-known symptoms, but others such as painful memories, strong emotions associated with the traumatic event, and using self-protective methods that were helpful at the time of the event can also occur.
However, there are numerous other effects of trauma that vary from person to person. This will be determined by the type of trauma, the person’s age and developmental stage at the time of the trauma, and the frequency and severity of the exposure. Despite this, people’s reactions to trauma can be similar across all experiences.
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Avoidance is a common coping strategy. While it is natural to avoid memories, people, places, and situations associated with traumatic events, doing so as a strategy can keep you’stuck’ in the trauma.
To cope effectively with trauma, it must be understood and processed. You can try a self-guided approach, but working with a trusted professional who is experienced in treating trauma may be more effective.
Making the decision to seek help and then talking about a traumatic experience with someone can be overwhelming, if not terrifying. It is understandable to be concerned about how you will cope after reliving the trauma. This is a very common concern.
It can be beneficial to develop some coping strategies to use whenever you feel triggered. Consider the following strategies:
Creating a safe environment
This can be a physical location or an imaginary location in your mind where you feel safe. You can fill this space with things that will make you feel safe, such as a scented candle, a warm blanket, or happy photos, or you can imagine things that will make you feel safe. It is critical that this location be easily accessible.
Strategies for Grounding
This can be whatever works best for you, such as relaxation breathing, visual imagery, mediation, yoga, or mindfulness. Activities that encourage you to stay in the present moment by focusing on your five senses – what you can see, hear, smell, touch, and taste.
Creating trusting relationships
A secure, trusting relationship is important because it can make you feel safe and provide comfort. This person could be a parent, a partner, a friend, a psychologist, or another mental health professional.
Self-understanding
Learning more about trauma responses and why they occur can help you gain a better understanding of why you may react in certain ways or have certain responses to things in your life.
Self-compassion
Understanding why you react the way you do allows you to have more compassion for yourself and your experience. Remind yourself that your reaction is understandable given your experiences.
