Traumatic stress: What it is and how to cope with it
22-12-2022
Emotional and psychological trauma is an emotional response to a terrible and deeply distressing event. It can overwhelm your ability to cope, cause you to feel helpless, diminish your sense of self, and your ability to feel a full range of emotions and experiences. Events which may cause traumatic stress could include an accident, natural disaster, experience of war, bomb attack, sexual assault or the illness of a loved one. It could be said that traumatic stress is our natural reaction to abnormal events.
It is typical to be in a state of shock and/or denial immediately after a traumatic event. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks of the unwanted experience, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea. Even though these feelings are normal, some people have difficulty moving past the event and on with their lives.
Symptoms of trauma
The response to a traumatic event varies among people, but there are some basic, common symptoms, as outlined below.
Emotional signs
These may lead to:
Physical symptoms
Psychological disorders:
Not every person who experiences trauma will develop long-term psychological conditions. Symptoms usually get better with time - some people’s symptoms disappear after a few weeks. This is called acute stress disorder (ASD).
People with more intense symptoms may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and may need the help of a professional to cope with the ordeal.
How to cope with traumatic stress
There are effective ways to cope with and treat the stressful effects of trauma. Here are some things that could help:
Therapies for trauma
Individuals experiencing trauma can benefit from talking with a psychologist. A therapist can help you understand your situation and look at it from a different perspective; teach you healthy strategies to express yourself; and find ways to cope in the aftermath of a traumatic event as you get back on your feet and become stronger.
Start your online therapy journey
Our qualified psychologists can guide you through ways to deal with traumatic stress or any other challenges you may be facing. Select the one that is right for you.
Start now
If you enjoyed this article, you might also be interested in Secondary traumatic stress: Is it real?
It is typical to be in a state of shock and/or denial immediately after a traumatic event. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks of the unwanted experience, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea. Even though these feelings are normal, some people have difficulty moving past the event and on with their lives.
Symptoms of trauma
The response to a traumatic event varies among people, but there are some basic, common symptoms, as outlined below.
Emotional signs
- Sadness
- Anger
- Denial
- Fear
- Shame
These may lead to:
- Nightmares
- Insomnia
- Relationship difficulties
- Emotional outbursts
Physical symptoms
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Altered sleep patterns
- Changes in appetite
- Headaches
Psychological disorders:
- PTSD
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Dissociative disorders
- Substance abuse
Not every person who experiences trauma will develop long-term psychological conditions. Symptoms usually get better with time - some people’s symptoms disappear after a few weeks. This is called acute stress disorder (ASD).
People with more intense symptoms may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and may need the help of a professional to cope with the ordeal.
How to cope with traumatic stress
There are effective ways to cope with and treat the stressful effects of trauma. Here are some things that could help:
- Lean on your loved ones for support – either by talking about your feelings or getting help with household tasks and other obligations.
- Face your feelings – It’s normal to not want to talk about a traumatic event, but isolating yourself and using substances to escape reminders are not healthy ways to cope and may prolong your healing process. Try to ease back into a normal routine gradually.
- Prioritise self-care – Do your best to eat nutritious meals, get regular physical exercise and a good night’s sleep. Other healthy coping strategies include meditation, relaxation, or spending time outdoors in nature.
- Be patient – It’s normal to have a strong reaction to a distressing event. Take things one day at a time as you recover and be kind to yourself.
Therapies for trauma
Individuals experiencing trauma can benefit from talking with a psychologist. A therapist can help you understand your situation and look at it from a different perspective; teach you healthy strategies to express yourself; and find ways to cope in the aftermath of a traumatic event as you get back on your feet and become stronger.
Start your online therapy journey
Our qualified psychologists can guide you through ways to deal with traumatic stress or any other challenges you may be facing. Select the one that is right for you.
Start now
If you enjoyed this article, you might also be interested in Secondary traumatic stress: Is it real?
