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There are many consequences that can occur from the result of unresolved trauma. Among physical consequences are:
• Gastro-intestinal disturbance
• Auto-immune dysfunctions
• Heart disease
• Hypertension/High blood pressure
• Chronic Pain, i.e., Lower Back, Fibromyalgia, Headaches
Many interpersonal consequences can also arise from unresolved trauma that can create difficulty in relationships and parenting. The individual may find it especially hard to be open, honest and trusting. This may manifest as:
• Defensiveness, which can be expressed by becoming irritable, overly emotional or withdrawn
• Avoidance of situations
• Hypersensitivity to criticisms or slights
• Needing to feel in control
• Anxiety about the safety of children
PTSD- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex anxiety and health condition that can develop in response to a traumatic experience such as a car accident, sexual or physical assault, a shooting, natural disaster, war, or a tragic accident. PTSD is triggered by memories of the traumatic event that directly affected you or an event that you witnessed. It causes the person to feel intense symptoms such as fear, horror and a sense of helplessness that interfere with work or home life.
Not everyone involved in a traumatic event experiences post-traumatic stress disorder. However, in the United States alone, this disorder is estimated to affect more than 5 million adults each year. (Source: Mayo Clinic)
Symptoms can arise within three months but in many cases can be delayed and not emerge for years.
Symptoms of PTSD are varied and can include:
• Flashbacks of the event
• Nightmares and night terrors
• Sleep disturbances
• Heightened startle response
• Intrusive emotions and memories
• Panic symptoms
• Extreme vigilance- on the alert for danger or threat
• Efforts to avoid thoughts, feelings and activities associated with the trauma
• Avoiding situations that remind you of the traumatic event
• Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others and an inability to have loving feelings.
• Hopelessness about the future — no hope of a family life, career or living to an old age
Untreated PTSD can arise in complications such as:
• Complications that can develop include:
• Depression
• Chronic anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Alcohol and drug dependence/abuse
• Phobias
• Physical symptoms such as GI distress, back pain or chronic pain
• Low esteem
It is normal to experience a wide range of emotions and feelings after a traumatic event as you try to come to terms with what has occurred. You may experience fear, anxiety, crying, reoccurring nightmares and/or changes in sleeping or eating patterns or one or more of the above listed symptoms. If these symptoms persist for more than a month, are severe or make it difficult for you to get on with your life, please contact your doctor or mental health care professional. You don’t have to continue to suffer: PTSD is treatable.
To find out more about PTSD go to www.ptsdalliance.org
Treatment
Research has demonstrated that trauma symptoms and PTSD are treatable through a range of treatments including:
• Stress management training
• EMDR- Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing
• Cognitive Therapy- which teaches ways to correct distorted thoughts & beliefs that cause anxiety
• Support groups
• CBT-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which involves exposure and management of anxiety situations
• Medication
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