Emotional and Psychological Trauma

Emotional and psychological trauma is a serious health condition that can occur as a result of traumatizing events. These events can include auto accidents, a life-threatening illness, disabling condition, the end of an important relationship or an experience that was very disappointing or humiliating. Generally, in order for the event to cause this kind of trauma, it will have been unexpected and the person experiencing the event felt there was nothing they could do to prevent it.
Research now indicates that emotional and psychological trauma is highly linked to the structure of the brain itself. Brain scans conducted on individuals who have experienced this type of trauma have revealed that the very structure of the brain as well as the brain’s function can be changed by the trauma.

It should be noted that emotional and psychological trauma is not the same as mere stress. Generally, emotional and psychological trauma will result in a much longer residual effect than stress. There are other differences as well. Persons who are only stressed are usually able to speak about their stress with others and will usually respond to a fairly normal state rather quickly, even if they may remain disturbed the incident. Persons who are experiencing emotional or psychological trauma may not be able to communicate their emotions or they may experience emotions that are highly intense.

In some cases two people can experience the exact same event and one will develop emotional trauma while the other does not. This is because each person’s experience of the event is highly unique and individual. The person’s own history may also influence their risk of developing emotional trauma as well as the meaning of the event to them. Their ability to cope with difficult situations, as well as their values and belief system can also contribute to their ability to either withstand the event or develop trauma. Finally, the reactions of their support system and the support lent by friends and family can also play an important role in whether someone will develop trauma or not.

The symptoms of emotional and psychological trauma include problems sleeping, problems eating, low energy, chronic pain, anxiety, a sense of fear, obsessive or compulsive behaviors, depression, panic attacks, irritability, withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, problems making decisions and distraction. It should be noted that these symptoms may occur immediately or may be delayed for months or years after the triggering event. In some cases, symptoms may be triggered by another event that causes the person to re-experience the event. This can occur as nightmares, flashbacks or sudden images or thoughts related to the event. This type of experience is most common with child abuse, rape, war experiences, and experience related to either natural disasters or serious accidents.
Emotional and psychological trauma can be treated with relaxation and stress reduction techniques, hypnosis and many different types of therapy and counseling.

 
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