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What Is Traumatic Stress?

What Is Traumatic Stress (download)?

Traumatic stress

Traumatic events are shocking and emotionally overwhelming situations that may involve actual or threaten death, serious injury, or threat to physical integrity.
Reactions to traumatic events vary considerably, ranging from relatively mild creating minor disruptions in the person's life to severe and debilitating.
Acute Stress Disorder And Posttraumatic Stress Disorder are mental health diagnoses associated with traumatic stress reactions.
Other difficulties can co-occur with mental health symptoms, including physical health problems and changes in beliefs about safety.

Connecting to natural support systems (friends, family) and taking care of basic needs.

For many people, natural coping allows the reactions to gradually diminish.
When disturbing symptoms persist or worsen it may be useful to seek professional help.
If attempts to cope lead to unhealthy or unhelpful outcomes (e.g. alcohol or drug use, withdrawing from friends and family), it may be useful to seek professional help.

Evidence-based (well researched) psychotherapy and medications are available.
There are many options for psychotherapy format (individual, groups) and approach.
No single treatment is effective for everyone and it may take time to find the right treatment fit.

It is important to find someone with experience in treating people affected by traumatic stress.
A family doctor, local clergy, local mental health association, or health insurance carrier may be able to assist in the search for help.