Trauma is a distressing event in which a person feels severely threatened psychologically, physically or emotionally. Most people will experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives, such as a car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, the sudden and unexpected ending of a significant relationship, a violent criminal act or a natural disaster. Many people recover from trauma with time, and through the support of family and friends, bouncing back with greater resiliency. However for others, the effects of trauma are lasting, causing a person to live with deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or post-traumatic stress far after the event has passed. Often, the support, guidance, and assistance of mental health professionals is fundamental to healing from trauma.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF I HAVE NOT RECOVERED FROM THE IMPACT OF A TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE?
Some people may continue to feel afraid, hyper-vigilant, anxious or depressed long after the danger has passed. You may be experiencing some of the following lingering symptoms:
- Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event
- Anxiety, depression, numbness, guilt or feeling terrified
- Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, sleep disturbances or nightmares
- Anger, irritability, and hyper-vigilance
- Aggressive, reckless behaviour, including self-harm
- Loss of interest in activities that were once considered enjoyable
- Difficulty remembering details of the distressing event
- Change in habits or behaviour since the trauma
HOW MIGHT THERAPY HELP ME RECOVER FROM A TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE?
Counselling-Psychotherapy can assist you process unresolved trauma by helping you make sense of your experience and feelings. It can help you to develop plans to stay safe in the future (if relevant), to learn healthy coping skills, and to connect with other resources and support available in the community.
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