Trauma & PTSD

 Trauma is often the fuel to all the issues that we face. At Imagine, we believe it is important to address the symptoms and heal the trauma.  Trauma literally means “wound, injury, or shock.” This is such a broad definition. Trauma is broad, it cannot be pigeonholed into one simple word but often encompasses so many pieces. We believe that trauma is so much more than the mere event, it is all the thoughts, images, and remarks that happen during and after it. In therapeutic terms, “traumatic events” are events that harm the psychological integrity of a person. We believe there is more to this, being that not every individual who experiences an extremely stressful event will actually be traumatized. Trauma is based on the perception of the individual, their personal take on the "traumatic event". So what impacts one person to be traumatized and another not to be... so much. Our personalities, our coping skills, or lack of, one's support system or history of trauma, even the time and place and others involved can play a part. 

So what now? Through therapy individuals can help to define their truth, their connection to the event and learn to let go of the lie. The lie is often, "It's my fault" or "I should have done something different". Individuals will learn to acknowledge their gifts, strengths, and give back any guilt or shame they carry that is not theirs. They will learn forgiveness and learn to love themselves and their life again. 

It is not uncommon for people who experience a terrifying or traumatic event to temporarily struggle adjusting and coping. Often in time, with good self care, a person can heal. In some cases, at no fault of their own, symptoms worsen and people develop what we call Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is a mental health condition that's symptoms may include  obsessive or paranoid thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety. PTSD often interferes with day-to-day functioning  and can last for months or even years. Getting effective treatment after PTSD symptoms as soon as they begin to develop can be important to help reduce symptoms and improve function.