Trauma and PTSD

 Common symptoms after trauma include:

• intrusive thoughts, including flashbacks or nightmares
• avoiding things that remind you of the trauma
• hypervigilance or being very aware of danger
• being easily startled or “jumpy”
• being activated by triggers  that remind you of the trauma
• changes in how you see yourself, such as believing you are “bad,” or feeling excess guilt or shame
• feel overwhelmed easily or have difficulty controlling your emotions

Traumatic stress can show up in your physical health, too. Body-based effects are known as somatic symptoms and can include:

• chronic pain
• sleep problems
• chest pain
• headaches
• chronic pain

   Trauma is less about the event and more about how you responded. But some events are more likely to lead to trauma than others.

The following events can lead to trauma:

• medical trauma
• sexual trauma
• family trauma
• refugee trauma
• traumatic grief
• terrorism and violence
• domestic violence
• disaster trauma
• childhood neglect 

Overcoming trauma is a challenging process, but it is achievable. Trauma-focused psychotherapy is one of the most effective ways to facilitate PTSD recovery.

Therapies for trauma, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
• Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy

Other therapies, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) are conditionally recommended.

In addition to traditional psychotherapy, expressive arts, like creative writing or theater, can also aid in treating PTSD and facilitating recovery. 

Self-care and self-compassion can be challenging for many trauma survivors. Working with a trauma therapist can help you develop these essential skills, which can have long-lasting effects on various aspects of your life.

Psychoeducation is another helpful tool to aid in understanding your symptoms, which can be a significant step towards healing. Reading stories about trauma and PTSD recovery from leading experts can be empowering and inspiring.