The Impact of Psychological Trauma
Psychological trauma can have an enormous impact on the life of the person experiencing it, whether it’s due to a one-time event or recurring over time. It can cause physical symptoms, like headaches or trouble sleeping, as well as psychological ones, such as fear, anxiety, and depression, leading to substance abuse and other self-destructive behaviors and then leading to things like heart disease in later life. It’s important that we understand the impact psychological trauma has on our lives, so we can take steps to heal and prevent these issues from coming up again in the future.
Physical trauma versus psychological trauma
Physical trauma is any injury to a person’s body, either from an accident or assault. Psychological trauma, on the other hand, is a result of words and actions—verbal abuse, name-calling, and bullying are common causes—that affect an individual deeply. The effects can be long-lasting and distressing; often, psychological trauma isn’t discovered until years after it occurs. In fact, psychological traumas such as childhood abuse are believed to be at least partially responsible for up to half of all mental illnesses in adulthood. Some studies have found that children who experienced physical abuse were 30 percent more likely to develop a psychiatric disorder later in life than their peers who weren’t physically harmed as children.
Statistics
According to statistics, about 10 percent of people between 25 and 65 have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is believed to be due to physical or psychological trauma. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and extreme anxiety. Those who experience more severe symptoms are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, attempt suicide, or avoid activities that remind them of their trauma. Although most people recover from PTSD with treatment, some develop a chronic form that lasts at least three months after experiencing an event that causes psychological trauma. Long-term effects are similar to those resulting from physical injury: social isolation, financial problems, and a lack of trust in others can make life difficult for sufferers.
Signs of psychological trauma
Signs and symptoms that are commonly experienced by people who have experienced psychological trauma include Persistent re-experiencing of a traumatic event(s), as indicated by recurrent and intrusive distressing recollections, thoughts, images, or perceptions. The person may have repeated feelings (flashbacks) that are triggered by something in their environment; Nightmares about traumatic events; Acting out disturbing war scenes with toys or other objects, or using words to describe frightening pictures. Increased anxiety, which can be physical (such as problems sleeping or constant worrying), emotional (such as irritability, guilt, or panic), and/or behavioral (such as avoiding certain situations). This symptom can also affect how a child behaves at school.
What happens during a traumatic event?
During a traumatic event, there are three reactions that can occur. These are fight or flight, freezing or submission, and fainting. Some people respond to a traumatic event by fighting back against their assailant, attempting to escape from their situation, or if possible immediately going for help. While others may be unable to react at all and simply submit to what is happening around them. Those who have experienced trauma sometimes experience time as though it were moving slowly when they are in an event, as well as things seeming unreal during these moments. The last reaction during a traumatic event can be fainting, where some individuals have passed out from not being able to handle whatever is happening due to an overload of adrenaline rushing through their bodies, which causes them either pass out or become frozen in place.
Psychological effects
The psychological effects associated with trauma are wide-ranging and can affect people differently. Some have a difficult time sleeping, while others have recurring nightmares or insomnia. Often, children develop new fears after going through a traumatic event. In addition to these symptoms, anxiety is also common among those who experience trauma. The individual may feel anxious when faced with situations that remind them of their trauma, which can lead to increased isolation and depression. People who have experienced psychological trauma may benefit from therapy in order to gain back control over their lives by processing and coming to terms with what happened.
Taking control
During times of psychological trauma, it’s easy to feel powerless. Oftentimes we have no control over what caused our traumatic experiences—we may not even understand why they happened—and coming to terms with that can be difficult. But if you’re someone who has suffered from a traumatic event or is looking for ways to better cope with past traumas, it’s crucial that you do whatever you can to take control over your life again. From controlling how much time you spend dwelling on bad memories to picking up new hobbies and learning something new, here are some tips for taking back your life after a traumatic experience
Seeking help
It’s possible to overcome psychological trauma without professional help. But when you experience something disturbing, it can be difficult to think clearly and rationally. It’s crucial to seek help from a mental health professional as soon as possible if you want to recover effectively and fully. Speaking with someone can provide a sense of relief in knowing that your traumatic experiences are not abnormal, but also remind you that there is hope for recovery. If you or someone you know has experienced psychological trauma, we encourage you to reach out for support right away. It’s OK—and necessary—to get help!
Here are some organizations and their website addresses that you may find useful:
American Psychological Association (APA) – https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma/stress
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAM) –https://www.nami.org/About Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Posttraumatic-Stress-Disorder/Support