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Traumatic symptoms are not caused by the dangerous event itself. They arise when residual energy from the event is not discharged from the body. This energy remains trapped in the nervous system where it can wreak havoc on our bodies and minds. Wild animals have the ability to “shake off” this excess energy. The key for humans in dispelling traumatic symptoms lies in our being able to mirror wild animals in this way. Traumatic stress is a normal reaction of the mind and body to an overwhelming event that threatens life and/or limb: your own, someone close to you, or that you witness. The kinds of events that can lead to traumatic stress include (but are not limited to): assault, rape, molestation, incest, abuse, car accident, war, capture, torture, disaster, invasive medical procedures. Someone with traumatic stress may be reacting to recent events, or to events from childhood.
During a traumatic event the brain tells the nervous system to prepare the body for defensive action: quick flight or powerful fight. When those actions are not possible, the brain tells the nervous system to freeze the muscles; to go slack - like a mouse 'going dead' when caught by a cat; or stiff like a deer caught in headlights. Such defensive states are the culmination of dramatic changes in heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, digestion and internal temperature control. These changes are normal responses to an abnormal event. After the event is over, the nervous system will usually return these body systems to a normal level of functioning with a few hours, days or weeks.
When does traumatic stress become a chronic problem?
Sometimes the mind is unable to make sense of the threatening event. It doesn't get the message that the traumatic even is over and the body has survived. The mind continues to signal the nervous system to prepare the body to fight, flee or freeze. This continued preparation for defensive action is at the core of the disturbing physical and psychological symptoms associated with traumatic stress, and the debilitation condition known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Physical symptoms include: sleep disturbance, concentration difficulty, panic attacks, extreme startle reflex, rapid or irregular heartbeat, cold sweats, hyper energy, exhaustion. Psychological symptoms include: anxiety, feeling unsafe, flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of situations, thoughts and feelings that carry reminders of the traumatic event, feeling detached from oneself or others.• It is not necessary to remember a traumatic event in full, or even at all, to get help. What is important is to gain control over and reduce disturbing symptoms, improve quality of life and to reestablish a good relationship to the self. First steps of Somatic Experiencing Therapy include gaining control over symptoms and reestablishing a sense of safety. Later steps involve restoring emotional resources, physical reflexes and nervous system balance.
If the traumatic event is remembered, there will be further steps to help make sense of what happened and to recognize it is over. Duration of Somatic Experiencing Therapy can range from a few sessions to several years depending on: the nature of the trauma(s); age at the time of the trauma(s); if the trauma(s) is isolated, intertwined with other trauma(s) or continuous; and current resources and Strengths.
- Trauma can have a range of different cognitive, emotional, physical, and behavioral effects on individuals.
- Cognitive responses include memory difficulties, lack of concentration, poor judgment, inability to discriminate, and inability to make choices.
- Emotional responses include depression, withdrawal, excitability, flashbacks, intense fear, feelings of helplessness, loss of control, loss of connection and meaning, generalized anxiety, and specific fears.
- Physical responses include stomach pains, tightness of the chest, headaches, perspiration, and psychosomatic complaints.
Behavioral responses include irritability, startling easily, hyper-alertness, insomnia, communication difficulties, and drug, cigarette, or alcohol abuse.
Professional Description: I specialize in treating trauma, and the anxiety and depression that result, in a kind and caring environment. Trauma can result from a recent traumatic event, such as a divorce or car accident, or from childhood abuse. These events often impair individuals ability to have successful relationships and satisfying lives. Trauma can seriously effect our flexibility and stress threshold in life.
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