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Trauma is an emotional response to a distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope. These events can be of various types, including but not limited to accidents, natural disasters, abuse, or violence. Trauma can lead to a range of psychological symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. It can also affect an individual's ability to function in daily life and form healthy relationships. Treatment often involves therapy to process the traumatic experience and building coping skills.

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What is PTSD?

PTSD stands for post traumatic stress disorder. This typically takes place after a traumatic event occurs in one's life.

Symptoms Include:

-Nightmares

-Anxiety

-Anger

-Flashbacks

-Intrusive memories

Avoidance:

Certain places or things may trigger someone's PTSD, so in most cases people have to try and avoid many places/objects in their day to day life to prevent this from triggering.

Note: It is important to seek help to cope with this mental health condition. Therapy may be a great option.

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Trauma frequently affects human behavior, resulting in major emotional, cognitive, and social changes.

Individuals who have been traumatized may display:

-anxiety

-fear

-continual level of attention

They may experience intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and memory impairments, which interfere with their ability to focus and perform efficiently.

Social trauma can include retreat from relationships, problems trusting people, and a pervasive sense of loneliness.

These behavioral changes represent the severe and long-lasting wounds that trauma inflicts on the mind, typically necessitating a significant amount of time and help to heal and recover normalcy.

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Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. When something traumatic happens to a person, like an event that is highly stressful, the experience will stay embedded into your mind.

At times if something is extremely traumatizing peoples minds actually tend to erase those memories from their minds.

Psychological trauma actually has a long lasting effect on a person's social, emotional, physical and spiritual well being. Trauma can make people feel very vulnerable in their own lives.

Although trauma can make people feel vulnerable in their own lives, it can also make them vulnerable to developing mental health problems. One of the main mental health problems that a person can come across after a traumatic experience is post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD).

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In the movie The Hunger Games, the main character Katniss Evergreen is shown to have PTSD symptoms. She is plagued by nightmares, constantly on the edge, and prone to sudden outbursts. Katniss avoids reminders of her trauma, struggles with anxiety and depression, and grapples with feelings of anger and a sense of detachment from others.

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In the show Grey's Anatomy, the character Meredith Grey shown to have effects of complex trauma. A form of PTSD that stems from repeated or prolonged exposure to traumatic events, often begins in childhood. Meredith's difficult upbringing, marked by inconsistent caregiving, unstable relationships, and the ripple effects of her parents' mental health struggles. Her challenges with forming secure attachments, her sense of self-worth, and her deep-seated mistrust of others.

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In the biographical film about Navy Seal Chris Kyle, shows the development of PTSD. He witnesses firsthand how the constant exposure to violence, death, and the high-pressure demands of his role gradually chip away at his mental well-being. Even when back home with his family, Kyle struggles to leave the war behind. He experiences flashbacks, nightmares, hyper vigilance, and emotional numbness- all classic symptoms of PTSD.

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Emotional & Psychological:

Intense or overwhelming emotions:Fear, sadness, anger, guilt, shame, anxiety, or numbness.

Intrusive thoughts or memories: Unwanted and recurring thoughts, images, or flashbacks of the traumatic event.

Nightmares and sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, vivid nightmares related to the trauma.

Emotional numbing and detachment: Feeling emotionally disconnected from oneself, others, and the world.

Increased anxiety and fear: Heightened startle response, hypervigilance, and a constant sense of danger.

Physical & Behavioral:

Changes in appetite and sleep patterns: Loss of appetite, overeating, insomnia, or excessive sleep.

Unexplained physical symptoms: Headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, muscle tension, or pain.

Increased substance use: Turning to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions.

Social withdrawal and isolation: Avoiding social interactions and withdrawing from relationships.

Irritability and anger outbursts: Uncharacteristic anger, aggression, or difficulty controlling temper.

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By: Kaityln Arreola, Macayla Fairow, Emma Salazar, Madison Hughes, and Aija Yang

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Remember: Trauma affects everyone differently. If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you know, seeking professional help is essential. A mental health professional can provide support, guidance, and appropriate treatment options to address the impact of trauma and facilitate healing.

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Living with trauma can be an incredibly challenging and isolating experience. It can impact every aspect of a person's life, from their relationships and work to their sense of self and overall well-being. However, it's important to remember that healing is possible, and there are ways to navigate the challenges and build a fulfilling life.

Here are some critical insights into living with trauma:

Understanding the Impact:

Trauma is not a sign of weakness: It's a normal response to abnormal events.

Trauma can manifest in many ways: There's no right or wrong way to experience its effects.

Trauma can impact various aspects of life: Relationships, work, physical health, and mental well-being.

Building Resilience:

Engage in activities that foster a sense of control and mastery: Hobbies, creative pursuits, or learning new skills.

Practice mindfulness and grounding techniques: Focus on the present moment to manage overwhelming emotions.

Cultivate self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding,

Set realistic goals: Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

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Remember: You are not alone. Many resources and support systems are available to help you navigate the challenges of living with trauma. With time, effort, and the proper support, it's possible to heal, grow, and create a meaningful life beyond the impact of trauma.

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Diagnosing trauma involves a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed therapist. It's not a simple checklist but rather a process of understanding an individual's experiences, symptoms, and how those experiences impact their daily life.

Here's a general overview of how trauma is diagnosed:

Clinical Interview:

Detailed History: The clinician will ask about your personal history, including any past experiences of trauma, abuse, neglect, or other significant life events.

Symptom Assessment: They'll inquire about your current symptoms, their severity and duration, and how they affect your daily functioning, relationships, work, and overall well-being.

Mental Health History: They'll also ask about any history of mental health conditions in yourself or your family, as well as any current medications or treatments.

Diagnostic Criteria:

DSM-5: The clinician will likely refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), to determine if your symptoms meet the criteria for a trauma-related disorder, such as:

* Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

* Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)

* Adjustment Disorders

* Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) - While not yet a formal diagnosis in the DSM-5, it's increasingly recognized and may be diagnosed by clinicians familiar with its presentation.

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1. Trauma is subjective: What constitutes a traumatic event varies from person to person. There's no "hierarchy" of trauma. Seeking help is a sign of strength: It takes courage to acknowledge the impact of trauma and seek professional support.

2. Diagnosis is the first step towards healing: It provides validation, understanding, and a pathway to effective treatment and recovery.