Trauma Information

Psychological Trauma
The original meaning of the Greek word "trauma" is wound, or damage to body tissue. Today we use the term "psychological trauma" to describe a condition in which a person has experienced a difficult event that has wounded his psyche. There has been growing awareness of the fact that people who are exposed to events such as terrorist attacks or car accidents are often not only physically injured, but mentally hurt as well. Other examples of traumatic events that may cause psychological trauma as well are injuries caused by natural disasters, sexual assault or serious disease.

Traumatic Events
There are two factors which make an event traumatic:

• Threat of death or serious injury to us or to another person
• Strong feeling of fear and helplessness

The traumatic event is usually unpredictable and uncontrollable. It may shatter our sense of security and leave us feeling vulnerable and agitated. The event does not have to be one in which a person is directly involved ; sometimes the news of the death of someone close to us can be traumatic. People who watch traumatic news events on television may report feeling traumatized as well.

Recovery and Treatment
Most people exposed to a traumatic event will experience some post traumatic symptoms.  Most will fully recover within weeks or months without needing professional help. The mind, like the body, naturally heals. The minority of those injured by psychological trauma need professional help. Fortunately, there are effective, short-term psychological treatments available. These therapies aim to help the psyche regain its natural curative powers.

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