Psychological Trauma - Signs And Psychological Support

In modern life, anyone can experience difficult and painful moments that sometimes we can’t forget, leaving deep imprints on our minds.

This is what is called psychological trauma – a mental state that arises when someone goes through highly stressful events that strongly impact their emotions, thoughts, and even daily behavior.

What Is Psychological Trauma?

Psychological trauma is a mental state that occurs when a person faces a highly stressful event, making it unforgettable and having a profound effect on their emotions, thoughts, and daily behavior.

Unlike fleeting sadness, psychological trauma is a form of emotional injury, causing painful memories, negative thoughts, and anxiety to repeat persistently in the mind.

Events that can cause psychological shock are diverse, ranging from natural disasters like floods and earthquakes to situations like violence, accidents, loss of loved ones, or even work and daily life pressures. Not everyone suffers severe psychological damage from such events, but for those unable to recover, psychological trauma can become a lasting burden for years, even a lifetime.

Types Of Psychological Trauma

Psychological trauma has different types, classified by the nature of the event and how individuals experience it. Here are some common types:

• Acute trauma: Originating from a single event, such as an accident, disaster, or significant loss. This type of trauma usually triggers intense emotional reactions immediately after the event.

• Chronic trauma: Arising from prolonged or repeated situations such as domestic violence, abuse, or persistent job stress. This condition can exhaust individuals and lead to complex psychological issues.

• Complex trauma: When a person experiences multiple traumatic events throughout their life, which can lead to complex and prolonged psychological disorders.

Based on how individuals interact with the event, there is also direct trauma (when a person experiences the event themselves) and indirect trauma (when a person witnesses or hears about the event from others).

Signs Of Psychological Trauma

Psychological trauma can affect emotions, behavior, and physical health. Some typical signs include:

• Emotionally: People with trauma often feel anxious, fearing that the event will repeat. Additionally, they may feel angry, sad, or guilty without clear reasons. These emotions can be overwhelming and negatively impact daily life.

• Behaviorally: Avoiding situations or reminders of the event is a common reaction. They may isolate themselves, avoid socializing, or become withdrawn.

• Physically: People affected by trauma may struggle with sleep, experience frequent headaches, and feel fatigued, affecting their physical health.

Recognizing these signs early can help individuals seek timely help to overcome their mental distress.

WARNING: The symptoms listed are for reference only. If you suspect that you have psychological trauma, see a psychologist for an accurate diagnosis.

The Impact Of Psychological Trauma On Life

Psychological shock affects the mind and can also deeply impact other aspects of a person's life. If left untreated, it may lead to disorders such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). People with trauma often struggle with social communication, lose motivation in work, and find it hard to concentrate on studies or daily activities.

For children, experiencing trauma early in life can profoundly affect psychological and emotional development. These negative experiences may carry on into adulthood, impacting relationships and mental health.

Support And Treatment Of Psychological Trauma

Overcoming psychological trauma is a challenging journey, requiring perseverance and appropriate support from others and professionals. Each person’s treatment needs are different, and various effective methods are available for mental health treatment, often combined with essential self-care activities. Here are some commonly used methods.

Psychological Therapy

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): CBT aims to change negative thought patterns and unhealthy perceptions. Through CBT, trauma sufferers learn to recognize negative thoughts and adjust how they view and feel about past events. This helps them gradually face and control negative emotions, finding peace within.

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): This unique therapy helps individuals process painful memories by altering thoughts through eye movements. EMDR works by weakening the vividness of negative memories, allowing the brain to reprocess and integrate these memories healthily. Considered one of the advanced therapies, EMDR often brings positive results for those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• Family Therapy: When someone experiences trauma, family support is crucial in the recovery process. Family therapy encourages family members to participate in the treatment, creating a safe and loving environment for the person with trauma. This care and companionship from family help them feel loved and foster trust in the support around them.

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Medication

In some severe cases, doctors may prescribe medication to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and stress. Sedatives and anti-anxiety drugs are often used in limited doses and for short-term treatment. 

These medications are not intended to treat trauma completely but mainly provide temporary symptom relief, allowing the patient to function normally and engage more effectively in therapy. However, medication use should be carefully monitored by a doctor to ensure safety and avoid long-term dependence.

WARNING: Be extremely cautious when using medication and only use medication with the advice and prescription of a clinician.

Self-Care

Besides professional therapies, self-care activities also play a vital role in helping individuals recover and rebuild their spirit after trauma. Here are some recommended self-care activities:

• Exercise: Regular exercise benefits physical health and reduces stress by releasing endorphins, hormones that create feelings of joy and relaxation. Running, yoga, or walking can help calm the mind and reduce anxiety.

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• Mindfulness: Mindfulness is a technique that helps individuals focus on the present, feeling each moment without being haunted by painful past experiences. Practicing mindfulness by focusing on breathing and observing thoughts without judgment enables better emotional control, preventing negative memories from dominating.

• Social Connection: Trauma often leads many people to withdraw and limit social interactions. However, connecting with family, friends, and loved ones is essential for recovery. They can find safety, a sense of belonging, and peace in relationships, helping them feel strong enough to confront what has happened.

Psychological trauma can leave profound and sometimes long-lasting impacts on our lives. To overcome this pain, individuals need to recognize the signs of trauma and actively seek support. Understanding, sharing, and approaching psychological therapies are important steps to help those affected by trauma find peace and balance in life. In today's pressure-filled world, prioritizing mental health care is essential for everyone to live fully and happily.

If you feel you are having symptoms of psychological trauma, go to a medical facility for a timely examination and diagnosis, or contact the Vietnam-France Psychology Institute via Hotline: 0979.158.463 for specific advice. Early intervention is key to improving health and quality of life.

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VIETNAM - FRANCE PSYCHOLOGY INSTITUTE

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