Coping with Psychological Trauma

Psychological trauma refers to the emotional distress caused by a frightening event that shatters your sense of security, overwhelms your mind’s ability to cope, and can leave your nervous system stuck in fight or flight mode.

Though it often involves a life-threatening incident, it’s not the actual circumstances that determine whether something is perceived as traumatic or not, but rather, it’s your subjective experience of it. The more shocked and helpless it makes you feel, the more likely you are to be traumatized by it.

Signs Of Psychological Trauma

People respond to psychological trauma in different ways, but some of the most common signs include:

• Feeling helpless, isolated, and overwhelmed.
• Feeling unsafe, edgy, and easily startled.
• Trouble concentrating or staying focused.
• Persistent feelings of fear and anxiety.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Avoiding people, places, activities, and conversations that remind you of the trauma.
• Feeling numb, disconnected, and unable to trust people.
• Having flashbacks where you suddenly feel as though you are reliving the experience in the present.

Common Causes of Psychological Trauma

Some of the most common causes of psychological trauma include experiencing or witnessing (first hand or vicariously) a distressing event such as a car accident, plane crash, physical assault, terrorist attack, medical emergency, or natural disaster; being exposed to repeated, stress-producing incidents such as domestic violence, bullying, or neighborhood crime; or the shock of a loved one’s sudden demise, the unexpected breakup of a significant relationship, or receiving an unwanted diagnosis.

Helpful Tips for Dealing with Psychological Trauma

Acknowledge your feelings Acknowledge and accept your feelings without judging them, and allow yourself to feel what you feel when you feel it.

Learn how to calm your nervous system Learn how to calm your nervous system by practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness exercises that ground you in the present moment.

Get moving Trauma tends to disrupt your body’s equilibrium and freeze you in a state of acute stress and fear. Regular exercise burns off extra adrenaline and can help repair your nervous system. The most effective exercises are rhythmic ones that involve using both your arms and legs, such as walking, running, boxing, swimming, or dancing.

Make self-care a priority Eating a well-balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, and scheduling time for activities you enjoy can help keep your body healthy and minimize mood swings.

Stay connected Reach out to trusted friends and family members for support and find ways to stay engaged with others, even if you don’t feel like it. Become a volunteer, for instance, or join a support group. Isolating yourself will only make things worse.

Seek professional support Counseling provides a safe, supportive space in which to work through your trauma without feeling judged. A trained, licensed mental health professional can help you identify and process your feelings, as well as challenge negative thought patterns and memories, and replace them with healthier, more realistic ones.

Christian Counseling in Longview, Washington

The foundational principle of Christian counseling for psychological trauma is that God is the ultimate healer. Faith-based counselors in Longview, Washington use a combination of secular clinical interventions such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and biblical principles, insights, and prayer.

If you would like to set up an appointment to meet with one of the Christian counselors in Longview, Washington, please give us a call today at Longview Christian Counseling.