Trauma is an emotional response to a distressing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope. These events can vary widely, from accidents and natural disasters to abuse, violence, or loss of a loved one. What makes trauma particularly deceptive is that it doesn’t always manifest immediately. It can lie dormant for years, resurfacing unexpectedly and causing a cascade of negative effects.
Impact on Wellbeing
- Mental Health: Trauma can lead to a range of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and even substance abuse. The emotional scars left by trauma can affect one’s self-esteem, self-worth, and overall mental stability.
- Physical Health: It can take a toll on physical health as well. It is associated with higher rates of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and autoimmune disorders, due to the prolonged stress response it triggers in the body.
- Relationships: Individuals who have unresolved trauma may have difficulty with trust, intimacy, and communication, leading to conflict and isolation from loved ones.
- Work and Daily Life: Trauma can impair one’s ability to function effectively at work or in daily life. Flashbacks, nightmares, and other symptoms of trauma can be disruptive and make it challenging to concentrate and perform tasks.
Why Seek Professional Help?
While some individuals may be tempted to bury their trauma and soldier on, seeking professional help is essential for several reasons:
- Expertise: Mental health professionals, such as therapists and counsellors, are trained to help individuals navigate trauma safely and effectively. They can provide evidence-based therapies tailored to the individual’s needs.
- Safe Space: Therapy provides a safe and non-judgmental space to explore and process traumatic experiences. This can be especially crucial, as discussing trauma with loved ones may be difficult or even re-traumatising.
- Effective Coping Strategies: Professionals can teach coping strategies and techniques to manage the symptoms of trauma, allowing individuals to regain control over their lives.
- Prevention of Long-term Consequences: Addressing trauma promptly can prevent it from festering and causing more severe long-term consequences on mental and physical health.
- Validation and Empowerment: Trauma survivors often struggle with feelings of shame and guilt. Counselling can validate their experiences, helping them understand that their feelings are valid, and empower them to heal.
Seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step toward healing and reclaiming one’s life.
You have access to a team of professional counsellors and coaches that can help you, or a family member navigate trauma, and heal to live a better life. Please call or whatsapp LifeAssist and a professional will call you back to arrange counselling on the phone, or face-to-face. We are here to support, at no cost to you.