HOW TO DEAL WITH TRAUMA

                                              WHAT IS TRAUMA?

Trauma is a damage to a person's mind as a result of one or more distressing events which caused overwhelming amounts of stress that exceeded the person's ability to cope or integrate the emotions involved, eventually leading to serious, long - term negative consequences. Let me hint you with these three types of trauma. They are;1. Acute trauma: This is the types of trauma that results from a single stressful or dangerous event.2. Chronic trauma: This is the types of trauma that results from repeated and prolonged exposure to highly stressful events. Examples like child abuse, bullying etc.3. Complex trauma: This is the types of trauma that results from exposure to multiple traumatic event.

                                                   CAUSES OF TRAUMA

    Trauma can be cause through the following, they are;

a. Rape: Is when sexual intercourse is not agreed upon, or a person forces another person to have sex against their will. It can happen when the victim is intoxicated from alcohol or drugs. 

b. Domestic Violence: Is the use of physical force so as to injure, abuse, damage or destroy.

c. Natural Disasters: Is a major adverse event resulting from natural processes of the earth. Examples are floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and storms.

d. Severe illness or injury.

e. The death of a loved one. 

                                                         SYMPTOMS OF TRAUMA

 If trauma is about to happen, these are the symptoms you will be experiencing;

 a.Behavioral like agitation, irritability, hostility, hyper vigilance, self - destructive behavior or social isolation.

b. Psychological like flashback, fear, severe, anxiety or mistrust.

c. Mood like loss of interest or pleasure in activities, guilt or loneliness.

d. Sleep like insomnia or nightmares.

  Just as trauma has symptoms, it also has effects on your health. The effects of trauma are;

1. Flashback: Is an experience in which you relive some aspects  of a traumatic event or feel as if it is happening right now.

If you are experiencing these flash back, this is how you can cope with it i.e tips on how to cope with flashback. They are;

a. Focus on your breathing: When you are frightened, you might stop breathing normally. This increases feelings of fear and panic, so it can help to concentrate on breathing slowly in and out while counting to five.

b. Tell yourself that you are safe: You can tell yourself that the trauma is over and you are safe now. It can be hard to think about anything during a flashback, so it could help to write down or record some useful phrases at a time when you're feeling better.

c. Keep a diary: You can keep a diary by making a note of what happens when you have a flashback could help you spot patterns in what triggers these experiences for you. You might also learn to notice early signs that they are beginning to happen. 

2. Panic attack: Is an exaggeration of your body's normal response to danger, stress or excitement. This is how panic attack feel like in the body. They are;

a. A pounding or racing heartbeat.

b. If you are feeling faint, dizzy or light - headed.

c. If you are feeling very hot or very cold.

d. If you are sweating, trembling or shaking.

e. If you are struggling to breathe or feeling like you're choking.

If you are experiencing panic attack in your body, this is how to manage or deal with it;

a. Focus on your breathing: If you focus on your breathing it can help to concentrate on breathing slowly in and out while counting on five.

b. Focus on your sense: As you are focusing on your breath at the same time you can focus on your sense like tasting mint - flavored sweets or gum or touch something soft.

c. Try grounding techniques: Try grounding techniques can help you feel more in control. They're especially useful if you experience dissociation during panic attacks.

 If you have trauma or anybody around you have it,this is how you can deal with it.

a. If you have trauma, talk with others about how you feel. Don't isolate yourself in one corner of your room and be thinking.

b. Calm yourself and try meditation or deep breathing exercise like physical activity e.g walking.

c. Get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet and drink enough water.

d. Get back to your daily routine and do the things you normally do, even if you don't feel like just try and do it.

By: Amusan Titilope Blessing