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
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
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
