What exactly is trauma

Trauma is defined as the response to a major disturbing or distressing event that overpowers a person’s ability to cope with the drama. Studies have indicated that it is inevitable that everyone will experience trauma at some stage in life. This may cause irrational feelings of helplessness, frustration, and painful emotional experiences.

The World Health Organization conducted a global survey in 26 countries which revealed that at least one third of the people interviewed had experienced trauma. However, the actual percentage may be higher, as those are only the reported cases.

The bottom line is that traumatic experiences can cause post-trauma symptoms - such as loss of control, and a lack of self-confidence - to remain in the subconscious and often act as triggers for irrational behaviour.

Emotional signs of trauma

These include:

A combination of sadness, anger, denial, fear and shame, which can result in nightmares, insomnia, high levels of worry, and emotional outbursts often similar to a panic attack. Mental health experts agree that the problem is not all in the mind, as many people are prone to believe. Studies have revealed that trauma, anxiety, and depression, are simultaneously both in the mind and the body.

There are several types of trauma disorders and are all linked in some way by the fact that trauma itself is actually an underlying cause of the disorder. The most common disorder is the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which usually develops after a very upsetting or disturbing traumatic experience. PTSD can cause flashbacks, and bad dreams, resulting in irrational responses to anything which is reminiscent of the trauma.

Another type of trauma is that of the adjustment disorder (AD) which causes excessive behaviours from events like a death in the family, the breakup of a valued relationship such as divorce or a partnership, and even the moving to a new home.

The various types of AD traumas are usually linked and manifested by symptoms of anxiety, depression and irrational responses.

Some physical symptoms of trauma

Physical symptoms which you may experience as a result of trauma:

· Nausea and episodes of headaches.

· Emotional pain which often results in poor sleep patterns.

· Appetite changes such as eating too little, or eating too much, all in the vain hope of feeling better.

· Tension headaches.

· Digestive problems.

· Substance abuse difficulties.

Any of these symptoms can be classed as an irrational response to unresolved trauma.

Treatments for trauma

The World Health Organization has declared that traumatic disorders fall into the category of mental health conditions. There are medications such as antidepressants and sleeping aids which help with the symptoms of anxiety, stress and disturbed sleep patterns. However, the meds will not remove the traumatic experiences which linger in the mind.

Mental health experts agree that there is no quick fix to permanently remove the suffering associated with trauma. Research and studies have shown that the best way to move forward and eliminate the remnants of trauma from the mind is by means of therapy treatment.

Therapies for trauma

There are several effective therapies to help with trauma, with one of them being hypnotherapy with a therapist who understands the intricacies of trauma treatment. Combined with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which helps to change negative thoughts and behaviours, hypnotherapy makes a formidably potent way to deal with trauma.