If experiencing a distressing situation wasn’t enough, the aftereffects of it ca last for a long time and can profoundly affect mental and physical health. At times, these aftereffects can lead to the development of mental health dysfunctions, primarily referred to as ‘Trauma Disorders’. In-depth comprehension of these can help us empathize better with people suffering from them, provide them with the needed support, and seek appropriate professional help.
Understanding Trauma Disorders
Trauma disorders primarily stem from distressing, threatening, or catastrophic events, leaving an everlasting effect on the victim’s mind. They cause severe disturbances to normal functioning and lead to dire symptoms that can persist for weeks, months, or even years. Trauma disorders broadly include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Acute Stress Reaction, and Adjustment disorders, each varying in their etiology, symptoms, severity, and duration.
PTSD, the widely recognized trauma disorder, develops after experiences involving severe physical harm or threat. Victims may experience recurring, involuntary memories of the horrifying event, commonly known as ‘flashbacks’, persistent efforts to avoid stimuli associated with the trauma, and unending feelings of fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame.
Causes Of Trauma Disorders
Trauma disorders conventionally stem from a catastrophic experience or happening that poses a serious threat to the individual’s life, safety, or physical integrity. These circumstances can range from personal ordeals like accidents, assaults, abuse, or severe illness to large-scale disasters such as wars, earthquakes, or pandemics. Interestingly, it is not necessary for the individual to directly experience these; witnessing such events or hearing about them happening to a loved one can also lead to trauma disorders.
Symptoms
The symptoms of trauma disorders can manifest in various forms at various intervals. They can be cognitive, like poor concentration and memory problems; behavioral, such as social isolation and self-destructive behavior; emotional, like feelings of fear, anger, guilt, and shame; and physical, like sleep disturbance and startled response. Even though these symptoms might seem quite unsettling, recognizing them can pave the way towards seeking professional help and treatment.
Treatment
For victims of trauma disorders, it is crucial to seek professional help to start the healing process. Psychotherapy forms the cornerstone of the treatment approach and includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). In CBT, patients learn to identify and manage anxiety-provoking thoughts. EMDR is another therapeutic approach that enables the brain to resume its natural healing process.
In addition to psychotherapy, various medications may help manage the symptoms. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and sleep aids are commonly prescribed. Additionally, the involvement of friends, families, and support groups plays an invaluable role in the healing process. They can provide the emotional and social support necessary for recovery.
Conclusion
Trauma disorders bring a whirlwind of distress into the lives of people affected by them. The residual impacts of horrifying or threatening incidents can leave profound effects on their mental health, disrupting their daily life cycle. However, it is crucial to understand that, like other diseases, trauma disorders are treatable. With a combination of therapy, medication, and social support, individuals can regain lost control and resume their normal lives.
FAQs
1. What are trauma disorders, and what causes them?
Trauma disorders primarily stem from distressing, threatening, or catastrophic events that cause severe disturbances to normal functioning. PTSD, Acute Stress Reaction, and Adjustment disorders are some types of trauma disorders.
2. Who can be at risk for trauma disorders?
Anyone who has experienced, witnessed, or heard about traumatic events or happenings is at risk for developing trauma disorders. This includes victims of accidents, assaults, abuse, or sufferers of severe illnesses and spectators of disasters or wars.
3. How are trauma disorders treated?
Professional treatment involving psychotherapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and medications like antidepressants and sleep aids are effective remedies for trauma disorders. Support from friends and family also plays an irreplaceable role in recovery.
4. Should a person with trauma disorder symptoms seek immediate professional help?
Yes, one should not delay seeking professional help if they or their loved ones are showing symptoms of trauma disorders. Early intervention and appropriate treatment result in the best outcomes.
