According to The Centre of Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), “Trauma is a term used to describe the challenging emotional consequences that living through a distressing event can have for an individual. Traumatic events can be difficult to define because the same event may be more traumatic for some people than for others”
Trauma events may have occurred early in life during childhood and teenage years. It may take the form of abuse, neglect, and disrupted attachment to one’s caregivers. For others, traumatic events can happen later in life. In situations where a person is exposed to death, serious injury, or violence, one may experience trauma. It may be:
- Direct exposure
- Witnessing the trauma
- Learning that a close friend or relative was exposed to a trauma
- Indirect exposure to the details of trauma, usually in the course of professional duties (e.g., first responders, medics)
Some of the symptoms (Anxiety Canada) may include:
- Intrusive thoughts or experiences such has nightmares, flashbacks, or unwanted memories
- Avoidance of thoughts, feelings, and/or environmental reminders of the traumatic experience
- Alterations to cognition and emotions including struggles to recall key features of the trauma, increased self-blame, feeling isolated, struggles to feel positive emotions.
- Alterations in arousal and reactivity. This includes being hypervigilant for danger, irritability, aggression, easily startled, and difficulties with sleep and/or concentration.
If you find that you may be experiencing some of these symptoms, you may benefit from psychotherapy services. We are here for you. We may be able to help you in addressing your traumatic experiences and find ways to heal.
Let us help you. Call 416-617-6257 today to consult with Terence and to learn how we can help. You may also Click Here to book a phone call or virtual appointment.