A Guide to Recovery After Trauma - Part 1

Trauma is a shocking event where one has experienced an intense threat or horror. It is different for each of us - what may seem like nothing to someone else, could be a traumatic experience for you. Strong emotional and physical reactions are normal and most people recover in 3 to 4 weeks. Being overwhelmed by your emotions is normal and part of healing and should not be seen as a sign of weakness. Some symptoms may endure longer, but they should decrease as time passes. If they continue please seek professional help. Remember to seek counselling AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, before problems arise, to avoid any possible complications.

Not everyone who has experienced a traumatic event will have these reactions and you may only experience some of them, but it helps to know what to expect in order to understand the natural healing process that you are going through. Emotional aftershocks may occur immediately, after a few hours or even days later. These are a few of the reactions that you can expect:

· Amnesia, memory problems or selective memories.

· Physical reactions like trembling, headaches, disorientation, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, fainting, sweating, numbness, rapid breathing, increased heart rate or blood pressure.

· Changes in sleep, eating and thought patterns.

· Recurring memories, nightmares, intrusive or recurring thoughts, reliving the event or flashbacks.

· Becoming fearful, suspicious and hyper–alert.

· A range of emotions from shock, fear, panic and grief to guilt, anger and denial.

· Feelings of vulnerability, exposure and violation

· Thinking that life is pointless, without any meaning.

· Mood swings, irritability, anger outbursts or depression.

· A sense of emptiness, helplessness and self-doubt.

· Wanting to be alone and withdrawing from others, or alternatively feeling needy and dependent.

· Feeling cut off and different from other people.

· Taking frustration out on family, friends and colleagues.

· Confused, emotionally drained and completely overwhelmed.

· Changes in your thoughts and ideas about the world and people.

SIGNS OF TRAUMA IN CHILDREN

· Changes in behaviour patterns

· Problems at school either academically or emotionally

· Changes in eating habits

· Nightmares

· Flu-like pains

Remember bad things happen to good people and it often takes a crisis in our lives to discover how strong we are and how many people are willing to reach out and help us survive. Things can be turned around and worked through in order to make you a survivor instead of a victim. Remember “pain does not decompose when you bury it”. Trauma has to be worked through and you need to be patient with yourself or your loved one, allowing them the time and understanding needed to learn to cope and adjust. Next week we will give you advice on how to cope and what you can do to help friends and family through a crisis in their lives.

Information supplied by the Community Intervention Centre