Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event combined with shock and extreme helplessness.
Traumatic events include physical, psychological and sexual abuse; terrorism and war; domestic violence; witnessing violence against others; and accidents and natural disasters. They can result in serious stress and detrimental consequences for survivors and their families.
Approximately 50 percent of all individuals will be exposed to at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Although the majority of individuals will be able to absorb the trauma over time, many survivors will experience long-lasting problems.
Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea. Some people have difficulty moving on with their lives. Symptoms that are both chronic and severe are experienced, including nightmares, insomnia, somatic disturbances, difficulty with intimate relationships, fear, anxiety, anger, shame, aggression, suicidal behaviours, loss of trust and isolation.
Psychological disorders may also occur including depression, anxiety and alcohol/substance abuse problems.
Women at Risk
Research indicates that women are twice as likely experience a longer duration of posttraumatic symptoms and display more sensitivity to stimuli that remind them of the trauma (flashbacks).
Although women are at greater risk for negative consequences following traumatic events, many often wait years to receive help, while others never receive treatment at all.
Untreated posttraumatic symptoms not only have tremendous mental health implications, but can also lead to adverse effects on physical health. Female survivors may encounter physical symptoms including headaches, gastro-intestinal problems and sexual dysfunction.Although the mental and physical symptoms of PTSD stress can be quite debilitating, trauma is often undiagnosed by health professionals due to a lack of training, time and resources.
