What is Trauma?

Trauma is your mind and body’s response to highly distressing events. It can arise from experiences like physical or emotional abuse, accidents, natural disasters, violence, or significant loss. Trauma can overwhelm your ability to cope, disrupt your sense of safety, and lead to long-lasting emotional, cognitive, and physical effects. It may change how you view yourself, others, and the world, making it challenging to function and maintain your emotional well-being.

What is PTSD?

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a mental health condition that can develop after you experience trauma. It happens when your brain struggles to process that trauma, resulting in a prolonged stress response. You might feel trapped in your past, reliving the experience through intrusive thoughts or flashbacks, and you may deal with ongoing anxiety or emotional numbness. Without treatment, PTSD can disrupt your daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. However, therapy can help you reprocess the trauma and lessen its impact, allowing you to regain control and find a path toward healing.

It feels like this…

  • Flashbacks: Reliving the traumatic event as if it's happening again, including physical sensations and emotional responses.

  • Intrusive Memories: Unwanted and distressing thoughts about the trauma that can arise unexpectedly.

  • Nightmares: Disturbing dreams related to the traumatic event, which can lead to difficulty sleeping.

  • Avoidance: Steering clear of people, places, or activities that trigger memories of the trauma.

  • Emotional Numbness: A sense of detachment from feelings, leading to difficulty experiencing joy or sadness.

  • Hypervigilance: Constantly being “on alert,” leading to difficulty relaxing and an exaggerated startle response.

  • Irritability: Increased anger or frustration, often resulting in outbursts or conflicts with others.

  • Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing on tasks or making decisions due to preoccupation with traumatic memories.

  • Sleep Disturbances: Issues with falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep due to anxiety or nightmares.

  • Negative Mood and Cognition: Persistent negative thoughts about oneself or others, including feelings of worthlessness or self-blame.

  • Social Withdrawal: Isolating yourself from friends, family, or activities that you used to enjoy.

  • Physical Symptoms: Manifestations of anxiety such as headaches, stomachaches, or other unexplained physical issues.

  • Dissociation: Feeling disconnected from yourself or your surroundings, as if you're observing your life from outside your body.

  • Intense Guilt or Shame: Overwhelming feelings of guilt about surviving the trauma or shame about the circumstances surrounding it.

  • Loss of Interest: A diminished interest in activities that once brought you joy or fulfillment.