Trauma Related Stress

Feeling and expression of those feelings tend to be on a continuum of sorts. When the feelings associated with loss seem to linger, seem to be extremely intense, when one's life doe not return to normal, the person may be experiencing a condition requiring professional help.

The clinical term associated with the psychological impact of disaster and uncertainty is Trauma-related Stress. Individuals who have survived in the midst a traumatic event often suffer psychological stress related to the incident. In most instances, these are normal reactions to abnormal situations and they subside over time. It is critically important that people who feel they are unable to regain control of their lives, or who experience the following symptoms for more than a month, seek professional mental health assistance.

What is Trauma-related Stress?
Stress, anxiety and depression are all normal feelings—reactions to a disaster. However, if symptoms connected with these feelings do not subside within a month, something more serious—a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—may be likely. PTSD includes a group of distressing symptoms that sometimes occur following a disaster or fear-producing event. The event, called a stressor, is a situation in which a person has been physically injured, has been threatened with death or bodily injury, or has witnessed the death or injury of someone else. By definition, the trauma must cause a strong experience of intense fear, horror or helplessness. Natural disasters (tornadoes, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions) are common PTSD stressors.

An individual who has been exposed to a severe traumatic experience, may begin to experience the following types of symptoms.

Acute Stress Disorder: ASD is the most common response. Symptoms of ASD include: numbness, difficulty responding to normal life events, difficulty with anger and suspiciousness. These symptoms will be present close to the experience of the traumatic event.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: PTSD may present later. Symptoms include repeatedly re-experiencing the ordeal in the form of flashback episodes, memories, nightmares or frightening thoughts, especially when exposed to events or objects reminiscent of the trauma. Emotional numbness and sleep disturbances are also common symptoms, as are depression, substance abuse, heightened anxiety and irritability. Headaches, gastrointestinal complaints, immune system problems, dizziness, chest pain or discomfort in other parts of the body are potential signs. People who already live with PTSD are at risk of more prominent flashbacks, anxiety and hypervigilance as a result of recent events.

Substance Abuse and Addictions: People may start or overuse substances such as alcohol, food and drugs, and increase gambling and other addictive behaviors to manage their anxieties and other symptoms. The most important clue to watch for is whether the person's usual consumption or behavior has changed.

Depression and Anxiety: These disorders may develop or increase as a result of the trauma. It will be necessary to assess all patients whether they have been previously diagnosed or not. If patients are presently being treated for these disorders, it will be necessary to determine the appropriateness and effectiveness of current treatment. Depression and grief are separate issues, but grief can cause concern when it lasts for an extended period of time.

Domestic Abuse: Research has shown that domestic abuse cases rise after traumatic events. Be alert for bruises and other signs of violence on adults and children.

Overwhelming Guilt: Following traumatic events, guilt may be a complicated part of traumatic response; it is among the symptoms associated with more pronounced traumatic reactions. Guilt may intensify or complicate trauma and/or grief reactions. It also may result in hopelessness, depression and other problems such as self-harm, suicidal feelings, and substance abuse. Resolution and acting in the best interest of both the guilt-ridden and the offended may require the help of a skilled individual (e.g., therapist, clergy or, in some cases, a wise friend).

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a serous condition and should be treated by a professional. The prognosis for recovery with treatment is very good.