Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Trauma is an emotional response to an event or series of overwhelming or distressing events. This can include experiences such as accidents, natural disasters, abuse, or witnessing violence. The immediate reaction often includes shock and denial, while longer-term reactions can involve emotional instability, flashbacks, and strained relationships.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD include intrusive memories, avoidance behaviours, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. These symptoms persist and worsen over time, severely impacting an individual’s daily life and functioning.
One of the crucial insights from research is the understanding that not all trauma leads to PTSD. Research indicates that only a minority of trauma survivors develop PTSD. Factors influencing the development of PTSD include genetic predispositions, the nature and duration of the traumatic event, previous exposure to trauma, and the availability of social support.
Early intervention is crucial in preventing the escalation of trauma into PTSD. Research emphasises the importance of timely support and therapy following a traumatic event. Immediate psychological support can help individuals process emotions and reduce the likelihood of developing chronic PTSD symptoms.
Preventative Strategies:
Building Coping Strategies: Developing strategies, which include self-regulation techniques, can provide protective factors against PTSD.
Education: Educating trauma survivors and their families about the signs of PTSD and available resources can promote early intervention.
Support networks: Developing robust support systems, including family, friends, and community resources, can provide emotional and practical support during recovery.
Therapy plays a vital role in helping individuals manage trauma and mitigate the development of PTSD. Effective therapeutic interventions can aid in processing traumatic memories, reducing symptoms, and improving overall well-being. While CBT has long been utilised as an intervention for PTSD in hospitals and psychiatric clinics, there have been emerging trauma-focused therapies in the past 10-15 years. Research-validated trauma-informed therapy includes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family System and Expressive Therapy. These trauma-informed psychotherapy approaches go beyond traditional talk therapy and include the processing of somatic symptoms and memories.
Restoring Peace is a private mental health centre which provides counselling and psychotherapy services for children, adolescents, youths, adult individuals, couples and groups with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and various mental health and relationship challenges. For more information, please visit www.restoringpeace.com.sg or WhatsApp at +65 8889 1848. For periodic updates, we invite you to join our telegram group, https://t.me/restoringpeace.
Keywords:
Trauma, PTSD, EMDR, CBT, therapy, counselling, healing
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