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Coping
with Trauma
Psychological “trauma” occurs when a person experiences a very upsetting,
negative event. Usually traumas are unexpected, the person is unprepared, and
there is nothing the person can do to prevent the trauma from occurring.
Sometimes the person is a witness to that event, as when a person observes a car
accident. Other times, the person’s life is threatened, as when a person is
robbed at gunpoint or sexually assaulted. Some traumas consist of a single
event, such as an accident, severe illness, earthquake, mugging, or fire. Other
traumas are ongoing, such as childhood physical or emotional abuse.
Emotional Impact
Immediate Reactions
Many of the immediate reactions to trauma are actually adaptive in the short
term.
- Denial allows the person to function while the threat is occurring.
- Dissociation and depersonalization are an emotional distancing commonly
experienced in traumatic circumstances, in which a person feels detached
from their own experience, feeling “outside their own body” as if watching
someone else experience an upsetting event.
- Derealization is an experience where the traumatized person has a change
in how they experience their surroundings, resulting in a feeling of
numbness, detachment, and of being cut off from their immediate
surroundings. They can distinguish between what is and is not real, but feel
removed from the immediate situation.
Soon After The Trauma
As the immediate shock of a trauma wears off, people often experience
emotions that are uncomfortable, though understandable. They may come and go.
- Weeping
- Shaking
- Generalized anxiety or panic
- Feeling in danger
- Sadness
- Anger
- Sleep disturbance
- Suspiciousness
- Elevated startle response
- Intrusive recall of trauma
- Shame
Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
During a traumatic experience, people adapt by using skills and emotions to
help them survive the immediate threat. There seem to be physiological changes
in the brain and hormones which help them survive the trauma. The problem comes
after the trauma, when the emotions and strategies that were adaptive during the
trauma are no longer functional. Recovery involves recognizing what responses
are and aren't functional and getting rid of the ones that hurt you. Without
recovery, people endure ongoing discomfort, and behave in ways that further
complicate their lives. Friendships may fail, academics or work success may
decline, and general happiness disappears.
Common symptoms of PTSD:
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Difficulty falling or staying asleep
-
Early morning awakening
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Difficulty concentrating
- Clumsiness or carelessness
- Alcohol abuse
- Constant worrying
- Irritability or angry outbursts
- Questioning of religious faith
- Apathy – “I just don’t care”
- Obsessions about personal safety or that of loved ones
- Depressed mood, low energy, low motivation
- Self criticism
- Helplessness, powerlessness, lack of control
- Re-experiencing previous traumas or upsetting events
- Difficulty being affectionate
- Avoiding people, places, situations related to the trauma
When to get professional help:
It appears that talking through the trauma soon after the event may prevent
post traumatic stress disorder. Following ANY trauma, people are encouraged to
seek counseling within a week.
For traumas that occurred previously, counseling is recommended to:
- help the person understand the traumatic event
- review the trauma in a safe setting with a patient, caring professional
- develop strategies for reducing symptoms
- increase resiliency and coping skills
How can I help my friend who has experienced a trauma?
Here are some general suggestions:
- Listen compassionately and actively.
- Reassure the person that you are willing to help.
- Do not criticize the person’s reaction (“you ought to be angry”).
- Do not minimize the trauma, or their level of distress.
- Do not say you know just how they feel.
- Do not insist they are blameless.
- Do not interfere with the person's actions unless it endangers them or
someone else.
- Realize that you, too, are affected by their trauma, and you may need
help, too.
- If your friend’s symptoms are more extreme or longer lasting than seems
healthy, encourage them to consider counseling. You may also consult the
Counseling Center about how to help your friend.
More Information
Villanova students are invited to schedule confidential counseling sessions
with an experienced, caring psychologist for help in coping with trauma.
Appointments can be made by stopping by the University Counseling Center at 206
Health Services Building or by calling 610-519-4050.
These web sites provide additional information on coping with trauma:
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or reprinted without permission of Villanova Counseling Center.
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