Medically Verified By: Dr. Sudhir Singh Pawaiya, Senior Consultant, Emergency, Medanta, Gurugram.
How To Handle Trauma 5 Best Mental Health Therapies To Manage the Symptoms of Trauma
A severe injury is a life-altering event that may lead to traumas for life. While the physical wounds may heal, these incidents can leave long term emotional and psychological scars. According to the study conducted by National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NIH) , it is observed that traumatic patients from India are significantly younger with greater male preponderance, a higher proportion presented with physiologic abnormalities and suffered higher mortality rates. Over 20% of the world's trauma deaths occur in India, where injuries have been identified as a major public health problem. It is essential for both trauma survivors and their loved ones to understand the impact of trauma and its lasting effects to progress towards healing and recovery. On World Trauma Day, Dr. Sudhir Singh Pawaiya, Senior Consultant, Emergency, Medanta, Gurugram, tells us what triggers trauma, how to recognise the condition and what management tips can help deal with the associated long-term effects.
A trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, war or natural disaster that is deeply distressing and leaves a lasting impact on the mind. A trauma can leave a long-term impact on person's well-being. The effects of trauma may not be immediately recognised. They can linger below the surface, impacting thoughts, emotions, and actions in ways that may not be readily noticeable. Following a traumatic experience, the individual may experience a variety of emotions, both in the immediate aftermath and over time. Feeling overwhelmed, helpless, shocked, or struggling to process their experiences are common reactions for a traumatized person.
Post an accident or injury, a person may face physical as well as psychological traumas. Injuries to the body caused by accidents, violence, or disasters can lead to physical trauma, which can include fractures and serious conditions such as traumatic brain injury. These can cause chronic pain, mobility issues and physical disabilities. Whereas psychological trauma occurs from the emotional and mental impact that these injuries or life-threatening situations have on people which can further lead to psychological consequences such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression.
The long-term consequences of severe injuries can occur in a variety of ways, frequently entangled and difficult to separate from the physical recovery process. Some of these are:
Post-traumatic stress disorder: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop as a mental health condition after experiencing an extremely stressful or terrifying event. Symptoms might include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. PTSD emerges when the symptoms of trauma persist or worsen in the weeks and months following the stressful event. It is distressing and can hamper a person's daily life and relationships.
Anxiety and Depression: Trauma survivors often experience anxiety as a common issue, which may appear as persistent concern, irrational anxieties, or panic attacks, often brought on by reminders of the traumatic experience. Similarly, the person may go through depression, snatching happiness and joy and creating a feeling of hopelessness.
Cognitive Distruption: Many survivors find it hard to focus, experience memory issues, and have intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic incident. These cognitive difficulties can disrupt daily life, causing previously manageable tasks to feel overwhelming. For students or professionals, this can affect their academic or work performance, resulting in frustration and increased emotional distress.
The most efficient way to manage trauma is through a comprehensive approach that considers both the physical and psychological aspects. Therapy is often the initial treatment for trauma. It's best for individuals to engage with a therapist who is knowledgeable about trauma or specializes in treating it. There are various types of therapies that could help in faster recovery such as cognitive behavioural therapy and somatic therapies that help the body and mind to process trauma.
By integrating various treatment methods, such as combining physical rehabilitation with mental health therapy, we can ensure that the body and mind recover together. Implementing a holistic management plan not only helps the survivor deal with the aftermath of trauma but also improves their overall quality of life in the long term. Health professionals, family members, and communities all have important roles to play in creating an environment that supports both physical and emotional recovery.
Living with the long-term effects of severe injuries can be challenging, but it's important to remember that healing is possible. By understanding trauma, seeking professional help, building a support system, and practicing self-care, individuals can regain a sense of control, and move forward with their lives. It's important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Reaching out to healthcare professionals and loved ones can make a significant difference in the journey towards healing and regaining a fulfilling life after trauma.
