Trauma
“We have learned that trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body. This imprint has ongoing consequences for how the human organism manages to survive in the present. Trauma results in a fundamental reorganization of the way mind and brain manage perceptions. It changes not only how we think and what we think about, but also our very capacity to think.”
― Bessel A. van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
TYPES OF TRAUMA
Physical, emotional, mental, and sexual abuse
Sexual assault and physical assault
Witnessing domestic violence, witnessing violence, or threat of violence
Being stalked
Job related trauma experienced/witnessed by police, fire, military, and first responders
Natural Disasters, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, fire, flooding, etc.
Homelessness and lack of access to food.
Serious accident, injury or medical procedures
School violence, including being bullied
Symptoms of Trauma:
Depression and anxiety
Difficulty concentrating, focusing, brain feels hazy at times
Difficulty sleeping
Restless, irritable, quick to angry outburst, on edge
Flashback, nightmares
Triggered by sights, sounds, smells, etc.
Feeling of a need to be in control, structured, routine
Guilt, shame, self-blame
Feeling disconnected, numb, isolating self
Hyper-vigilant, defensive
THERE IS HOPE…
Your body and mind keeps score of your trauma. Because of this, you experience trauma symptoms that can range from severe to mild. Some trauma symptoms may disappear over time; however, some trauma symptoms may become a part of you, such as need for control, anxiety, responding to triggers, irritability, etc. Trauma is much like a computer program on your computer. The program may be closed, but often times there is "stuff" running in the background. That "stuff" is your trauma symptoms and the program is the trauma. Addressing the trauma can and will reduce your trauma symptoms. There is hope and healing through therapy, education, medication management if needed, and support.
First Responders and Military
