Psychological Trauma

As many as 70% of adults have experienced at least one major traumatic event such as child abuse, rape, violent crime, or serious accident. Most trauma victims experience short-term distress and decreased ability to function in daily life. Many victims develop chronic conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and depression.  Without treatment, these conditions can significantly impair victims’ functioning at school, work or home. Some adolescent and adult victims abuse substances to cope with their symptoms further complicating their condition.

Common psychological trauma symptoms include:

•            Intrusive thoughts about the event
•            Flashbacks
•            Nightmares
•            Severe reactions to reminders of the event
•            Avoidance of any reminders of the event
•            Loss of interest in daily life
•            Feelings of detachment and isolation
•            Feeling numb
•            Difficulty sleeping
•            Irritability or outbursts of anger
•            Difficulty concentrating
•            Hypervigilance
•            Easily startled
•            Depression
•           Suicidal thoughts and feelings

Victims experiencing chronic trauma symptoms are unlikely to recover without professional help.