The psychological effects of a traumatic incident can last long beyond the event itself. Trond Harman, 
Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Keystone Pediatrics, shares information about how both adults and children can heal from trauma.
What is trauma?
Trauma is a response to incidents such as accidents, natural disasters, crimes, surgeries, deaths and other violent events. Many of these incidents can occur just one time in a person’s life. However, trauma includes responses to repetitive experiences as well. These experiences include abuse, neglect, combat, violence and enduring deprivation just to name a few.
Trauma experiences are defined by the survivor. In other words, the definition listed above does not necessarily mean that these are the only types of events that can cause trauma and some people can go through these events and not have any of the signs or symptoms of trauma.
What are some signs that someone may be suffering from trauma?
There may be a number of different signs or symptoms that signal someone is suffering from a traumatic life event. Again, it is important to note that not everyone suffers from all of these, but that they vary based on each person’s reaction. Signs and symptoms can include flashbacks, extreme anxiety, extreme emotional reactions, nightmares and being constantly on guard or relaxed in certain situations. Symptoms can also include thinking about a situation when you do not want to, going out of your way to avoid situations that will cause you to remember the trauma and feeling numb or detached from activities or surroundings, which is known as dissociation.
What are some ways for adults to cope?
There are a number of ways adults can cope with trauma. If left untreated, many use drugs and alcohol to numb the feelings. Some positive ways to cope include journaling or finding some way to tell their story, exercising, prayer/meditation and of course, engaging in therapy. There are many types of treatments therapists use, including one I am trained in called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing which helps unblock traumatic memories and process them naturally.
How can you help a child deal with trauma?
The way a child deals with trauma is not much different from the way an adult would. The biggest difference for a child is that they need to feel as safe as possible in their environment. This is true for adults as well, but it is even more important for children.
Can there be lasting effects?
If untreated, trauma can have lasting effects on both children and adults. Many of these effects would be related to the signs and symptoms that people suffer from after going through a traumatic event but the symptoms could be much worse later in life. For example, if trauma is untreated and a person uses drugs and alcohol to cope, we would probably see an increase in use over the course of their lifetime.
When should you seek professional help?
You should seek professional help when dealing with trauma as soon as possible. People who experience trauma can find help through sources such as a local community health organization or by searching the Internet for a trauma therapist.
This article contains general information only and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment or care by a qualified health care provider.
