I often get client who come into session saying things like, "I feel like I am going crazy," or "My anxiety just gets out of control." Most feel that they are doing something in their life wrong, or they are just a defective human. The truth is that neither of those things are true.
The reality is that most people who have these types of feelings or thoughts are reacting to something traumatic that has happened in their life. A trauma is a shocking and dangerous event that you see or happens to you. During this event, your safety feels compromised. Contrary to popular belief, going through traumatic events is not rare. Statistics show that 60% of men and 50% of women have experienced at least one trauma in their lives. We also know that there has been substantial areas of under reporting due to the emotional impact that trauma has; the stigma it can bring; and safety concerns. So in actuality, the percentage of people who have suffered trauma is most likely much higher.
Trauma comes in many forms and has just as many ways that it disrupts your life. When thinking about trauma, most people are able to reference soldiers who come back from war suffering the effects of what they have witnessed. They are diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. Instances of soldiers with PTSD has been portrayed on the big screen in movies such as "The Deer Hunter" (1978) or "The Hurt Locker" (2009). We are also able to understand how natural disasters, violent crimes, and serious car accidents could cause reactions that are severe enough to cause life altering intrusive thoughts.
But these are not the only types of incidents that can cause trauma and related disturbances. Many people have experienced abuse and neglect in their early childhood. Children who experience the daily worry about being unsafe; not having enough food; fear of what the day will bring from their parents or caregivers - are children who will be prone to developmental trauma and may experience similar symptoms as those who came home from war or were in a natural disaster.
Other ways that people may have experienced developmental trauma in their life is through bullying/cyberbullying; a chaotic homelife; substance abuse in the home; incarceration of a loved one; death; parents who are mentally ill; stress caused by poverty; serious medical conditions; war/terrorism; and many more. These individuals may grow up to have to live with feelings of shame; powerlessness; emotional regulation problems; anxiety; and panic disorder.
Trauma Part 2 - What happens in your brain when you are traumatized? Will post on Tuesday June 28th
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