Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Since then, EMDR has evolved and today is used to treat PTSD/“Big T” complex trauma as well as PTSD/ “Small t” simple trauma.
First, let’s talk about “Big T” trauma.
“Big T” trauma is defined as a type of anxiety disorder that’s triggered by an extremely traumatic event.
You can develop PTSD when a traumatic event happens to you or when you see a traumatic event happen to someone else. Many people who are involved in traumatic events or witness them have a brief period of difficulty adjusting and coping. But with time and some healthy coping methods, such traumatic reactions usually get better on their own.
In some cases, though, the symptoms can get worse or last for months or even years. Sometimes, they may even completely disrupt your life. In these cases, you may have PTSD.
PTSD may affect survivors of such traumatic events as sexual or physical assault, war, torture, a natural disaster or an airplane crash. PTSD can also affect rescue workers at the site of mass casualties or other tragedies. These kinds of events may cause intense fear, helplessness or horror.
Signs and symptoms of PTSD typically begin within three months of a traumatic event. In a small number of cases, however, PTSD symptoms may not occur until years after the event.
PTSD symptoms may include:
- Flashbacks, or reliving the traumatic event for minutes or even days at a time
- Shame or guilt;
- Upsetting dreams about the event;
- Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the event; feeling emotionally numb;
- Irritability or anger;
- Poor relationships;
- Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much;
- Hopelessness about the future; trouble sleeping;
- Memory problems;
- Trouble concentrating;
- Being easily startled or frightened;
- Not enjoying activities you once enjoyed;
- And/or hearing or seeing things that aren’t there.
Now about “Small t” or “simple trauma.”
According to the December 2005 Harvard Mental Health Letter (“Post Traumatic Stress Without Trauma”); experiences not usually regarded as traumatic can cause the characteristic symptoms of PTSD.
The authors suggest that life events may increase overall psychological stress and distress, bringing on symptoms related trauma. Some examples of these life events are: childhood neglect, childhood attachment issues, family of origin issues, relationship problems, parenting issues, work problems, financial problems, school problems, health problems, significant losses or life changes.
Both “Big T” and “Small t” symptoms can come and go. You may have more symptoms during times of higher stress or when you experience symbolic reminders of what you went through.
For example, some people whose PTSD symptoms had been gone for years saw their symptoms come back again with the terrorist attacks on the U.S. on September 11, 2001. When you have “Big T” and/or “Little t” trauma, you may relive the traumatic event numerous times, you may have upsetting memories, or you may see reminders wherever you go. For instance, you may hear a car backfire and relive combat experiences. Or you may see a report on the news about a rape, and feel again the horror and fear of your own assault. Or you may have difficulties with co-workers or in intimate relationships and negatively associate those people with people or situations from your past.
If you are a first-responder looking for treatment, please call me and I can provide therapy at a discounted rate.
