Twenty years ago I had oversight of a court-ordered program for youth in conflict with the law. One day I was meeting with someone from the ministry and mentioned that I wanted to include a trauma counselling component in our residential program.
His reply was: “Deborah, trauma is not on anyone’s radar.”
That was then. Thankfully, we now recognize the prevalent role that trauma plays in the mental health sector for all ages.
Clinical and anecdotal evidence describes trauma as a response to an event, whether short or ongoing, that creates a deeply distressing psychological, emotional and physical condition that requires a proactive intervention to resolve. It can be the result of a serious accident, violence, sudden loss, and sexual, emotional and physical abuse, to name a few possible trauma-inducing events.
Trauma is a condition that sets the ground for multiple co-occurring mental health issues. Typically, it can be the backstory for anxiety, depression, attachment disorder and a general disruption of daily functioning. It can also be intertwined with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder resulting from an onset of these conditions due to a traumatic event.
The symptoms of trauma include anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares and a loss of trust. It affects quality of life due to sleep interruption, a breakdown in relationships, an inability to focus and a withdrawal from friends and family.
We are more familiar with trauma as a society from learning about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in our military and our first responders such as police, paramedics and firefighters to name a few.
The fact is that PTSD affects many people in the general population. Children who witness violence in their home can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder; even the youngest children are impacted by a violent environment. The fifth edition of the Statistical Diagnostic Manual (DSM-5) has finally recognized that someone who experiences intimate partner violence can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Children who are subjected to abuse, abject negligence and maltreatment of all descriptions often sustain the impact well into adulthood.
Yes, trauma is now soundly on our radar. But how do we treat trauma? There are a variety of therapeutic supports to address trauma and it is generally accepted that a combination of these can be most effective.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in conjunction with talk therapy is an effective approach, as well as medication, exposure therapy and support groups. Most effective treatments will include a focus on challenging negative, self-defeating thoughts.
Trauma symptoms can be triggered by intrusive and irrational thoughts related to the event, even when the individual is not consciously aware. All modalities need to create a safe environment through building trusting relationships with a therapist and, if applicable, group members. Safety is a key issue because trauma creates a core feeling of not being safe.
Trauma is a complex condition but it can be resolved. It is important to consult with a mental-health professional who is trauma informed if your quality of life is being impacted by a traumatic experience.
Deborah Joyce is a psychotherapist with a practice in Powell River and Comox Valley. For more information, go to beaufortcounselling.ca. Have a question or suggestion for a future column topic for Deborah? Email [email protected].
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