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What is trauma? 

Trauma (PTSD) is a lasting emotional response that often results from living through a distressing event, which overwhelmed the central nervous system, altering the way we process and recall memories and leaving a lasting imprint in how we navigate through life. While symptoms of trauma can vary from person to person, common manifestations may include recurring memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, heightened anxiety or hypervigilance, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, feelings of numbness or detachment, and changes in appetite. Additionally, individuals may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, fatigue, sweating, or muscle tension. These symptoms can significantly impact daily functioning and overall well-being. It's important for those experiencing trauma symptoms to seek support and professional help for effective coping strategies and healing.

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Single event trauma refers to a psychological condition triggered by a distressing event or specific incident, such as a car accident, natural disaster, assault, serious illness, injury, or sudden loss of a loved one. Symptoms of single event trauma can vary widely, but may include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event. These symptoms can significantly impact daily life and may persist without proper treatment.

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Complex trauma (CPTSD) is a type of psychological injury that results from prolonged exposure to multiple and often interrelated traumatic events and ongoing stress, such as abuse, attachment wounds, neglect, or violence. Unlike single event trauma, which stems from a specific incident, complex trauma can deeply impact an individual's sense of self, relationships, and overall well-being over an extended period. Symptoms may include difficulties with emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, explosive anger, and a pervasive sense of fear or helplessness. Complex trauma can be mistaken for other disorders and may co-occurring with other diagnoses, such as borderline personality disorder, ADHD, anxiety disorders, and major depressive disorder and addiction.

 

Healing from trauma often requires specialized therapy approaches to address the varying layers of distress and compassionately support individuals in their journey towards recovery and resilience. By providing a safe, empathetic, and validating therapeutic environment, individuals affected by trauma can begin to process their experiences, rebuild their sense of safety and trust, and cultivate healthier coping mechanisms for navigating life's challenges.

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Image by Damir Samatkulov

"Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness." - Peter Levine

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