Trauma

I find that trauma is one of the most complex mental health experiences.

Trauma or traumatic experiences have the ability to trigger other disorders both chronic or episodic.

It can create damage with the ability to create or maintain relationships, and trauma can also negatively impact your sense of self/identity.

Overall, trauma can result in a psychological experience that can be quite impairing, but in some cases, there is a likelihood the impairment from distress can resolve.

Trauma disorders are now listed in the DSM-5 under trauma and stressor related disorders. Quite frequently I diagnose acute distress, other trauma and stressors related disorders, history of psychological trauma, or other adjustment or anxiety disorders. When diagnosing PTSD, however, there are so many symptoms that meet criteria for this diagnosis, it is rare that I make this diagnosis.

While it is so loosely used by many to associate the impact of trauma, it is possible to present with evidence of a mild impact that does not cause major impairment.

PTSD on the other hand, is a chronic nightmare that appears to not end after the event of exposure. The experience of impaired reality, flashbacks, panic/anxiety, depression, avoidance, paranoia, isolation can be horrifying.

It is a disorder that leads others to substance use or suicidal thoughts, even worse, suicide.

Associating PTSD with those in or around combat in the military, those in natural disasters, or terrorists’ attacks is common, however, it is important to consider other stressors that may lead to such a complex disorder.

The key to the initial criteria of PTSD is exposure; exposure to death, threat of death or serious injury, threat of sexual violence or actual sexual violence.

Consider that a survivor of a terminal disease, or someone in hospice, as well as loved ones may meet criteria for PTSD. Additionally, a victim or the loved one of someone who experienced sexual or physical abuse can be at risk. Also, those coping with a divorce, difficult childbirth, loss of employment or homelessness, can also be at risk.

The most important factor I asses for, is how well or how poorly the person is able to function.

The only way to come to this conclusion is by seeking professional treatment.

There is no book or blog post that can accurately diagnose or treat, however, during PTSD awareness month, I hope to bring consciousness to some of the factors of this diagnosis, and the benefit of mental health treatment.

Due to the complexity of PTSD, I would encourage someone seeking treatment to locate a provider with specialized training in this area.

There is hope for a positive outcome and a fulfilling life worth living.

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