What Is Trauma and PTSD?
When individuals are subjected to experiences that leave a profound impact, they may develop trauma that impairs their ability to cope effectively. Examples of traumatic events that can cause this state are violence, abuse, accidents, and natural disasters. Witnessing someone else go through such events can also have the same effect.
Experiencing or witnessing someone experience traumatic events can result in the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD, which can persist long after the traumatic event, include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, avoidance of trauma-related situations, heightened vigilance, and negative changes in mood and thinking.
PTSD can have various causes that differ from person to person, even when they share the same traumatic experience. Contributing factors to the development of PTSD may include genetics, imbalances in brain chemistry, previous exposure to trauma, and a lack of social support.
To manage PTSD, typically, combine medication and therapies such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). The interventions’ goals are to assist the patient in managing symptoms, facilitate processing traumatic experiences, and develop new adaptive coping strategies.











