Trauma and anxiety tend to intertwine within each other
According to the mind organization, Trauma is defined as the experience of a very stressful, frightening or distressing event that is difficult to cope with.
As we know anxiety can be defined as excessive worry and it can be classified into different categories.
Trauma and Anxiety tend to go hand and hand during these situations.
When facing a difficult traumatic event, your brain tends to utilize its built-in alarm system
The Amygdala is activated in moments of crisis.
This organ is responsible for your bodily reaction which tells you whether to fight, flight or freeze.
After you experience a trauma your alarm system becomes extremely sensitive.
Depending on the trauma certain smells, sounds, holidays, and environments can become triggers.
When you are triggered, your body becomes overwhelmed with anxiety.
Some may even experience panic attacks when they are overwhelmed with fear.
There are mental health diagnoses that incorporate both trauma and anxiety as key symptoms
Disorders such as Adjustment disorder, Post traumatic stress disorder and Acute stress disorder are few examples of how trauma and anxiety tend to overlap each other.
When an individual endures a traumatic event it can bring out unsafe and unhealthy coping strategies to “numb” the feeling.
Trauma can be triggered by multiple factors and without treatment it can become extremely debilitating.
Trauma victims often experience a series of mood changes.
According to the Mind organization (2023) reports the following emotions common in trauma victims:
- Anger
- Numbness or difficulty feeling any strong emotions
- Like you have lost your identity or a sense of who you are
- Scared or panicked
- Grief
- Worried
- Irritable
- Confused
- Restless
- Unsure of what you need or want
- Hypervigilance – which is when you are very alert and aware of your surroundings because you feel something bad might happen
- Shock or horror
- Shame
Trauma can come in all shapes and sizes
It is important to acknowledge your client and validate their emotions.
Trauma victims often struggle to disclose personal information.
When meeting a trauma victim provide them with support, safety, and care.
Remember that not all victims are the same.
Some may not respond to your affection due to their traumatic history.
In order to help traumatized clients look for a counselor or a mental health care provider that specializes in that specific field.
There are treatments available to help trauma victims.
The Depression Association of America or ADAA(2021) notes that “the most commonly used treatments are eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), exposure therapy, trauma focused-cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and Medications(SSRIs and/or SNRIs)(ADAA, 2021).
Some have chosen to utilize a combination of both therapy and medications to address their mental health.
So now what?
Well, all information you have read, take a minute to breathe and ask yourself this: Am I ready to take the next step?
If your answer is yes, start with a simple google search or ask your physician what services are available in your area.
Take a minute to think about what type of therapy you are willing to try.
Remember not to be so hard on yourself, things take time to develop.
If you answer no, that is perfectly fine.
You can always start small.
For example, start thinking about what type of therapist you would like to have or you could even develop a support system.
Look within yourself and make a list of trusted supports that are available when you need them.
The goal is to remind yourself what your priorities are and to communicate your needs at all times.
This post was written by Jasmine P., and published by Convenient Counseling Services.
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