Trauma

Safe Space Therapy offers personalised treatments that empower you to overcome trauma, with the guidance of experienced therapists.

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Trauma

When things get out of control ...

Trauma changes your relationship with the present. It can turn off the brain's filtering system, stopping you from making the distinction between past and present. When triggered, you feel, act and think like the event is happening all over again so instead of focusing on the task at hand your body and brain responds as if the event is present and goes into fight or flight mode activating your sympathetic nervous system. It results in you being avoidant, fearful and completely detached from reality.

Sigmund Freud famously coined the phrase “I think this person is suffering from memories” when asked to diagnose traumatic symptoms.

Often, individuals with PTSD or c-PTSD (previously known as Developmental Trauma Disorder) have persistent thoughts and memories of this event which can manifest not just as cognitive impairments but also physically in unwanted behaviors such as alcohol or drug abuse, OCD or eating disorders and repeated panic attacks.

A common misconception is that you had to be actively involved in the event for PTSD symptoms to activate or appear and another misconception is that only those who are victims of assault or sexual abuse can be diagnosed with PTSD. We know from decades of research and study that PTSD can happen from only  witnessing a traumatic event as a bystander, as well as being actively involved in a traumatic event such as a victim of a car accident.

“Traumatised people chronically feel unsafe inside their bodies: The past is alive in the form of gnawing interior discomfort”- Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk

When your trauma is unresolved your brain and body store it, often replaying when triggered, reliving the events as if happening all over again. Your memory of the event is showing up in the present and is continuing to affect you as if it is happening all over again and can show up as psychological symptoms just as much as behavioral symptoms.

To successfully treat trauma your mind needs to be restructured, remodeled and reorganized to feel the physical sensations and not react to them as if happening in the present, allowing the body and brain to recognise its trauma responses as an observer to the sensations, thoughts and feelings helping it to tolerate them.

"Depression is a flaw in chemistry, not character."

Jessica Levi

Founder, Safe Space Therapy

How

Trauma

can show up:

Not all individuals who experience trauma will exhibit all of these symptoms, and the severity and duration of the symptoms can vary depending on the individual and the nature of the trauma. It’s important if you are experiencing symptoms of trauma such as PTSD that you seek a professional who is trauma informed and well qualified.

Avoidance

Trauma can lead you to avoid situations, people, or places that remind you of the traumatic event. You might withdraw from social activities, isolate yourself, or have difficulty discussing or even thinking about the traumatic experience.

Hypervigilance

You may constantly be on high alert, scanning your surroundings for potential threats. This hypervigilance can make it difficult to relax or feel safe, leading to exhaustion and increased anxiety.

Changes in Relationships

Trauma can affect your ability to trust and connect with others. You might struggle with forming or maintaining close relationships, have difficulties with intimacy, or become emotionally distant as a way to protect yourself.

Hyperarousal

You may find yourself constantly on edge, easily startled, and hypervigilant. You may struggle with sleep disturbances and have difficulty concentrating on tasks.

Self-Destructive Behaviors

Some people who have experienced trauma may engage in self-destructive behaviors as a way to cope. This could include substance abuse, self-harm, or risky behaviors that put their safety at risk.

Emotional Dysregulation

Trauma can cause intense and unpredictable emotions. You may have frequent mood swings, experience anger or irritability, and have difficulty controlling your emotions. You might also feel a sense of numbness or detachment from others and yourself.

Flashbacks and Intrusive Memories

You might experience vivid flashbacks or intrusive memories of the traumatic event. These can be distressing and make you feel as if you're reliving the trauma, even when you're in a safe environment.

Warning signs to look out for

PTSD can develop after you have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Here are some warning signs to look out for.

Social and Relationship Challenges
PTSD can strain your relationships with others. You might withdraw from social interactions, have difficulty trusting others, or experience problems with intimacy and emotional connection. You may also feel isolated and misunderstood.
Social and Relationship Challenges
PTSD can strain your relationships with others. You might withdraw from social interactions, have difficulty trusting others, or experience problems with intimacy and emotional connection. You may also feel isolated and misunderstood.
Anxiety and Panic Attacks
PTSD often coexists with anxiety disorders. You may experience heightened levels of anxiety, panic attacks, and a constant sense of being on high alert.
Changes in Beliefs and Worldview
Traumatic events can shatter your beliefs and sense of safety in the world. You may question your trust in others, develop a negative outlook on life, or struggle to find meaning or purpose. You might also experience a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
Emotional and Mood Changes
PTSD can bring about significant changes in your emotions and mood. You may experience intense feelings of guilt, shame, anger, or irritability. You might also have difficulty experiencing positive emotions, feeling emotionally numb, or becoming withdrawn from others.
Intrusive Thoughts and Memories
You may find yourself reliving the traumatic event through intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks. These memories can be distressing and overwhelming, and they may feel as if they're happening in the present moment.

