Trauma, PTSD and CPTSD in 2023.
Do you have PTSD? Do you have CPTSD? Or is it trauma?
It might be a contraversial opinion but, it is highly possible that you do. But which one?
One of the best parts of my job is to help people who suffer with trauma. I have had people who, after session one of my 5/6 week programme, are actually seeing visually with more clarity, the air seems more transparent andothers who experience a sense of euphoria.
I would love to explain more about trauma in the following few blogs on here. In my time serving as a police officer, I have witnessed so much trauma -from members of the public needing help after violent attacks, after road traffic collisions and also being a witnesses of horrific incidents. The majority of the people I booked into custody would also have been subject to a great deal of trauma in their life, as had many of my colleagues. In fact policing, fire service and the armed forces does seem to attract many people who already have PTSD.
Trauma and PTSD.
Trauma and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) are related, but they are distinct from each other. Let me explain the differences between the two:
- Trauma: Trauma refers to a distressing or harmful event that a person experiences or witnesses. It can be a single incident or a series of events that are perceived as overwhelming, threatening, or harmful. Traumatic events can include natural disasters, accidents, physical or sexual assault, combat experiences, emotional abuse, and more. Trauma can lead to a range of emotional, psychological, and physical reactions in the immediate aftermath of the event.
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, but it is a common outcome for some individuals. PTSD is characterized by a cluster of symptoms that persist for an extended period (more than a month) following the traumatic event. These symptoms can be severe and may significantly disrupt a person’s daily life.
The main symptoms of PTSD can be categorized into four clusters:
a. Intrusive thoughts: Recurrent and distressing memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to the traumatic event.
b. Avoidance: Avoiding triggers or reminders of the trauma, which may involve avoiding certain places, people, or activities.
c. Negative changes in thoughts and mood: Feelings of guilt, shame, or emotional numbness, as well as negative changes in beliefs about oneself or the world.
d. Hyperarousal: Feeling on edge, being easily startled, experiencing difficulty sleeping, or having angry outbursts.
It’s essential to recognize that not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, and reactions to trauma can vary widely among individuals. Some people may experience temporary distress but eventually recover without developing PTSD, while others may require professional help and support to cope with the aftermath of trauma.
So if PTSD develops from trauma, what is trauma?
MIND has some excellent information around the subject of trauma, but in here is their ‘definition’.
Going through very stressful, frightening or distressing events is sometimes called trauma. When we talk about emotional or psychological trauma, we might mean:
- situations or events we find traumatic
- how we’re affected by our experiences.
Traumatic events can happen at any age and can cause long-lasting harm. Everyone has a different reaction to trauma, so you might notice any effects quickly, or a long time afterwards.
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