Trauma Overview
Trauma is an emotional reaction to a very distressing event. Such events could include an accident, a violent attack, bullying, abuse, witnessing a distressing event like death, or living through a natural disaster. Trauma is often the result of an overwhelming amount of stress that exceeds one’s ability to cope or to integrate the emotions involved with the experience. Traumatic events can happen at any age and can cause long-lasting harm. Everyone has a different reaction to trauma, so you might notice any effects quickly, or a long time afterwards.
Symptoms of Trauma
Symptoms depend on the type and intensity of the trauma, and on whether it is a single event or repetitive experiences. The symptoms can come on immediately after the event or come on much later usually triggered by a life event. Most common symptoms include:
- Repeated memories of the event or flashbacks
- Intrusive thoughts and images
- Nightmares, irritability, denial
- Intense distress at reminders of the trauma
- A heightened sense of alertness
- Anxiety, depression, anger
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Physical symptoms like pain, sweating and nausea
- Intense fear that the traumatic event will recur
- Withdrawal and isolation from day-to-day activities
- Continued avoidance of reminders of the event
- Shifts in mood or changes in thought patterns
- Sudden, dramatic mood shifts
Online Treatment
What you need depends on the type and intensity of the trauma, and the length of time that has lapsed between the event and the onset of symptoms. It is important to have an assessment by an expert, who will advise you on treatment which best suits your needs. Trauma focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is a form of talking therapy which is very effective. The person with the help of a therapist learns. How negative thinking patterns can affect feelings and behaviour.
Exposure therapy and desensitisation is also effective. The person talks through with a therapist repeatedly the events that led to the trauma, which helps to reduce the fear and unpleasant feelings associated with the trauma. Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing EMDR is a form of desensitisation that aims to reduce the distress caused by the events. Medication can also be helpful to reduce the chemical imbalance in the brain which gives rise to symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Our therapists will provide you the best course of treatment based on what is best suited to you and your needs. We offer the most up to date treatment for trauma.