Trauma is a word we all are probably familiar with, but its true definition and meaning may escape many people. When we say we are facing trauma, some people might not understand precisely what this means. This lack of understanding can prevent them from supporting this person effectively and encouraging them to find psychological help through therapy.If you wish to learn more about trauma to support those close to you, at work (many children in education, for example, could be facing trauma) or even yourself, then please keep reading.

What is Trauma?

Trauma is defined as an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. As a result, they constantly feel emotions such as helplessness, fear, and anxiety and their ability to feel a full range of emotions and experiences are diminished. Common events which cause trauma include accidents (such as a car accident), assault, and natural disasters. It can be challenging to acknowledge the trauma we face after an event, with shock and denial as typical responses. And with long-term effects such as flashbacks and strained relationships, it can be difficult for many people to move on from traumatic events. Trauma does not discriminate. A World Health Organisation (WHO) survey found that at least a third of the more than 125,000 people surveyed in 26 different countries had experienced trauma. This shocking figure is just for the cases of trauma that have been reported and acknowledged. The actual number of people facing trauma is probably much higher.

Symptoms of Trauma

After we have suffered a disturbing event, there are many different responses we can have. What we experience also varies significantly among people. However, there are some common symptoms which many people face, from emotional to physical.Emotional Symptoms Include:

• Sadness
• Denial
• Fear
• Shame
• Anger
• Emotional outbursts
• Insomnia or nightmares
• Difficulty in relationships

Common Physical Symptoms:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Altered sleeping patterns
• Headaches
• Changes in appetite

Common Psychological Disorders:

• Depression
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety
• Dissociative disorders
• Substance abuse problems

Therapy for Trauma

When we don’t address trauma, psychological disorders can truly settle in and take control over a person’s life. Therapy for trauma provides people with the power to acknowledge their trauma and do something about it. EMDR therapy is an innovative treatment that will help people facing trauma overcome the power it holds on their health and happiness. It is a focused approach approved by both the NHS and WHO, and doctors, therapists, and organisations worldwide are seeing the fantastic benefits this treatment has for people with mental health issues born from trauma. EMDR therapy is scientifically proven to desensitise the brain’s axis and cortexes, which cause stress. The interactive psychotherapy treatment enables the clients to relive traumatic events without feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or emotions by diverting their focus to an external stimulus. As a result, it is easier for them to relive these events and talk through the trauma and find emotional stability by training the mind not to respond to trauma with strong psychological reactions.If you’re reading this and feel a little confused about EMDR therapy and its benefits - don’t worry! It can be confusing to understand, but the professional support it has for overcoming and treating trauma is outstanding. Don’t hesitate to give me a call to talk about therapy for trauma and EMDR therapy further. Together we can create a bespoke treatment plan flexible to your ongoing mental health journey.