The word “trauma” literally means wound, shock, or injury. Psychological trauma is a person’s experience of emotional distress resulting from an event that overwhelms the capacity to emotionally digest it. The precipitating event may be a one-time occurrence or a series of occurrences perceived as seriously harmful or life-threatening to oneself or loved ones. People process experiences differently, and not everyone has the same reaction to any event; what one person experiences as trauma may no
How Is Trauma Treated?
It is important to remember that most people will recover from the feelings of distress that typically accompany a traumatic experience. Symptoms will abate with time—for some, it will take days; for others, weeks; and still others, a few months. Two of the most important elements fostering recovery are the establishment of a sense of safety and the provision of social support.
In addition, lifestyle factors can promote recovery. Eating healthy, exercising, avoiding alcohol and drugs, getting enough sleep, seeing loved ones regularly, and engaging in self-care can help relieve trauma symptoms. Talking about the event , especially sharing feelings with others who have undergone the experience, may also be helpful.
Often in the immediate wake of catastrophes and other traumatic events, the desire to help people manage their distress and to prevent future psychological problems has led to the practice of psychological debriefing, in which individuals are encouraged to recollect the event. However, research finds that debriefing is not only ineffective but can actually be harmful, increasing the risk for eventual depression and PTSD. It is not considered an appropriate mental health intervention in the immediate aftermath of trauma.
Psychological intervention can be helpful for some people in the wake of trauma. Those who stand to benefit are individuals whose symptoms of distress show no signs of abating after one month or whose symptoms become so severe they interfere with everyday functioning. Psychotherapy can help a person build resilience, develop coping skills, and address unresolved feelings that are keeping them stuck. Exposure therapy and cognitive reappraisal therapy are two of the more reliable treatments for trauma and PTSD.
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For a comprehensive understanding of trauma, read our complete guide: