What Is Post-Traumatic Stress?

Post-traumatic stress (PTS) is a natural response to experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While many people recover with time, others may continue to experience distressing symptoms that interfere with daily life. When these symptoms persist, it may be diagnosed as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress

People who experience PTS may face a range of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms, including:

• Intrusive Thoughts – Flashbacks, nightmares, or distressing memories of the traumatic event.
• Avoidance – Steering clear of places, people, or situations that remind them of the trauma.
• Negative Changes in Mood and Thinking – Feelings of guilt, detachment, or hopelessness.
• Hyperarousal – Irritability, difficulty sleeping, or being constantly on edge.

Causes and Risk Factor

PTS can result from a variety of traumatic experiences, such as:

• Combat or military service
• Physical or sexual assault
• Serious accidents
• Natural disasters
• Sudden loss of a loved one
• Childhood abuse or neglect

Not everyone who experiences trauma develops long-term stress reactions, but factors such as past trauma, lack of support, or pre-existing mental health conditions can increase the risk.

Options for coping, healing and thriving:

• Therapy – Trauma-Informed Therapy
• Support Groups – Connecting with others who have experienced similar trauma can provide reassurance and validation.
• Self-Care Strategies – Regular exercise, mindfulness, and grounding techniques can help reduce symptoms and improve well-being.

What is Trauma?

Trauma refers to any event or experience that is emotionally distressing or disturbing and has lasting effects on an individual’s mental health and well-being. There are different forms of trauma that an individual can experience, including:

• Acute trauma: This type of trauma results from a single event, such as a car accident, natural disaster, or physical assault. The effects of acute trauma can be immediate and intense, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Chronic trauma: This type of trauma results from ongoing or repeated exposure to stressful or traumatic events, such as child abuse, domestic violence, or being in a warzone. The effects of chronic trauma can be cumulative, leading to long-term psychological and physical health problems.
• Complex trauma: This type of trauma is a combination of both acute and chronic trauma and often results from exposure to multiple traumatic events over an extended period. Complex trauma can lead to a range of psychological symptoms, including dissociation, depression, and difficulties with interpersonal relationships.
• Vicarious trauma: This type of trauma results from exposure to traumatic events or stories experienced by others, such as emergency services, healthcare workers, or therapists. Vicarious trauma can lead to symptoms such as secondary traumatic stress disorder, burnout, and compassion fatigue.
• Developmental trauma: This type of trauma occurs during childhood and can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s emotional and psychological development. Developmental trauma can result from neglect, physical or sexual abuse, or other forms of family dysfunction, and can lead to a range of mental health issues, including attachment disorders, anxiety, and depression.

The effects of trauma can be far-reaching and can impact various areas of an individual’s life. Some of the common effects of trauma include:

• Psychological effects: Trauma can lead to a range of psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dissociation, flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.
• Emotional effects: Trauma can cause an individual to experience a range of emotions, including anger, guilt, shame, sadness, and fear.
• Physical effects: Trauma can also impact an individual’s physical health, leading to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, chronic pain, and autoimmune disorders.
• Behaviour: Trauma can also impact an individual’s behaviour, leading to changes in sleep patterns, substance abuse, self-harm, and other forms of self-destructive behaviour.
• Cognitive effects: Trauma can impact an individual’s ability to concentrate, make decisions, and process information. It can also impact an individual’s memory and lead to difficulties with learning and problem-solving.
• Interpersonal effects: Trauma can impact an individual’s relationships with others, leading to difficulties with trust, intimacy, and communication.

Here are some self-care strategies that may be helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma:

• Seek professional support: Consider reaching out to We Are Survivors who offer Trauma-informed therapy and other support options. They can help you process your feelings and develop coping skills to manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
• Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help you stay present in the moment and regulate your emotions.
• Exercise: Engaging in physical activity can be an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety, and it can also boost your mood.
• Connect with others: Talking with loved ones and seeking social support can help you feel less isolated and alone. You may also find it helpful to join one of We Are Survivor’s support groups.
• Engage in activities you enjoy: Taking time to engage in activities that you find enjoyable can be an effective way to reduce stress and boost your mood. This might include activities like reading, writing, painting, or listening to music.

Remember, self-care is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and it’s important to find the strategies that work best for you.