What is psychological and emotional trauma?
Psychological and emotional trauma is a reaction to experiencing a deeply distressing or disturbing event that can then overwhelm a person’s ability to cope. These traumas can impact a person’s mental, emotional, and sometimes even physical health, often leaving lasting effects.
Causes of Psychological and Emotional Trauma
Psychological and emotional trauma can be triggered by various events, including:
Accidents: Serious car accidents or life-threatening situations can lead to trauma.
Violence or Crime: Experiencing or witnessing violence, such as assault or domestic violence, can lead to trauma.
Loss: The sudden death of a loved one or a loss like a breakup or even losing a job may trigger trauma.
Neglect: Being neglected or abandoned, particularly during childhood, can also be a cause of trauma.
Effects of Psychological and Emotional Trauma
When someone experiences trauma, the impact can show up for them in various ways:
Emotional Reactions: People might feel anxious, numb, full of fear, angry, or have mood swings.
Physical Symptoms: Trauma can also manifest through headaches, fatigue, sleep problems, or even aches and pains.
Behavioural Changes: Trauma can lead to people avoiding places or situations that were related to the event or have trouble concentrating.
Understanding and acknowledging trauma is the first step toward healing, and people often benefit from professional help, such as therapy, to work through the emotional pain. If you’d like to learn more, courses like the trauma informed practice training at tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/trauma-informed-practice-training can help.
Healing from trauma is different for everyone, and there’s no set timeline for recovery. Some people may feel better within weeks or months, while for others, it can take years. It depends on the severity of the trauma and the support they receive.
One important part of healing is acknowledging the trauma and how it has affected their life. Ignoring or suppressing feelings can delay recovery. Talking to a trusted friend, family member or professional can help the individual process the emotions connected to the traumatic event.
