Sandra Stein

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 [...]