Trauma is an emotional response to a distressing event, such as an accident, natural disaster, abuse, violence or any situation where an individual felt a strong sense of threat to their wellbeing and/or life. It can have lasting adverse effects on an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
- Symptoms: Shock, denial, unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, nightmares, hyper vigilance, being easily startled, strained relationships, difficulties with trust, negative thoughts and physical symptoms like headaches or nausea.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can develop soon after the event or even years later.
Common symptoms include:
- Re-experiencing: Flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts about the trauma.
- Avoidance: Avoiding reminders of the trauma, such as places, people, or activities.
- Negative changes in thoughts and mood: Feelings of detachment, negative beliefs about oneself or the world, inability to experience positive emotions.
- Hyperarousal: Being easily startled, feeling tense or “on edge,” difficulty sleeping, angry outbursts.
