Recovering from Emotional Disaster Trauma - Essay Example

PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA al Affiliation Ask anyone who has had the unpleasant opportunity to suffer from trauma, or observe one who is still suffering from it, and the report might be so sad .Trauma is that automatic, predefined reaction that an individual displays from a certain bad event. An event is likely to cause trauma if it happened unexpectedly, forcefully, in childhood, or in a very cruel or graphic manner. An example of an event bad enough to cause a trauma includes being a victim of a violent robbery, rape, accident or to some extent, heartbreaks. When we narrow down, psychological trauma is a chief branch of trauma. It occurs when an individual suffers from emotionally stressful an event that makes them feel bare and exposed. Different individuals react differently to trauma, and specifically psychological trauma. Some suffer long-term effects of it, while others suffer short-term .An example of a short-term consequence of psychological trauma includes shock and personal denial. For long-term, it involves flashbacks, emotional unpredictability, and strained relationships (Help guide, 2014). Even though different individuals have different capacities and reactions to trauma, there is only one familiar consequence from them all. They are usually hit hard. A few percentage might be strong hearted and recover well after some time. The big worry is about those who don’t. What is their remedy? For most, it is always long-term since such thoughts recur over and over again throughout their lives, if not addressed in time. Luckily, psychological trauma can be medically examined and treated as well. Trauma has been part of mankind since the biblical times. Various figures in the bible display trauma as a result of events that they have experienced. From the Adam being chased away from the Garden of Eden, to the raping of Tamar by her half brother, Amnon, trauma is involved. A classic example is found from Psalms 107:13-16. “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For the shatters the doors of bronze and cuts in two the bars of iron.”(ESV). As earlier mentioned, potentially traumatic events are those powerful, annoying, and even life changing events that occur to an individual. They might arise out of a near death experience or something that was emotionally very disturbing (APS, 2014).A good example, is a disaster such as an earthquake or tsunami. When an individual is survives a disaster, especially one that was catastrophic, trauma is likely to set in. They are bound to be in a state of denial and disbelief about the event and the losses it brings. These losses might be in terms of both life and property. Such an individual is likely to have sensitivity to various environmental factors, such as any interference of tranquility. This might include a reaction to noise, or wind, or boom. They think that the event that caused the trauma might be repeated again (APA, 2014). There are various symptoms of trauma, which can be classified into physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral .Physical symptoms of trauma are those that are displayed from the body. They include being extremely alert to anything, insomnia, stress or headaches. As we have seen from the above case, the individual is very sensitive to the environment and very alert to any changes in it. Physical symptoms go hand in hand with the cognitive symptoms. These are basically the symptoms borne by our thinking, the brain. Since it is about the traumatic event, it will entail memories of it. This results to confusion, memory lapses, nightmares and poor concentration (APS, 2014) .In other cases; it can involve visual thoughts of the event, something that might be very scary and unbearable to a person. The thoughts give birth to emotion, and as a result, cognitive symptoms bring forth emotional ones. These are now the feelings involved with trauma such as anxiety, tension, panic, depression and detachment. A victim of a disaster for example, will likely display panic and tension every time an event occurs that remind them of the disaster. A victim of violent robbery will feel detached from the society, feeling that they are insecure at every turn, and that everyone looks like a robber. These emotions can be manifested as behavior through isolation from social places. Others are lack of genuine interest in certain activities or a complete shunning of various locations that might be commemorative of the event (Smith & Seagal, 2014). There are several risk factors that increase the vulnerability of people to trauma. They range from biological, social to psychological factors. Biological factors are those that pertain to the physiological setup of an individual through their genes. It is therefore hereditary, and can be passed on from one generation to another (CDC, 2014).A part of the brain called the hypocampus, plays a role in learning and memory. Damage to this part of the brain as a result of traumatic events in one individual can be passed on to their subsequent generations. This results to people with poor memory or disrupted memory functions. Other elements of