Understanding Emotional Trauma During Traumatic Events

Emotional trauma can be a severe and long-lasting impact of traumatic events, leading to suppressed or distorted memories. While the human mind may attempt to protect itself by concealing traumatic events, this can often lead to an imperfect result, leaving residual reactions to these events. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common result of such suppression.

Impact of Catastrophic Events on Emotions

Natural disasters, car crashes, and terrorist attacks are among the many catastrophic events that leave survivors and witnesses feeling anxious, frightened, and uncertain about the future. While these feelings often pass once life returns to normal, it is essential to understand the various emotional responses and methods to cope with them.

Types of Emotional Responses to Trauma

Normal Emotional Responses

The human nervous system can respond with a wide range of intense feelings and physiological responses to extreme exposure. These reactions often have a wave-like character, including periods of excitement, followed by inhibition and depression. Common emotional responses to a traumatic event include:

Shock and Denial: The body is trying to protect itself by not fully accepting the situation. Fear: Worry about what may happen again or a loss of control. Sadness: Feeling grief, especially if loved ones died. Helplessness: A feeling of extreme vulnerability due to unexpected disasters or accidents. Guilt: Self-blame for not doing more to prevent the disaster. Anger: Directed at oneself or perceived responsible parties. Shame: Feels of being vulnerable or having uncontrollable emotions. Relief: Feeling that the worst is over and hope for a return to normal life.

Coping with the Psychological and Physiological Effects

Managing the psychological and physiological effects of traumatic events is crucial. The symptoms of traumatic stress are both emotional and physical. It's important to recognize these symptoms and understand that they will subside if not fought:

Shivering or shuddering Heart palpitations Panicked breathing Feeling of a foreign body in the throat Stomach tension Nausea and faintness Cold sweats Chaotic thinking

Techniques for Emotional Recovery

Finding Comfort and Support

To aid the healing process, it's crucial to seek comfort and support. After a traumatic event, daily routines can be disrupted, but it is vital to restore a sense of security and comfort step by step. Here are some practical steps:

Find comfort in familiar and recognizable routines. Restore a sense of control by structuring daily activities, including meals, sleep, and leisure. Engage in activities that occupy your mind, such as reading, watching movies, or spending time with loved ones. Continue to maintain social connections to receive support from others. Participate in group activities, such as therapy groups, religious groups, or community events.

Minimizing Media Impact

During recovery, it's essential to minimize exposure to media that over-describes the details of the catastrophe, as this can exacerbate negative feelings. Avoid media sources focusing on the disaster and its consequences.

Accepting and Recognizing Your Feelings

Realizing that a range of complex and often unpleasant emotions, such as sadness, grief, anger, and fear, are normal after traumatic events, is crucial. Recognizing and accepting these feelings are part of the healing process and will help you move through the stages of grief and towards recovery.

By understanding the emotional trauma and implementing effective coping strategies, individuals can begin to heal and regain emotional flexibility and comfort post-catastrophic events.