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James J. De Santis, Ph.D. Post Office Box 894, Glendora, CA 91740-0894 (818) 551-1714 The reader is welcome to print any screen from this website for personal use only as long as author, copyright, and contact information are not removed. What is Traumatic Stress? Stress is a normal part of modern life; we cannot eliminate all stress from our world. Traumatic stress is different, however. Traumatic stress results from extreme or potentially life-changing events that cause a person to experience an unusually strong reaction. A person's usual capacity to function may be temporarily overwhelmed. Causes of traumatic stress include such things as natural or man-made disaster like earthquake, fire, flood, air crash, explosions, hazardous materials spill, riot, or building collapse. Crime, such as assault, robbery, burglary, rape, or domestic violence, can also cause traumatic stress. War-related experiences and serious injury situations can cause trauma. Witnessing a tragic event like a murder or suicide can also produce traumatic stress. Even just the perceived threat of a serious event can be traumatic. Trauma often results in one or more losses: Loss of income, job, or possessions Loss of physical health Loss of time now spent with bureaucracies Loss of routine or lifestyle Loss of a sense of personal security and control Loss of self-worth Loss of hope in the future Loss of trust in other people Loss of belief in a "just" world A reaction to traumatic stress is a normal response to an abnormal event. Symptoms may be intensified by previous exposures to trauma. Symptoms may persist well after the trauma. In some cases, symptoms may not appear until well after the event. Anniversaries and holidays can remind the person of the event and trigger a renewed reaction. Signs of Traumatic Stress A reaction to a traumatic event can include symptoms from any of the four domains below: 1. Physical Signs Rapid heart rate Profuse sweating Physical tension or muscle tremors Nausea or vomiting Fatigue, feeling drained Changes in sleep pattern and in appetite Non-specific aches and pains 2. Cognitive Signs Recurring and intrusive thoughts or images Nightmares Changes in alertness and memory Difficulty making decisions Denial or disbelief Suspiciousness and hypervigilance 3. Emotional Signs Anxiety and fear Irritability or moodiness Depression or emotional numbness Feeling overwhelmed Guilt, shame, or self-blame Grief Sensitivity to reminders of the event Loss of interest in usual activities 4. Behavioral Signs Restlessness or pacing Intense startle reflex Social withdrawal and detachment Outbursts, conflicts with others Increased addictive behavior Drop-off of customary performance What You Can Do There are a number of strategies available to cope better with traumatic stress. The trauma survivor can: Slow down a little, but keep your normal routine. Structure your time, keep busy. Keep goals manageable. Focus on priorities. Focus on your strengths and coping skills. Maintain a well-balanced diet. Maintain regular physical activity. Take time for relaxation and rest. Spend time with other people. Talk about the event, ventilate feelings. Take time to grieve. Avoid making any major life decisions. Avoid self-medication with alcohol or drugs. Family and friends of the trauma survivor can: Take time to listen and understand. Give additional attention. Be supportive and patient. Avoid minimizing the experience. Be flexible with roles and obligations. Allow time to heal. Spend time with their loved one. Offer help even if their loved one hasn't asked. Help with everyday tasks. Take time for relaxation and recreation. When To Seek Help In most cases, symptoms of traumatic stress subside in about 6 to 12 weeks. If symptoms do not start to fade in about one month, evaluation by a mental health professional may be warranted. Depending on the person, treatment can include a number of interventions: Individual counseling often is short-term and uses a supportive and educational approach. The person is encouraged to review the traumatic events, ventilate emotional feelings, and develop plans for future recovery. They may be coached in relaxation techniques, steps to manage the feelings, or how to grieve. Family therapy may help sustain relationships through the recovery period. Group therapy has been shown to be helpful with people who have gone through similar traumatic events, such as disaster or war. Medication may help reduce symptoms, especially if anxiety or depression are severe. A good recovery is predicted by a rapid onset of symptoms, short duration of symptoms, strong social support network, and absence of any other sources of stress. |
Traumatic Stress & Recovery |