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Could I be experiencing the
effects of trauma?
What is trauma?
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According to the Department of Mental Health and
Addiction Services, The definition of psychological trauma
involves events or experiences that confront the person
directly, or as a witness with the actuality of the immediate
threat of death, extreme human suffering, severe bodily harm or
injury, coercive exploitation or harassment, sexual violation,
violence motivated by ethnocultural prejudice, or politically
based violence.
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Psychological trauma has a direct impact on the
brain and associated bodily and neurological and stress
response systems. This causes imbalances in mood, memory,
judgment, and involvement in relationships and work.
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The psychological impact of trauma leads to
a sense of fear, helplessness, horror, detachment, and/or
confusion.
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The effects of trauma can be managed by a variety
of methods. There are several schools of counseling,
including cognitive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, talk
therapy, group therapy, and others. There are also many
every day techniques you can use to help yourself feel
better. Look through the following list and give one or
more of them a try when you need to help yourself feel better.
This list is reproduced from the booklet "Dealing with the
Effects of Trauma", a Self-Help Guide from the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services. They include:
Doing something fun or creative; something you really
enjoy like a craft or hobby,
reading, crossword puzzle, etc.
Get some exercise.
Exercise is a great way to help yourself
feel better while improving your overall
stamina and health.
Write something.
Consider journaling, or any form of creative
writing to help express yourself.
Use your spiritual resources.
For some people this may
mean praying, going to church or synagogue
or reaching out
to a clergy member. For others
it can be meditating or reading
affirmations and other inspirational
materials. It may also include
rituals and ceremonies; whatever feel
right to you.
Do something routine.
When you don't feel well, it helps to
do something "normal" - the kind of
thing you do every day or
often; things that are part of your
routine like taking a shower,
making your bed, calling a friend,
walking the dog or any other
small task.
Wear something that makes you feel good.
Everybody has
certain clothes or jewelry that they
enjoy wearing. These are the
things to wear when you want to
comfort yourself.
Be present in the moment.
This is often referred to as
mindfulness. Making a conscious
effort to focus your attention on
what is happening around you can help you
feel better.
Play with children in your family or
with a pet. Petting a
dog or cat, reading a story to a child,
rocking a baby and similar
activities have a calming effect which
helps you to feel better.
Do a relaxation exercise.
There are many good books and
tapes that describe relaxation exercises.
Practice them daily. Use
them whenever you need to help yourself
feel better.
Use your senses. Certain
fragrances or music may help you feel
better.
Use your past. Think of things
that have helped you to feel
better in the past, and recreate them if
possible. They may work
again to improve your mood.
The Counseling and Wellness
Center
204 Marcus White Hall
832-1945
Main Menu
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1615 Stanley Street,
New Britain, CT 06050 860.832.CCSU or toll free instate
1-888-733-2278 |
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