Trauma / PTSD

“We deny, suppress, repress and minimize our trauma to preserve our self-concept. By doing so, we set ourselves up for repeating the cycle again” 

– Kenny Weiss

Trauma

Trauma can be defined as a psychological,  emotional or physiological response to an event or experience that is deeply distressing.  The sources of trauma can come from  a specific or multiple events.  Examples of trauma can include: physical/sexual/emotional abuse,  an accident, loss of a loved one, divorce,  dysfunctional family system, negative school or social experiences.

The response to trauma can manifest in many ways. When you feel or perceive a threat, one of the most common responses  is the “fight, flight or freeze “ response.   Fight is when you react with aggression or fight back, flight is when you flee physically or psychologically, and freeze is when you are unable to move or respond.   Trauma can also manifest in physical health problems such as autoimmune diseases, heart disease, struggles with weight and poor memory/concentration. 

Trauma is cumulative, subjective and important to have it addressed.

PTSD

PTSD is diagnosed after a person experiences symptoms for at least one month following a traumatic event.  However, symptoms may not appear for several months or even years later.

PTSD symptoms include: