Brisbane City Psychologists Advice Trauma

Understanding and Overcoming Trauma

Life is unpredictable, and, at times, we or someone close to us may experience a highly stressful or traumatic event.

Traumatic events could include experiencing violence or workplace bullying, being involved in a car accident or even an armed hold-up. Although there are differences in how people respond, an experience like this can lead us to experience many different reactions. This is because it overwhelms our usual coping mechanisms for some time.

More information about Complex Trauma >

More information about Post-traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD >

Reactions You May Notice After a Traumatic Event

Avoiding situations in order to avoid remembering the event
Dreams or nightmares
Sadness and depression
Finding it difficult to concentrate or make decisions
Withdrawing from interactions with others
Reduced libido, and declining interest in relationships
Increased consumption of alcohol or other substances
Reduced motivation at work.

Feeling numb initially, and perhaps even detached from others
A sense of disbelief at what has happened
Difficulty accepting the reality of what has occurred
A high level of anxiety, or fear – for your own safety, or the safety of family members
Guilt at not having been able to help others (termed ‘survivor guilt’)
Anger and irritability
Being easily startled
Frequent thoughts or images of the event, and trying to make sense of it

These trauma symptoms are usually short-term: Here’s how to get through it

Although these reactions may be a common part of the recovery process, the good news is that they will usually diminish over a period of days or a few weeks. During this time, you may find it helpful to focus on the following:

Plan your days over the next few weeks and include time for relaxation and exercise in addition to work and chores. Don’t push yourself too hard – the goal is to improve your emotional wellbeing.

Allow yourself the time to recover and accept that, although you will experience unpleasant feelings for a period of time, these will diminish and you can get through this.

Allow yourself the time to think about the event, particularly if you feel drawn to do so. This is part of the recovery process.

Discuss the event with others, if you feel the need to. However, if you don’t feel ready for this, then that is fine, too. Some people prefer to journal their thoughts and feelings instead.

Maintain a good sleep routine as much as possible. If you find it difficult to sleep, try to even get some rest.

Put off making any major life decisions until things have settled.

Pay attention to nutrition and eating healthy foods.

Try to avoid using drugs or alcohol to cope, as these can create additional problems for you in the long run.

Trauma symptoms are not settling down: What do I do next?

If, after a few weeks, things are not settling, or earlier if you’re having trouble coping, it may be time to get some support. Remember that you don’t have to do things alone.

Psychological treatment can help you cope with difficult feelings and their impact on your day-to-day life.

Evidence-based treatments such as Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy and EMDR Therapy have been well-researched and shown to be highly effective in treating the effects of trauma and other conditions.

If you are experiencing the ongoing effects of a trauma in your life, speak to your GP or psychologist to find out how treatment can help you get your life back to normal using the best evidence-based treatments.

Trauma Resources

The Science Behind EMDR Therapy: How Eye Movements Facilitate Healing

19/07/2023

EMDR Therapy: Bilateral Stimulation Types Options

03/05/2023

Brisbane City Psychologists - PTSD and Trauma

Understanding and Recovering from PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

10/10/2022

Brisbane City Psychologists Advice Trauma

Advice for Coping with Trauma

19/03/2018

What is Psychological Trauma?

10/05/2017

Trauma Treatment Brisbane

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