TRAUMA

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HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE DIFFICULTIES RELATED TO A TRAUMA? 

 

Traumatic events, which can be a one time occurrence or over an extended period of time, can impact one's self-concept or the way you adapt to stressors in your life.

 

Some common symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are: 

 

• intrusive memories about the trauma

• nightmares

• flashbacks

• avoiding any triggers that remind you of the trauma

• negative emotions related to the trauma

• feeling "not connected" to friends and family members 

• irritability

• problems with sleep 

• feeling hyperaware of one's surroundings and others 

 

An individual who has experienced trauma over a extended period of time may also experience additional symptoms such as:

 

• persistent sadness or depression

• explosive anger

• forgetting parts of the trauma

• feeling detached from one's body

• may feel helpless, shame, guilt

• feeling overwhelmed when thinking about the trauma

• using alcohol and/or substances to "numb out" feelings and thoughts about the trauma

• engaging in self-harm behaviors

• difficulties with managing relationships

 

 

TREATMENT OF TRAUMA 

 

There are two evidence-based treatments for PTSD, which are Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE). Both treatments are relatively short-term (12 to 16 sessions) and highly efficacious. As well, both treatments also incorporate skills on addressing interpersonal/relationship difficulties that are related to a trauma response.  

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