Psychological trauma is damage to the psyche that occurs after a severely upsetting event. It may be a single event or repeated events that completely breakdown the individual’s coping mechanisms to deal with that experience. Severe trauma may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With PTSD damage is not just physical, but leads to changes in brain chemistry. These changes affect the person’s ability to manage future stress.
Nearly 10% of females and 5% of males will experience post-traumatic stress following a major traumatic event. Symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, upsetting thoughts, insomnia irritability, hypervigilance, and a feeling of numbness. Trauma victims may feel the symptoms will never go away. They feel helpless and depressed. They may turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with the mental distress.
Some events that can lead to PTSD are:
Children, teens and adults are all susceptible to trauma or PTSD. Treatment is complex and usually requires a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a very effective form of psychotherapy that looks at the relationships between thoughts, emotions, and behavior. CBT uses technologies, techniques and exercises designed to reshape the non-adaptive thinking and develop the ability to think more clearly and constructively.
If you need help coping with trauma or PTSD, talk to a registered psychotherapist. Professional counsellors, therapists and psychologists are available to help you return to a normal and healthy life.
Select a region to view to corresponding Trauma Counselling professionals operating there:
