A traumatic event is a shocking, scary, or dangerous experience that can affect someone emotionally and physically. These events can occur in childhood as well as in our adult lives. Experiences like natural disasters, acts of violence (such as assault, abuse), as well as car crashes and other accidents can all be traumatic. In the immediate aftermath, shock is our brain’s way of protecting us from feeling the full impact of trauma. When shock wears off, many children and adults may find themselves struggling with any of the following:
Worrying a lot or feeling very anxious, sad, or fearful
Crying often
Having trouble thinking clearly
Having frightening thoughts or flashbacks, reliving the experience
Feeling angry, resentful, or irritable
Having nightmares or difficulty sleeping
Avoiding places or people that bring back disturbing memories and responses.
Becoming isolated from family and friends
These are all normal responses to trauma and if they linger, that's when we may need to seek some help to release the trauma and help us to move on with our lives. Speaking to friends and family about how you are feeling is important and/or to your G.P.
Many people find it too difficult to speak openly to those close to them about traumatic events and seek counselling as a way of healing the past event.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) has been shown in many research studies to be an effective treatment for post traumatic stress disorder. EFT is an evidence-based self-help therapeutic method and over 100 studies demonstrate its efficacy. Using EFT both personally and in my private practice for over 4 years now, I find my clients need fewer counselling sessions as they can continue to use the self-help technique themselves at home. Combining EFT with professional and accredited counselling/psychotherapy is a powerful way to move beyond a traumatic experience so you can live your life and feel free of the negative past experience. Knowing that you do not have to be at the mercy of whatever past traumatic event has been holding you back is incredibly liberating. There is always hope and we do not have to carry our past with us forever!
