Accomplishing the types of everyday tasks that many people take for granted can present an overwhelming challenge for trauma survivors. Seemingly simple activities like going to the grocery store, driving to an appointment, or attending an event in support of family may seem impossible in the aftermath of trauma. When functioning properly, the fight, flight,… Read More
As a trauma specialist, I’m the one people turn to after they have survived the most horrific of human experiences. Sometimes this happens immediately after the traumatic event. Other times, it takes years or even decades. Even though I’m a professional, whenever someone trusts me with this type of disclosure, I worry about my ability… Read More
One of the biggest challenges trauma survivors face is in developing and maintaining relationships. Understandably, survivors of interpersonal trauma have experienced a profound violation of trust in a relationship that should have been trustworthy, but they are not the only trauma survivors who struggle with getting close to others. I often hear things like “I… Read More
Some tragedies leave physical scars. While these injuries can be painful and debilitating, they are often understood by the sufferer and those around them because the impact can be readily seen. However, in the aftermath of a trauma, emotional suffering can be challenging to identify and understand because it isn’t visible. Because of this, PTSD… Read More
Repeated unwanted thoughts are an unpleasant reminder of trauma. These thoughts might be triggered by a sight, sound, smell, person, place, or thing. But they can also appear without any recognizable trigger at all. In addition to bringing back painful memories, it’s possible for this re-experiencing to also bring back emotions (fear, sadness, anger, or… Read More
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that sometimes develops after an individual experiences a trauma. Traumatic events can include: accidents, work-related incidents (first responders and medical personnel), sexual/physical assaults, combat, and child abuse or domestic violence. Symptoms of PTSD include: intrusive memories, hypervigilance (being “on guard”), emotional numbing, difficulty concentrating, an exaggerated startle… Read More
Human beings are designed to cope with stress and threats. When an experience falls so far outside our expectation for safety that it overwhelms our ability to cope, it is considered traumatic. These events can include physical or emotional threats that we experience personally or witness, or if we come into contact with the aftermath.… Read More
