Around 60% of men and 50% of women experience trauma at least once in their
lifetime.
Going through a traumatic event is
bad enough in itself, but the long-term effects of trauma can have a serious
impact on your life.
Understanding some of the effects of
trauma on the brain and body could be the first step in getting better.
Read on as we look at what you
should know about the lasting effects of trauma and how you can get help.
Mental
Health Effects
Trauma can have both mental and
physical effects. There are multiple mental health symptoms that you may
experience.
Panic
Attacks
Panic attacks are a sudden feeling
of intense anxiety. They may be accompanied by physical symptoms such as
sweating palms, shaking, or breathlessness.
Panic attacks are an exaggerated
form of your body's response to danger.
Hypervigilance
Hypervigilance is remaining in a
high state of alert, constantly on the lookout for danger or threats. This is a
form of hyperarousal that specifically relates to the expectation of further
danger.
Depression
and Social Isolation
People who have suffered trauma will
often display symptoms of depression and low-self esteem. This can sometimes
include social isolation; keeping yourself apart from other people.
This can have negative consequences
as you are avoiding those people who may most be able to help you.
Risk-Taking
Behavior
Another quite common effect of
trauma is exhibiting risk-taking tendencies. This involves seeking out
activities that could potentially put you in harm's way such as substance
abuse, risky sexual behavior, eating disorders, and more.
Physical
Health Effects
Studies have shown that trauma may
also increase your risk of developing physical health conditions, including
long-term or chronic illnesses.
If you're experiencing poor physical
health, it's vital that you speak to a medical professional.
Getting
Help
If you are suffering from the
effects of trauma, there are things that can help.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is
a therapy that involves training yourself to think in a different way. It
teaches you techniques to avoid falling into negative thinking and helps you to
gain control of your thoughts and responses.
EMDR Therapy is a therapy used in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD). It involves recalling the traumatic event whilst making
specific eye movements. This is supposed to help your brain process the trauma
and has been shown to be effective for many people.
Counseling involves talking through
your experiences to try to come to terms with them. Group therapy, with people
who have had similar experiences, can also help.
You could also be prescribed
medication to help moderate some of your symptoms. This includes products such
as anti-depressants.
Are
You Suffering From the Effects of Trauma?
If you recognize any of the effects
of trauma in yourself or a loved one, then the good news is that there are
steps you can take to help.
Speak to a professional who may be
able to recommend treatment that can improve your symptoms, such as EMDR or
counseling. Trauma can have a serious impact on your life, so don't suffer in
silence. Reach out for help and it could make all the difference.
For more useful content, be sure to
check out the rest of the site.
