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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Acute Stress Disorder
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Recovery from Boundary Violations: Emotional; Physical; Sexual
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Shame Based Identity Recovery
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Crisis Counselling & Suicide Prevention
Trauma Recovery
Stress disorders should be seen as part of a continuum ranging from short term acute stress related to a series of traumatic events; or one extreme traumatic event in which symptoms last up to four weeks; or to long term post-event stress in which symptoms persist for at least three months to two years. The first two are known as Acute Stress Disorder and the latter is known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Symptoms following the experience of a traumatic event have the following three headings:
• Intrusive recollection of the trauma
• Avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma
• Disordered arousal in reaction to concrete events, i.e. Extreme startle response
If intervention has not happened immediately following a traumatic event, and these symptoms last for more than 4 weeks, it is an indication that initiating therapy is necessary in order to avoid a chronic condition often characterized by personality change.
Often stress related disorders are not the result of one extreme event but are a result of a series of negative life events such as divorce or unemployment or a series of traumatizing events such as emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. These are referred to as Disorders of Extreme Stress Not Otherwise Specified, which can have the same symptoms as PTSD along with significant symptoms of guilt and shame.
The presence of trauma is not just related to the type of event but is also connected to the perception of the event by the traumatized person. One person’s traumatic event leading to personal chaos may be another person’s source of motivation for change and growth, in spite of the pain. However trauma resulting from boundary violations, such as emotional, physical or sexual abuse, is not a matter of perception since boundary violations are eventually debilitating for everyone. In spite of these distinctions all trauma recovery is about disclosure, gathering personal resources, developing resiliency, and working a personal action plan.
While all trauma is initially unsettling, the presence of a pre-existing condition, including previous trauma, the lack of social support, or eroded resiliency will heighten the effects of the trauma. This is not a value judgment as to the ability to handle life so much as to say that if the trauma is truly debilitating the courageous and necessary thing to is to seek help.
A Quick Screening Questionnaire (Brewin et al. 2002)
Here is a quick self evaluation tool. The following reactions sometimes occur after a traumatic event. Please indicate whether you have experienced any of the following AT LEAST TWICE THIS PAST WEEK. (Please note that these symptoms persist even though the event or events occurred some time ago)
1. Upsetting thoughts or memories about the event have come into your mind against
your will.
2. Upsetting dreams about the event
3. Acting or feeling like the event were happening again
4. Feeling upset by reminders of the event
5. Bodily reactions (such as fast heartbeat, stomach churning, sweatiness, dizziness)
6. Difficulty falling or staying asleep
7. Irritability or outbursts of anger
8. Difficulty concentrating
9. Heightened awareness of potential dangers to yourself or others
10. Being jumpy or being startled at something unexpected
If you answered “yes” to experiencing 6 or more of the above at least twice in the past week it is a strong indication of Acute Stress Disorder or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and you would benefit from further assessment.
If you answered "yes" to 6 or more of the above at least once in the past month it is an indication you have Post Traumatic Stress-like Symptoms and would benefit from further assessment.
One of the more significant results of an unresolved trauma experience is difficulty in managing relationships that are close to us. There may also a significant perception of “being damaged” by the event or events. This is often accompanied by the unfortunate belief that the damage is irreversible.
How can help be accessed? The first step is to become connected with a helpful process such as further assessment and an action plan that meets your specific needs.
Recovery Centre for Addictions, Trauma and Families will work with you as you take the necessary steps to recover what seems to have been lost and to become emotionally connected and healthy again.
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