If you have experienced a traumatic event, it is common to have a response that involves some (or all) of the following elements:
Physical Sensations
- Rapid heart beat, difficulty breathing, chest tightness or pain, feeling smothered (like you can’t get enough air)
- Trembling, sweating, feeling dizzy or fainting
- Upset stomach
- Difficulty relaxing, constantly feeling ‘on edge’ or ‘jumpy’, being easily startled
- Irritability or restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
- Increased or reduced appetite
Changes in Thinking
- Confusion, difficulty concentrating, making decisions and thinking clearly
- Flashbacks to the event. This may include thoughts or images of the event popping into your mind
- Feeling like the event is re-occurring. Many people report experiences where they feel as though the event is happening to them again
- Avoiding thinking about the event. Many people try to suppress thoughts or images of the event that come to mind because of the distress that those thoughts cause
Emotions and Feelings
- Shock, numbness and disbelief
- Feeling cut-off or distant from others
- Anxiety, panic and fear.
- Anger (e.g., at ‘God’, the ‘universe’, others and perhaps oneself).
- Feelings of injustice and unfairness
- Sadness
- Guilt
- Shame
Behaviours
- It is common to avoid places, people or objects that remind you of the event
- Difficulty or inability to work and socialise
- Reduced motivation and concentration
- Social withdrawal
- Using alcohol or drugs to cope with uncomfortable feelings
Everyone who is exposed to a traumatic event will have some level of these symptoms. Most often the symptoms will resolve within a few days or weeks of the event. However, if symptoms continue, some people may go on to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of PTSD are the same as those listed above, however the symptoms do not go away over time. In PTSD, symptoms usually begin within 3 months of the incident but can sometimes emerge up to many years afterward.
If you think that you might have PTSD or be at risk of developing it, you should consider seeking help. The earlier PTSD is detected, the easier it is to treat.
If you would like to find out more about our treatment for PTSD or Trauma, or to book an appointment with one of our psychologists, please email or call the clinic on 0405 430 530.
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