A combination of these could indicate PTSD. If you or anyone you know is experiencing any of these and feels unsafe please reach out to a mental health professional or GP.

“PTSD is not a choice. But recovery is”

When we feel stressed our bodies respond by activating the nervous system which, in turn releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. With these hormones now flooding our system we experience physical changes in the body like an increased heart rate, changes in our breathing, we may sweat more and our pupils become more dilated.

Risk factors

Its important to be aware that trauma and the experience of something traumatic are two different subjects which are often used interchangeably but are subtly different. Trauma refers to the psychological and emotional response to an event that is perceived as life-threatening or extremely distressing.

It can show up not just in your behaviour but also in your brain structures if you were to receive a brain scan. Experiencing something traumatic can be a challenging and distressing experience, but not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop trauma. There are various risk factors that can increase an individual's likelihood of experiencing trauma.

Let’s take a look at the risk factors:

Childhood abuse or neglect

Individuals who experienced abuse or neglect during childhood are at higher risk of experiencing trauma later in life.

Accidents

Individuals who have been in car accidents, workplace accidents, or other types of accidents are at risk of experiencing trauma.

Community violence

Living in a community with high rates of violence, such as gang violence or gun violence, can increase the risk of experiencing trauma.

Exposure to violence

Living in an environment where violence is prevalent, such as a war zone or high-crime area, increases the risk of experiencing trauma.

Medical trauma

Medical trauma refers to trauma experienced during medical procedures, surgeries, or other healthcare-related events.

Discrimination and oppression

Individuals who experience discrimination or oppression based on their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other factors are at increased risk of experiencing trauma.

Natural disasters

Natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods can be traumatic for those who experience them.

Military service

Military personnel are at risk of experiencing trauma due to exposure to combat, military sexual trauma, and other stressors associated with military service.

Tips for coping

Manage Triggers
Identify triggers that exacerbate your symptoms and develop strategies to manage them. This might involve avoiding certain situations, practicing relaxation techniques when triggered, or gradually exposing yourself to triggers in a safe and controlled way.
Manage Triggers
Identify triggers that exacerbate your symptoms and develop strategies to manage them. This might involve avoiding certain situations, practicing relaxation techniques when triggered, or gradually exposing yourself to triggers in a safe and controlled way.
Establish a Routine
Creating a structured routine can provide a sense of stability and predictability, which can be comforting when dealing with PTSD symptoms. Aim for a balance between work, rest, and leisure activities.
Take Breaks
It's important to give yourself permission to take breaks when needed. Allow yourself time for relaxation, self-reflection, and engaging in activities that bring you joy. Be gentle with yourself and practice self-compassion.
Practice Grounding Techniques
Grounding techniques can help you stay present in the moment when you feel overwhelmed or dissociated. Focus on your senses by naming things you can see, hear, touch, taste, or smell. Engage in activities that bring you into the present moment, such as deep breathing exercises or grounding exercises.
Avoid Substance Abuse
Substance use may provide temporary relief, but it can worsen PTSD symptoms in the long run. Avoid relying on alcohol or drugs as coping mechanisms and seek healthier alternatives.
Engage in Therapy
Various therapeutic approaches can be effective in treating PTSD, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and clinical hypnotherapy.
Practice Self-Care
Prioritize self-care activities that promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being. This can include activities such as exercise, mindfulness or meditation, engaging in hobbies, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet.
Educate Yourself
Learn about PTSD, its symptoms, and how it may show up in your behavior, feelings, thoughts, and emotions. Understanding what you're experiencing can help you feel more empowered and in control of your healing process.
Build a Supportive Network
Surround yourself with understanding and supportive people. Share your experiences with trusted friends, family members, or support groups who can provide empathy, validation, and encouragement.

Overcome Trauma and Embrace Happiness

Safe Space Therapy offers personalised treatments that empower you to overcome trauma, with the guidance of experienced therapists.

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