Trauma
I will be studying trauma and healing to understand better the trauma recovery process which is interesting and important for personality theorists because it eliminates or reduces psychological problems because of trauma on individuals which could result in lifelong health problems if not treated.
Introduction
Trauma is a psychological and emotional response towards a dreadful event such as rape, accident, death, divorce, illness, or natural disasters. Individuals undergoing trauma experience have a feeling of denial, shock, and distress. The long-term symptoms may include volatile emotions, flashbacks, and physical symptoms, including nausea, headaches, and fatigue (Dave Asprey, 2020). The impact of trauma can be devastating, throwing individuals into a state of confusion, shutting down their emotions leading individuals to withdraw and distance themselves from others. Further, past traumatic effects can affect how an individual reacts to traumatic events in the present. The body’s reactions and responses towards trauma make it difficult for individuals to move on with their normal life. Therefore, early interventions and therapies should be provided to traumatized individuals before the effects become long life mental and psychological problems.
Literature review
Trauma treatments should be specific and developmentally appropriate. According to most reviews and analysis, the most effective trauma treatments include exposure therapies (ET) and EMDR. The effectiveness of the two therapies is found to be the same. However, some reviews indicate that group CBT and stress management are more effective compared to EMDR and CBT (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (US), 2014). Mendes et al., (2008) on their 23 clinical trials review of CBT and other PTSD treatments comparisons, they reached different conclusions. According to Mendes et al. (2008), CBT has better remission rates than EMDR and having compliance outcomes and efficacy than ET and cognitive therapy. Thus, they suggested that CBT is preferable to EMDR (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (US), 2014). The Australian Center for Posttraumatic Mental health (ACPMH), US Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense (VA/DoD) and National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) clinical practice guidelines endorses the use of trauma-focused CBT while in some cases EMDR is the best initial approach for PTSD treatment.
On the other hand, the review and recommendations of the institute of medicine ( IOM) for PTSD treatment found inadequate supporting evidence for using EMDR, coping skills therapy, group therapy, and cognitive restructuring as treatments for PTSD (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (US), 2014). Instead, they endorsed the use of ET only, which was a component of most CBT interventions. However, Benish et al., (2008) in their review, they conclusively agreed that all PTSD treatment interventions are equally effective (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (US), 2014). Moreover, their review assed the use of trauma-focused group therapy, some forms of ET, CBT, EMDR, hypnotherapy, stress inoculation, present-centred therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Further, the authors observed that retraining patients in treatment were vital in achieving better results than prescribing particular psychotherapy because almost 25% of participants left studies early.
However, Ehlers et al., (2010) raised two major objections against Benish et al., (2008) review arguing that the review lacked major used treatments like supportive therapy, which was included as a present-centred therapy, and not a bona fide treatment. Secondly, Ehlers et al., (2010) argued that the review was adequate because it did not account for treatments needs to demonstrate higher efficacy compared to natural recovery to know their effectiveness. Therefore, Ehlers et al., (2010) agreed conclusively that the review findings of Benish et al., (2008) are invalid to assert that all the PTSD treatments are equally effective not just, only trauma-focused CBT and EMDR. Notably, such large reviews presenting conflicting information present problems (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (US), 2014).
According to IOM various interventions vary depending on the cognitive restructuring of the trauma experience, training in stress management, general vocational and social support, emotion expression and management, and emphasis on re-exposure to stimuli and trauma-related memories. Further, only limited studies separate these components and discuss them independently to establish their effectiveness (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (US), 2014). Therefore, it is intricate to establish which sections of a certain intervention give the best chance. Moreover, IOM found inadequacies with PTSD studies including lacking methods for addressing missing data, study attrition, investigator and publication bias, generalizing results from a specific population applying them on different population groups, and inadequacy in follow-ups. However, despite several interventions that may lack a rigorous evidence base, still, some particular treatments are effective.
The body’s response to trauma
Traumatic terrible events trigger the brain to overproduce stress-relieving hormone called cortisol. The regular and constant activation of stress hormones to relieve the body from traumatic experiences keeps the body at a state of high alert. Traumatized individuals undergo experiences of trembling or excessive shock when they encounter triggers that remind them of the traumatic events. Consequently, the triggered individual will enter the fight, flight, or freeze mode. The person will sense danger and threat, thus compelled to defend oneself, run away, or freezes (Dave Asprey, 2020). As a result, the person might lack sleep and avoid people and situations that are safety threatening. The trauma affects three parts of the brain, namely the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and the amygdala creating long-lasting changes in all three areas of the brain (Dave Asprey, 2020).
