No one ever wants to encounter traumatic events, but it’s not something we can avoid or plan for. Trauma-based reactions do fade over time for many, but for some people, the trauma essentially gets locked into the nervous system and needs extra help to process.
Thankfully, psychologists who specialize in trauma therapy can assist those who are struggling with trauma-based reactions. Today’s blog will talk about trauma, how it affects your life, and signs you may need trauma therapy.
What is Trauma?
Trauma occurs when a situation overwhelms you, inducing feelings of fear, helplessness, horror, and stress. As a result, you feel unable to cope with the event.
Various experiences can be traumatic. These include neglect, being in a war zone, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, losing a loved one, and being in an accident or a natural disaster. Suppose you’ve experienced a traumatic event, and you’ve never taken steps to address it. In that case, it may lead to mental and physical conditions, like PTSD, depression or even heart disease.
Do You Need Trauma Therapy?
If you’ve ever experienced something traumatic in your life and continue to feel the effects of this experience in your life, then trauma therapy may help you to recover. Sometimes it can be difficult to recognize that your struggles are the result of trauma. Here are a few signs you’re dealing with unaddressed trauma:
Loss of Cognitive Functions
Trauma symptoms manifest differently for everyone, but commonly people experience a reduction in cognitive function, resulting in issues with concentration, memory or focus.
You might notice that you go into a room to do something and forget why you went. Or that you can’t play music by memory anymore. Or that you’re feeling “spacey” at work. These can all be signs of trauma.
You’ve Changed Your Behaviour
Another sign that you’ll benefit from trauma therapy is if you’ve begun to act differently in response to your trauma.
For example, you’ll find yourself avoiding places or activities that remind you of the event. You might even disconnect yourself from friendships and lose interest in activities you used to enjoy.
You’re Easily Startled
Some traumatic events have caused people to be startled easily, resulting in a constant feeling of edginess. Being chronically on alert for potential danger can result in heart disease and other health-related concerns.
The feeling of being on edge as a result of trauma can lead to insomnia or sleeplessness since you’re always watching out for threats in your environment, making you feel exhausted.
Conclusion
It is entirely normal to feel frightened, sad, stressed, afraid, or angry for weeks or months after a traumatic experience. However, these emotions often fade once you’ve begun to process what has happened to you.
However, others continue to be affected by these events, experiencing flashbacks or nightmares even months or years later. In this case, it’s best to see a mental health counsellor and start a course of trauma therapy.
If you’re looking for trauma therapy in Edmonton, be sure to let us know. We are a therapy clinic in Sherwood Park offering online counselling for all clients throughout Alberta. So if you’ve been feeling on edge, anxious, and have difficulty coping with a stressful event, do not hesitate to book an appointment with us.