TRAUMA and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder)
Sometimes, as adults, the traumas we go through compound and leave a lasting impression on us. This build-up feels like an emotional residue that we can’t quite scrape off. We go through life with the nagging sense that something isn’t right. When this happens, it can be really difficult to get back to a baseline of peace, contentment and equanimity. Just like our bodies strive to reach and maintain homeostasis (a natural balance for optimum health), so does our brain. Extremely disturbing circumstances that overpower our ability to cope and assimilate the emotions associated with them can lead to PTSD.
Emotional and psychological trauma can result from a one-time event (like an accident), ongoing stress (such as illness or abuse), or other events we may overlook (like a breakup or surgery). If these events were unexpected, they can leave you feeling powerless because you could not prevent them. If they happen on a recurring basis, you can be left feeling confused, angry, guilty, anxious, disconnected, numb, and in shock. You may suffer from insomnia, an inability to concentrate, fatigue, agitation, aches and pains. While not immediately obvious, grief may also come into play. Grieving is normal following trauma. Death is not the only circumstance that triggers the natural reaction of grief. People who have suffered trauma also go through a grieving process. The path to recovery is a deeply personal one that takes time. However, if you find yourself struggling for months and you can’t seem to get back to feeling good or normal, it may be time to seek counseling.
Seek help for trauma if you’re:
Having trouble functioning at home or work
Suffering from fear, anxiety, or depression
Unable to form close, satisfying relationships
Experiencing terrifying memories, nightmares, or flashbacks
Avoiding more and more things that remind you of the trauma
Emotionally numb and disconnected from others
Using alcohol or drugs to feel better
Let me ask you …
Are you ready to start therapy with me? Call NOW for a free 20 minute consultation!
GRIEF
People mean well when they promise to be there if you need anything, but once the memorial is over and the last flower wilts, most go back to their lives and you are left to face your loss alone. Time may then seem to go by very slowly, and painful questions and thoughts may arise such as: “How long is this pain going to last?” “How am I going to survive?” “I can’t do this.” “I don’t want to live anymore.” “I am never going to be happy again.” “I wish I had/hadn’t …”
Grieving can be exhausting both emotionally and physically. Even the simplest things can become overwhelming. Tears seem to spring out of nowhere, holidays are bittersweet, and the few times you do laugh feel like a betrayal to your loss. Also, there seems to be no end in sight to this suffering.
Whether or not this is what you experience, it is important to remember everybody grieves differently and in their own time.
It IS POSSIBLE to find peace again.
It IS POSSIBLE to live with your loss and experience joy.
Seek help for grief if you:
Blame yourself for the loss or for failing to prevent it
Feel numb and disconnected from others for more than a few weeks
Are having difficulty trusting others since your loss
Are unable to perform your normal daily activities
Feel like life is not worth living
Let me ask you …
Are you ready to start therapy with me? Call NOW for a free 20 minute consultation!