If you work in a medical setting, it’s important to understand the symptoms of trauma. In this short blog we’ll cover what you need to know.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is an emotional response that a person may have to a difficult event. It can show in a range of emotional and physical symptoms, although not everyone will develop trauma, even if they have experienced the same negative event. Trauma is an individualised response to a stressor, but left unchecked it can develop into a mental health condition. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is an example of a post-traumatic mental health condition.
How Does Trauma Manifest Itself?
Trauma doesn’t only have different symptoms: it can also manifest in different ways. For example, acute trauma is driven by a single event, and chronic trauma is driven by prolonged exposure to an event. There is also complex trauma, which is driven by multiple events, and secondary trauma, which affects people who are closely connected to those who directly survive trauma, such as family members, for example. Trauma informed practice training from providers such as www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/trauma-informed-practice-training/ goes into these topics in detail.
What Treatments Are There for Trauma?
There are many different treatments for trauma, including therapy, social connection, medication, mindfulness and improved sleep. The right treatment will depend on the individual and the symptoms and severity of the trauma that they are experiencing. Trauma therapies can take time to work, but they can be very effective, particularly where counselling and therapy are included as part of a broader holistic treatment and support plan.