After Virginia Tech - information on Post Traumatic Stress

Like many people, I have watched CNN much of today - watching the unfolding as the horrific story of the Virginia Tech gunman and multiple murders unfolded. Truly a tragedy, and my heart goes out to the many families who are grieving tonight.

I have spent a good portion of my professional life working with and around trauma. A trauma occurs when a person
•has experienced actual or threatened death or serious injury
or
•has witnessed actual or threatened death or serious injury of another person

The effects of trauma can last a long time and the collection of symptoms can develop into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Initial signs of PTSD can include:

feeling like you are "in a daze"

trouble sleeping

change in eating habits

being "jumpy" or easily startled

feeling very anxious

repeated checking of doors and windows to make sure they are locked

feelings of sadness

crying a lot

wanting to cry, but can't

I am including a link to some articles I wrote on the effects of trauma
Acute Stress Disorder

Post Traumatic Stress

Secondary or Vicarious Trauma

Feel free to copy these articles, just be sure to include my name as the author.

Here is the entire article on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder:

The Body Responds To Trauma - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

by Cynthia McKenna LPC, NCC

Trauma can affect our physical and emotional well-being. It results when an event causes a person to feel an overwhelming sense of vulnerability and loss of control. Unexpected traumatic events can happen to anyone. Some people will get through a trauma without many after-effects. However, some people will be profoundly affected. These factors affect the trauma response:

Level of stress in life before trauma occurs
Tendency to keep things inside rather than talking about them

History of prior traumas

This trauma is unexpected

This traumatic event comes without much warning

personality and coping style will effect trauma response

lack of support system

degree of threat or loss

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) occurs when a person has been exposed to a traumatic event in which:

they have witnessed or experienced an event that involves actual or threatened serious injury or death of self or others

and/or

their response to this event includes intense fear, helplessness, and/or horror

The following symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder will show up quickly, and will last for more than one month. Following a severe trauma, a person may experience:

feeling numb, or "in a daze"

tries not to think about the event but has intrusive memories of the trauma - images, thoughts, sensory memories

recurrent stressful dreams of the traumatic event

intrusive, vivid memories of the trauma that cause a person to feel as if they are reliving the event (flashbacks)

hypersensitivity to stimuli that remind them of the traumatic event

avoidance of people or places that might be reminders of the trauma

change in eating and/or sleeping habits

increased irritability

easily startled

hypervigilance – constantly checking their surroundings to make sure they are safe

trouble focusing

sense of loss or sadness

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was first recorded following World War I, and used to be known as shell shock, war neurosis, or combat fatigue. However, severe trauma, (and PTSD) can come from many sources including: violent crimes such as rape, incest, robbery, assault, murder, car accidents, accidents at work, unexpected death of a close friend or relative, fire, natural disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes.

If you have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or are close to someone who has PTSD, it is important to remember that help is available. Many people find relief through talking with a therapist or counselor. The therapeutic relationship can help normalize the symptoms and let the person know that they are not alone. Treatment often includes learning various relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety and bring about a sense of peace. Therapists may also use special treatment modalities to help the person resolve the trauma. These treatments might include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, also known as EMDR, or hypnotherapy. Recovery from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can be a slow process. Again, it depends a lot on the person’s history of trauma and their individual coping style. PTSD does not have to dominate your life. You can get help. You can feel better.

**************

Cynthia McKenna, LPC, NCC
Counseling
Helping individuals and couples heal their relationships
www.cynthiamckennacounseling.com
210.557.1715