Trauma
Trauma has been described as a situation involving great danger, during which a person is rendered powerless
Such situations involve either actual death or injury, or the possibility of death of injury.
The outcome of traumatic events may range from an immediate mild stress reaction, through a moderate stress state during which normal coping mechanisms are temporarily impaired, to a prolonged and in some cases crippling post traumatic state.
Stress reactions to traumatic events can occur immediately or they may be delayed for hours, weeks or even years.
Trauma can impact a person in a variety of ways, they include:
| Trauma impact on a person: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Thoughts | Feelings | Behaviour | Physical |
| disbelief | fear | withdrawal | nausea |
| denial | depression | avoidance | shaking |
| confusion | shock | difficulty sleeping | chill sensations |
| disorientation | anger | restlessness | rapid heart rate |
| slowed thinking | anxiety | pacing | increased breathing |
| poor attention | guilt | relationship difficulties | dizziness |
| difficulty making decisions | isolation | lethargy | 'jelly legs' |
| memory problems | numbness | decrease in activity | sweating |
| intrusive Image | abandoned | erratic movement | sweating |
| nightmares | helplessness | eating less | headache |
| "If only..." "I should have..." | irritability | frequent crying | dry mouth |
| grief | sensitivity to noise | sadness | tight in the chest |
It is important to remember that the above symptoms experienced 'post trauma' indicate that a person is dealing with and recovering from a traumatic experience, and are typical reactions to an unusual and highly stressful threatening event.
A road accident can result in not only physical stress and injury but also emotional shock and injury. Much of the distress experienced after an accident is due to the unexpected nature of road accidents and the threat they pose.
It is interesting that generally people do not hesitate to seek help from others for physical injuries, and yet are often reluctant to seek support when emotionally recovering from a traumatic experience. It takes a great deal of courage to seek out professional assistance and is a step which ought to be respected. If the experience of a post trauma reaction is significantly interfering with a person's lifestyle it may be wise to seek professional support.