When we hear Trauma/PTSD, the first thing that comes to mind is the military. Surprisingly, it has only been in the last five years that this association has really been emphasized. The strong association of trauma/PTSD and the military has had one major drawback.
The general public is unaware of the widespread incidence of trauma in the civilian world. For those of us who have specialized in post trauma counseling, we know that many people are suffering and have no idea that their pain and distress can be cured or substantially diminished.
Studies have suggested that 30 – 60% of primary care physician visits are trauma-related. Physical symptoms representing a wide range of body systems drive people to medical visits over and over again. Because their illnesses are not successfully controlled, they experience little if any relief. Adding insult to injury, this category of trauma disrupts memory processing. That is why so many people are unaware that they may be struggling with a trauma-related illness.
Because the majority of medical professionals are not well versed in PTSD and its complex symptom picture, individuals suffering from this illness are often misdiagnosed. It is not uncommon for people to develop physical complaints as the body begins to express prolonged physical stress and psychological pain.
When the medical treatment does not yield substantial relief, the person retreats into shame and guilt for the failure to get better. They become hopeless and withdrawn. As a way of managing pain, 25-45% of traumatized individuals use a variety of drugs/alcohol to manage their distress.
There are contributing factors that make an individual more vulnerable to experiencing a traumatic response. I have listed below a wide range of situations and events that may precede the development of a trauma-related illness.
Just remember that you can’t self diagnose. It requires a professional with experience and expertise in post Trauma Counselling Kelowna to make an accurate differential diagnosis. The list I have compiled below is not exhaustive but may help you evaluate your risk for developing trauma-related illness including PTSD.
As I mentioned, this is in no way a comprehensive list. My goal is to highlight the wide range of circumstances that can lead to traumatic responses. There are so many people who suffer in silence and experience shame and guilt because they have been unable to overcome their distress on their own.
CONTRIBUTORS TO EMOTIONAL TRAUMA DEVELOPMENT
Child Trauma
- Sexual/physical/emotional abuse, neglect/abandonment, death of parent, severe parental conflict, highly contested divorce/separations, custody battle, school violence
Occupational
- Firefighters, Law Enforcement, ER Personnel, Recovery Workers, Journalists, PTSD Specialists
Relationship Trauma
- Abusive spouse/partner, Death of child, Death of spouse, Miscarriage, Narcissistic partner
Crime
- Physical assault, Rape, Mugging, Kidnapping, Torture
Medical
- Waking during surgery, Serious injury, Loss of limb, Disability, Suicide of family member, Child with life threatening illness
War/Conflicts
- Combat, Prisoner of War, Medics, Terrorism
Other
- Exposure to past trauma, Accidents, Natural/manmade disasters
Is it surprising that millions of people struggle with trauma-related symptoms? It is likely that each one of us knows someone who has experienced what the brain interprets as a significant traumatic event. Psychological trauma is treatable and sharing this opportunity is a gift that can have life changing implications.