Trauma and Beyond : When the impact of trauma goes deep.

Do you realize that trauma can result in emotional/psychological wounds? We bury our feelings and tell the world, "I'm fine." Then, while in the middle of something, you start crying for no apparent reason. Alternatively, you may find yourself unable to get out of the bed one morning and feeling unhappy or sad for no reason at all.

Emotional trauma develops like a vine around our heart and head, crushing us on the inside when ignored, avoided, or pushed down making it increasingly difficult to keep going.

WHAT IS EMOTIONAL TRAUMA?

Emotional trauma is a result of a traumatic situation that creates tremendous quantities of stress that exceeds one's ability to manage and integrate the emotions involved. Physical trauma, such as an accident, assault, or death, can result in emotional stress. Harassment, neglect and verbal abuse, manipulation or parental separation can all lead to emotional trauma.

Trauma affects people in variety of ways , including socially, mentally, academically, neuro physiologically and socioeconomically, as well as affecting their physical health. Individuals who have been traumatized , especially throughout childhood and adolescence , are more likely to develop social behavioral problems such as conduct disorders, social/separation anxiety and substance abuse issues.

Even while most people have gone through trauma at some point in their lives, they may not use that term to describe their experience. That's because our mind often jump to post - traumatic stress disorder when we hear the word "trauma" (PTSD).

Common signs and symptoms of PTSD:

• Insomnia

• Anger/Irritability

• Flashbacks of traumatic events

• Avoidance

• Nightmares

• Hyper vigilance (heightened sense of awareness)

• Panic attacks

• Guilt/Resentment

Fortunately, there are some healthy strategies to cope with PTSD. These healthy ways may assist to lower the severity of anxiety, as well as its frequency and tolerability.

Healthy ways of coping with PTSD:

• Admit that you are dealing with trauma

• Talk to certified therapist/counselor

• Consider psychotropic medication management of symptoms

• Use your experience to help others, such as participating in charitable organizations, starting an organization that addresses those in trauma,

• Forgive your offenders

• Prayer/meditation