Trauma

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex psychological condition that can develop after an individual is directly involved in or witnesses a traumatic event. The symptoms of PTSD can manifest in various ways, significantly affecting a person's emotional and physical well-being and altering their sense of self, significantly altering who they were before the trauma

One hallmark of PTSD is the occurrence of intrusive thoughts linked to the traumatic event. These thoughts may emerge unexpectedly as flashbacks or fragments of the memory, accompanied by intense emotions, physical sensations, and/or physiological reactions. Flashbacks can create the feeling of being transported back to the moment of trauma, briefly disconnecting individuals from present reality. Nightmares are another common symptom, sometimes reenacting the traumatic memory or presenting seemingly unrelated fears in a dream state.

People with PTSD often encounter emotional and physical reactions triggered by specific sounds, such as a car backfiring or the sound of a particular tone of voice, smells such as the smell of fire or smoke, locations that resemble a place of the traumatic setting, or dates tied to the trauma. These cause a triggering reaction in the body and can evoke feelings like sadness, anger, fear, anxiety, emotional numbness, or detachment—often as a means of avoidance.

Individuals may find themselves withdrawing emotionally, losing interest in hobbies or social activities that once brought them joy and fulfillment. Their outlook on life may become bleak, characterized by negative and distorted views of others and the belief that the world is inherently dangerous or untrustworthy. This perspective is frequently coupled with a sense of personal inadequacy, forming a persistent pattern of thought that impacts self-esteem and important relationships.

PTSD can also present as heightened physical and emotional vigilance, which can appear protective and alert. Sometimes this hypervigilance may not even be recognized as it is encoded in the physical body, prompting a physically exaggerated startle response to sudden sounds, movements, or unexpected touches. Hyperarousal symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping and maintaining focus, can interfere with daily functioning, making it more challenging to complete tasks, engage in conversations, and retain memories.

Some individuals may resort to self-destructive behaviors as a means of coping with emotional distress. These behaviors include substance misuse (alcohol being a common choice), destroying relationships, reckless actions, knee-jerk reactions without thinking of consequences, or self-harm, which may emerge as unhealthy coping mechanisms to numb emotional distress temporarily. Unfortunately, these behaviors typically exacerbate difficulties and can lead to serious health risks.

Trauma often disrupts the brain's capacity to regulate emotions, leading to swift and intense mood swings that may appear disproportionate to the situation. Emotional numbness, irritability, and trust issues can strain interpersonal relationships, further amplifying the adverse effects of PTSD.

Truhearted is trauma-informed and provides therapy with a holistic view in mind. Eye Movement Desensitization and reprocessing helps decrease the negative psychological and neurological interactions concerning PTSD trauma history. (See EMDR or "What is Trauma?" for more information.) Trauma-informed care, combined with cognitive behavioral therapy, can help individuals change the way they think and perceive, as well as their behavioral responses. 

Without proper mental health treatment, PTSD can be long-serving, impacting every area of an individual's life, resulting in tumultuous living, or it can eat the inside of you as you sit in silence, distant and alone.