Research done on animals reveals that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) leads to impaired brain functioning and brain size changes. Accordingly, constant overproduction of cortisol hormone due to the influence of fight or flight response can alter neuron connections resulting in brain circuitry rewiring, which creates long life psychological and emotional distress. Persistent stress because of traumatic events can lead to lifelong health problems including liver and heart diseases, alcoholism and smoking, cancer, depression and anxiety, feeling guilt and despair, chronic pain, emotional numbness, memory lapse, gastrointestinal illness, and withdrawal from normal routine(Dave Asprey, 2020).
Trauma Recovery phases
Stabilization and safety
The initial step is to realize oneself and identify the most difficult emotions taking a toll on an individual’s health. Such emotions may include intense traumatic rage and fear and then learn to manage them gradually. Stabilization will enable an individual to regain a sense of safety in the world as trauma makes an individual be worried about other people and feel unsafe. Depending on the trauma severity and individual’s ability to process it, it can take months to years for the person to feel safe again. Close family members or a talk therapist can assist in emotional management.
Morning and remembrance
The second phase of trauma recovery is to mourn what has been lost because of trauma. In this period, individuals should give themselves ample time to grieve and express their emotions. At this phase, individuals should not aim at escaping from the uncomfortable emotions but look for a middle ground to manage the trauma. In the second phase, the individual processes and names the trauma using emotions and words to put the trauma into context. Similarly, the traumatized individual should get the help of a reputable counsellor or a therapist either in the accompaniment of close friends or alone. Further, the person undergoing the recovery process should take time to process the trauma and receive the therapies gradually not to tear- to trigger the terrible moments.
Integration and reconnection
Thirdly, the recovering person should regain and reclaim personal power by taking concrete steps moving forward. The person should cease to become a victim and redefine oneself rather than letting the trauma define the individual. Similarly, the recovering individual should gain hope for the future and feel the birth of a new self. Moreover, the people recovering from trauma should find a mission like helping to assist others in helping the individual moving on and forget the experiences. Notably, the recovering person is likely to experience painful feelings and thought, but the individual should not let the circumstances control them.
Trauma Diagnosis
Individual to be diagnosed with trauma, they do not have to necessarily exhibit all the symptoms because the ability to cope with trauma differs from one person to the other and the symptoms may vary from one person to the other. Moreover, most individuals do not manifest the entire range of symptoms of trauma. The standard procedure used by doctors and mental health professionals is to perform a physical examination to determine whether the symptoms arise from medical conditions. Secondly, medical professionals conduct a psychological evaluation of the traumatized person by discussing the events that led to symptoms exhibited by the individual. On the other hand, therapists observe words and situations, which trigger the individual’sindividual’s symptoms together with current emotions and moods linked to the stress response. Similarly, mental health professionals observe how events and issues influence an individual’sindividual’s normal way of life and negatively affect habits or behaviors.
Trauma treatment
Healing from emotional and psychological trauma requires individuals to resolve to dissolve the unpleasant memories and emotions they have been avoiding all along with their life. Accordingly, discharging the pent-up, flight or fight energy and learning how to regulate strong emotions and rebuilding an individual’sindividual’s ability to trusting others. However, every individual has a different path to recovery from PTSD and trauma. Adequate training and inpatient treatment can assist traumatized individuals to recognize their feeling and experiences, adopt healthy coping skills, get connected to support and resources, and regain strength as they move away from experiences of trauma.
Trauma Treatment Methods
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Firstly the traumatized person needs to identify and evaluate their negative irrational and incorrect thoughts and substitute them with more positive and accurate thoughts. The technique involves correcting and changing an individual’sindividual’s wrong thoughts to increase knowledge and skills in dealing with terrible moments (Dillmann, 2011). The therapist can educate affected individuals on the normal reactions to trauma and teach them breathing techniques to minimize stress and anxiety.
The eye movement desensitization and processing (EMDR)
Trained specialist therapists provide the service of EMDR to the affected individuals. The patient seeking recovery from trauma will be required to undergo eight phases of the treatment process. The individuals receiving the therapy focus on their negative thoughts and terrible traumatic encounters as they visually track the finger of a therapist or moving light. Additionally, auditory tones may also accompany the process (Dillmann, 2011). Although there exists a disputed debate regarding the movement of eyes in the treatment process, the method has proven to be highly effective in eliminating and alleviating distress and traumatic symptoms in individuals.