this are; intrusive medical procedures, domestic violence and bullying can also make an individual susceptible. Psychological factors involve a low self esteem which makes someone susceptible to poor coping skills in case of some event. Another one is a poor trait, such as a pessimistic trait, which results an individual being withdrawn in the case of a traumatic event. Sociological factors come in when an individual has a feeling of disconnect or weak social support. Under this, the other elements are; unstable or unsafe environment (Helpguide, 2014). The effects of trauma can either be short-term, or long-term. Short-term effects are those that are manifested immediately or shortly after the event. These include substance abuse; feelings of ineffectiveness and despair, and a general loss of previously sustained beliefs (Margolies, 2014).Others are hostility, and sexual problems, since it’s more mental than physical. Also, social withdrawal is an almost immediate effect, Long-term effects entail effects such as inability to make healthy professional or lifestyle choices, and this is because the person might be clouded in judgment .Also, inability to maintain close relationships or making a choice on the right kind of friends and mates. This still, runs back to the judgment ability after the trauma. A more severe effect of psychological trauma is the post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Helpguide, 2014). Treatment of trauma can take two approaches; professional redress and spiritual approach. Professional redress should be sought if the effect of the trauma lasts for more than a couple of weeks. Among the signs to check out for, in order to seek professional help include the increased use of drugs, isolation and numbness (APS, 2014).The latest methods include the following. Eye movement Desensitization/Reprocessing Combines eye movement with other stimulation movements such as taps. This helps the brain process traumatic information. Second is a Somatic therapy. This applies great observation of body and gestures in order to release the inner pressure of the body (Healing Resources, 2007). Thirdly is the Hakomi method. Based on small changes in gesture to see the difference it has on response. Then there is Somatic psychology method, which combines Hakomi method and somatic therapies (Healing Resources, 2007). Biblical approach is the spiritual one, whereby the bible is taken as the ultimate source of inner peace. It basically combines faith and scriptures to provide healing of trauma. There are various verses in the bible that can be used. “First understand that God wants to take your wounds, pain, hurts, and sorrow!” Isaiah 53:4.Also,”Release those hurt, painful and fearful emotions into the hands of Jesus.” Luke 4:18, and finally, “Realize the love of God for you; this will help you open up and receive inner healing.” (KJV) .These is just some of the verses that can be used for spiritual healing of trauma. One can also practice self help strategies to manage trauma. However, to do this, some instructions must be followed. Do not isolate; join a fellowship of believers where one will receive encouragement to overcome the present issues. Stay grounded; remain focused to the Word of God and prayers where strength and hope is drawn. Take care of your health; taking care of the body is acceptable in the bible since it is the temple of the Holy Spirit and we ought to keep it in the best possible shape. In conclusion, trauma, and specifically psychological trauma, can affect anyone. Its effects might be either short or long-term. Its severity and length of recovery is entirely dependent upon an individual. The various ways of treatment that it can take, but basically professional and spiritual approach are the most important. All in all, it has been seen that trauma can be managed. References CDC, (2014). Youth Violence: Risk and Protective Factors. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/riskprotectivefactors.html APA (American Psychological Association). (2014).Recovering from emotional disaster. Retrieved from http://apa.org/helpcenter/recovering-disasters.aspx Help guide (2014). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Symptoms, Treatment and Self-Help for PTSD.Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/post-traumatic-stress-disorder.htm Healing Resources. (2007). Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Causes and Effects, Symptoms and Treatment. Retrieved from http://www.healingresources.info/emotional_trauma_overview.htm APS (Australian Psychological Society). (2014).Understanding and managing psychological trauma. Retrieved from http://www.psychology.org.au/publications/tip_sheets/trauma/ Margolies, L. (2014). Understanding the Effects of Trauma: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).Retrieved from http://psychcentral.com/lib/understanding-the-effects-of-trauma-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/0003971 Isaiah53:4 ESV -First understand that God wants to take your wounds, pain, hurts, and sorrow the - Bible Gateway. (2001). Retrieved November 17, 2014, from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah 53%3A4&version=ESV Read More