Trauma can be understood as an individual's psychological, physical and emotional response to horrendous situations like an accident, inevitable loss of loved ones or attached goods, unexpected tragedy, assaults, childhood trauma, violence and catastrophic events like a natural calamity. Initial response to these dreadful and horrifying events can be shock and denial where the person refuses to accept the reality. In the long run, people may experience impulsive and unpredictable emotions, flashbacks from the past, strained relationships, physical discomfort like sleeplessness, headache, and nausea.
When the individual fails to recover and push through the trauma induced by those terrifying events, they develop a mental health condition called Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Symptoms of PTSD can be grouped into:
Unwanted, Intrusive, and Recurrent Memories These memories of traumatic events can be experienced by the sufferer as flashbacks when a sufferer relive some instances of the event as if they are happening presently. It can also trigger nightmares and violent dreams related to the event. Physical or emotional turmoil can be seen when sufferers see something which reminds them of the event. Avoidance Sufferers try to cut out everything which triggers and reminds them of the traumatic event, be it people, places, or activities. They deliberately suppress those memories. Such avoidance can hamper their growth and development in the long term. Negative and distorted thinking pattern Sufferers develop negative ideas and beliefs about themselves and everyone around them. They feel hopelessness about the future as if it all ended for them after the traumatic event. They might experience loss of memory, failing to recall important instances from the event,
difficulty in maintaining relationships, feeling detached from friends and family, losing interest in hobbies and activities they like. They avoid or have problems in experiencing positive emotions or end up being emotionally numb. They might go through suicidal thoughts or depression thus calling out for urgent involvement of a counselor or therapist. Changes in emotional and physical realms Sufferers become emotionally and physically fragile. Being startled or frightened easily. Always feel danger and be guarded. They often indulge in self-destructive behavior or substance abuse such as alcohol consumption or smoking. There can be trouble sleeping or focusing on work tasks. Their emotions are heightened, be it too much worry, anxiety, aggression, guilt, shame, or irritation.
Effective ways to deal with PTSD · Take up physical activities like going out for a walk or running, meet a friend, have a movie night or cook good food, etc. · Indulge in self-monitoring and self-care routine · Try to practice meditation, breathing techniques, mindfulness, or do exercise or Yoga · Use expressive writing or painting to take out your sufferings · Ask for support from your loved ones, communicate freely with them and share your misery. · Connect to a counselor or therapist as PTSD is a curable disorder. Help someone dealing with PTSD · Educate yourself · Encourage them for professional Help. · Provide Support
· Allow mixed or confused state of emotions
· Don’t pressurize them into sharing their misery or talking to you
· Be a good listener
· Built trust and a safe environment for them
· Help them to take up meditation or relaxation activities
· Show your commitment and care
· Manage triggering stimulus
· Learn how to handle flashbacks or panic attacks
· Be patient with them
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