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Trauma

Difficulties We Work With

What is Trauma?

Most of us will experience a traumatic event in our lifetime. A traumatic event is something that is deeply distressing or disturbing. An event that may be traumatic for one person may not be traumatic for another.

Events which most people find traumatic include:​

  • Physical or sexual violence, assault and abuse
  • Car accidents or other life-threatening accidents such as falls or near drownings
  • Ongoing abuse such as bullying or family violence
  • Sudden unexpected death of a loved-one
  • Natural disasters
  • Combat or war zone experiences
  • Life-threatening illness
  • Serious injury, harm, or death you caused to someone else
  • Witnessing a fire or explosion
  • Exposure to toxic substance

Following such events, people experience lots of different feelings. They may experience frequent thoughts about the trauma, or re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks or dreams, low mood, or feelings of anxiety or stress.

For a large proportion of people, these symptoms will resolve on their own within about a month. But, this isn’t always the case. And, where symptoms continue or get worse over time, then it can lead to significant difficulties which interfere with their daily life.

These emotions can be overwhelming and can often lead to adverse effects, such as difficulty sleeping, health concerns, social withdrawal, self-compromise, and difficulty functioning in one’s self-esteem, relationships and other life pursuits.

You may want to consider seeking help if you are:

  • Having trouble functioning at home or work
  • Suffering from severe fear, anxiety, or depression
  • Unable to form close, satisfying relationships
  • Experiencing terrifying memories, nightmares, or flashbacks
  • Avoiding things that remind you of the trauma
  • Emotionally numb and feeling disconnected from others
  • Using alcohol or drugs to feel better
  • Finding it hard to concentrate.

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