How to Recognize the Warning Signs of Post-Traumatic Stress
What is Trauma?
trauma can have a lasting effect on a person’s mental and emotional well-being
The word “trauma” has recently become popular, mainstream, and challenging to understand. It has been used in clinical contexts to determine the severity of an injury. Therapists describe it as an event or experience that exceeds a person’s capacity to cope or an event that has damaged the soul. Either way, trauma can have a lasting effect on a person’s mental and emotional well-being.
Trauma is defined as a psychological or emotional response to an event or series of events that are distressing or harmful. It can result from a wide range of painful events, such as an accident, violent crime, natural disaster, combat scenario, or loss of a loved one. For survivors, these events may include physical or emotional abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and childhood sexual abuse. Trauma, particularly for sexual abuse survivors, can often lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is a condition that can develop after a person experiences a traumatic event. It can appear soon after or years later and disrupt a person’s daily life. Intrusive thoughts trigger memories of the event and cause them to experience it as if it’s occurring in the present. The brain will attempt to avoid or re-process the memories. The symptoms of PTSD can be overwhelming and include:
Flashbacks: Individuals with PTSD may experience vivid and distressing memories of the traumatic event, feeling as though they are reliving it. These flashbacks can be triggered by various stimuli, such as sights, sounds, or smells reminiscent of the trauma.
Nightmares: Frequent nightmares that revolve around the traumatic event can be a sign of PTSD. These dreams can be so distressing that they cause sleep disturbances.
Avoidance: Individuals with PTSD often avoid reminders of the traumatic event. This might include avoiding certain places, people, or activities that trigger distressing memories.
Hypervigilance: This can include being constantly on edge, easily startled, irritable, and having trouble concentrating. A survivor of sexual abuse can feel vulnerable and powerless and feel like they should always look for danger.
Negative Changes in Mood and Cognition: Individuals with PTSD may experience persistent negative thoughts and feelings related to the trauma, such as guilt, shame, or hopelessness. They may also have difficulty recalling specific details of the event or other life events.
Emotional Numbing: Emotional numbness involves detachment from one's emotions, loved ones, and the world. Individuals with PTSD may struggle to experience joy, love, or happiness. They don’t have adaptive ways to manage intense emotions or even feel a full range of emotions.
Increased Reactivity: An exaggerated response to stressors, including heightened anger or aggressive behaviors, can be indicative of PTSD.
It's important to note that not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. Some people are more resilient than others, and the severity of the trauma and individual factors play a role in determining the likelihood of developing the condition. If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs following a traumatic event, it is crucial to seek help from a supportive group and mental health professional.
Trees of Hope provides a secure and compassionate group environment, making it an excellent initial step to healing. A supportive network, validation, and education about the effects of trauma are vital in the healing process. Shelter groups are supportive environments where victims can share their experiences without fear of judgment. Please learn more about our upcoming Healing Groups in South Florida and Orlando. Shelter Online is also available for those not directly in the south/central Florida communities.
Trauma-informed therapy can be essential for survivors of sexual abuse to address and manage mental health challenges. Trees of Hope has partnered with *Hope Christian Counseling to offer virtual or in-person 1-on-1 counseling sessions.
* Please note that our counseling services have a cost associated with them but at a discounted rate.