Pharmacotherapy
The affected individuals use medications in the management of disruptive traumatic reactions. The use of medication has proven to be effective in the treatment of traumatic symptoms including depression, irritability, emotional reactivity, heightened arousal, intrusive symptoms, and hyperarousal. Notably, medications only minimize the intensity of symptoms making them more manageable but they do not eliminate one’sone’s trauma pain and reactions. However, it is advisable to consult a psychiatrist before using medication and stick with the health care provider while using the medicines (Dillmann, 2011). Further, there are convincing reports that medications have side effects that may not respond favorably with certain individuals. Similarly, medicines can be effective when used concurrently with the therapies.
Group therapy
Trauma survivors form different groups with the help of peers and therapists. Trauma survivor groups are formed for different purposes including educational groups, therapeutic and support giving groups. However, the effectiveness of group therapy requires the accompaniment of individual therapy, and the stage an individual is at in the healing process (Dillmann, 2011). Individuals in the safety phase can join a group that focuses on self-care and coping skills while those in the mourning phase should join a trauma storytelling group. Similarly, individuals in the reconnection face can associate themselves with groups dealing in making relations while educational groups are suitable for all phases.
Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy is the common form of behavior therapy where individual gradually faces their traumatic fears and the traumatic event memories without the occurrence of the feared consequences. The exposure enables an individual to learn that their negative emotion or fear is unfounded thus decreasing the fear (Dillmann, 2011). The therapy is effective in reducing depression and anxiety, improving social adjustment, and organizing the trauma memory. Imaginal exposure is a form of exposure therapy where an individual is required to imagine the feared event more vividly. Secondly, in systematic desensitization, the individual is successively exposed to more fear-inducing scenes, which is paired with relaxation. Lastly, in vivo exposure takes place in the therapy (Dillmann, 2011). Exposure therapy is known for the effective management of post-traumatic stress (PTSD). Additionally, stress inoculation training (SIT) is a type of behavior therapy, which assists an individual in managing stress and anxiety.
The visualization method requires movement and hand touching as individuals listen to their bodies. The ability and opportunity for individuals to nurture themselves during stressful and difficult times of life can assist in calming and relaxation of the soul and body. Taking time to listen to the body touch allows individuals to learn what is happening at that particular moment. The method is useful because if people understand themselves they will have gratitude to God thus calming their souls and mind psychologically. Similarly, appropriate yoga exercise like pal and gum would be vital for enhancing and balancing the body’sbody’s energy and eliminate tensions and anxiety in individuals. The exercise is helpful to individuals experiencing traumatic stress.
On the other hand, individuals who would like to get relief from traumatic stress and achieve a balance and harmony of should mind and spirit should use the Tai Chai method. The Tai Chai method helps individuals to rebuild and regain stamina and strength that might have been lost during the period of traumatic experiences. The use of the acupressure method opens life energy blockages on specific points of the body by using finger pressure. According to research, acupressure is an effective method for losing traumatic stress symptoms including anxiety, depression, body pain, restlessness, abdominal pain, and insomnia. Individuals can use acupressure points as soon as symptoms of stress and trauma appear.
Daily practice of acupressure maintains smooth flow and energy balance to the whole body thus preventing stress symptoms. Having a strong feeling or emotion is one of the signs of traumatic stress. The strong feeling flows through an individual’sindividual’s body causing feelings of afraidness, anger, sadness, and anxiety. Individuals can deal with raging emotions by doing activities like acupressure to release energy blockage from emotion. Besides, massage techniques on fingers, neck, shoulders, and head are a way of releasing energy blockages and balance energy from raging emotion. The massage technique stimulates smooth energy flow healthily ensuring a balance in all body systems.
Conclusion
According to many studies, there is effectiveness in the use of trauma healing therapies in reducing post-trauma stress disorder. Trauma healing can be used in minimizing the level of post-traumatic stress disorder of the victims. It can serve as an alternative means of handling individuals who have undergone traumatic experiences. However, the therapies should be applied depending on the stage of the healing process an individual has reached. Individuals using therapies should be careful in following the phases of trauma recovery not retrigger the painful memories of traumatic events. Similarly, individuals can opt to use medication but they should so under the guidance of a psychiatrist before and during the use of the medication. Further, individuals should use medications along with therapies for the effective functioning of the medicines.