IS EVERY NEGATIVE LIFE TRAUMA?
Before I write about this subject, I would like to answer the question of what is trauma and I would like to reinforce the subject of trauma.
What is Trauma?
While trauma begins to become one of the frequently used words in our daily life, it can only be the name we give to events that increase the stress level; However, events that disrupt the daily routine, occur suddenly and unexpectedly, cause horror, anxiety and panic, and disrupt the person’s meaning-making processes can be defined as traumatic experiences. A traffic accident, a natural disaster (earthquake, flood, etc.), harassment, a more challenging experience, the first slap to a child can be examples of trauma.
There is also evidence that direct exposure to a traumatic event is not necessary for a person to be affected. Research shows that negative psychological and emotional effects can also occur through exposure to the press (social media, TV, etc.). We call such traumas secondary trauma.
What Are the Normal Responses to Trauma?
Emotional reactions: Depression, helplessness, hopelessness, feeling guilty, shame, anger towards oneself, worn out, feeling uneasy, panic, fear, feeling out of control, irritability, anger and anger, emotional numbness.
Physical reactions: Shivering, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. problems, heart palpitations, chest pain, feeling faint, headaches.
Social reactions: Problems at work, school, friendship and marriage, distance from people, being overly judgmental and/or accusatory, wanting to keep everything under control, unresponsiveness in relationships, stagnation, loss of function in relationships.
Behavioral reactions: fidgeting, self-isolation, sudden behaviors, intense reactions to stimuli, anger outbursts, alcohol, substance use, quick reaction, unresponsiveness, blaming others, eating problems, fear easily, inability to care for oneself or their children.
Mental reactions: Initial shock, memory problems, recollection of the event, intrusive thoughts, inattention, disorientation, dissociation, confusion, inability to solve problems, disorientation, nightmares, inability to remember past, sleep disturbances, self-alienation.
*All of the above reactions are likely and normal to be seen within the first month after the trauma. And remember that not all reactions are the same for everyone, because we all have different genes and our lives are different. We are all unique, just as our fingerprints are different and unique. If these reactions are observed for 6 months, we can say that the pathology of post-traumatic stress disorder has occurred. A consultation with a psychiatrist is essential for diagnosis.
* These days, earthquakes still continue in some provinces. Therefore, we cannot say that the trauma is over and of course the above-mentioned reactions continue. “So what are we going to do?” I can hear you say. Below you can find the methods of what you can do after the answer of our basic topic.
Yes, now that you’re familiar with trauma in general, let’s go back to our initial basic question:
IS EVERY NEGATIVE LIFE TRAUMA?
Of course not. As we are all different, the negative experiences we go through are also different when they become traumatic. Let’s say ; a person has a romantic relationship and ends in a breakup. Will this person and their partner have the same reactions to this breakup? A huge NO! The experiences, learnings, personality and ways of coping with negative experiences of the male partner may be different, as well as the female partner. While one perceives this situation as traumatic, the other may not. Therefore, not every negative experience is a traumatic situation.
Let’s talk about how to deal with traumatic situations.
How Do We Cope With Our Traumas?
- The first step on the road to recovery is to deal with overstimulation. There are many ways to breathe correctly (diaphragmatic breathing, square, triangle breathing), yoga, meditation, sports, swimming.
- The second step is to develop AWARENESS. (Bodily and emotional awareness)
- A good SUPPORT NETWORK, SOCIAL CONTACT.
- Contact, on the other hand, has an important place in the development of feelings of trust and closeness in trauma treatment. (THRAPEUTIC MASSAGE)
- Taking action (THATER, DRAMA, SPORTS, etc.)
- Making use of therapy schools such as EMDR – CBT – MINDFULLNES.
*For individuals staying in the earthquake zone, some activities mentioned above may not be possible. However, psychosocial support teams that come voluntarily, such as many NGOs and Associations, can be used. (Turkish Psychological Association, EMDR Association – Trauma and Recovery Group, Home School Association – Disaster Psychological Support, OTEORG – www.elinelimde.com )
