Understanding Trauma Therapy Los Angeles

By Lena Stephenson


When people face tough events, they may be deeply hurt emotionally, physically and psychologically. These are traumatic events. A large number of people will be exposed to such an event at some point in their lives. One could survive a tragic accident, be accosted by criminals, abused, may lose a close person or be exposed to natural disasters or war. Most people are able to get over these nasty experiences and move on with their lives. However, there is a group that does not. These people live in great fear, stress, confusion, and great pain emotionally even after the event has long been forgotten. Such people require trauma therapy Los Angeles. One can get this assistance here. Here are some insights into the condition.

Post-traumatic stress is a body psychological reaction after encountering a very stressful or a potentially physically threatening event. The results of such an encounter include flashbacks, anxiety, depression, suicidal tendencies, hyperactive vigilance, and unstable mental condition over extended periods. These symptoms are present even when the danger is no longer present.

In the recent past, most of the trauma cases were reported from veterans of war. This had given the problem a casual name as battle fatigue. However, the problem has spread over and more than three percent of Americans suffer from this condition. Anyone that has been experiencing the symptoms below for about a month should seek medical attention. However, it is also good to seek attention earlier if one feels deeply hurt.

Most patients display symptoms that can be broadly classified in four parts. The counselor checks on them to arrest the condition effectively. Patients start avoiding certain locations, sights, sounds, and smells that remind them of the traumatic event. In addition, they also feel guilty, numb, may be anxious, or slip into depression.

The patient may re-experience the event through re-enactment of the same in her mind. This may be through intrusive thoughts, flashing back to the event and sometimes having nightmares in her sleep. He or she may also be hyperactively aroused every time as if he is in danger. This displayed so much anger, hyper-alertness, and irritability. He or she may be so aggressive to others and may engage in reckless behavior that could include self-harm. He may also be aroused from sleep by slight noises get no sleep at all.

Another noticeable symptom is development of cognition and negative moods. The patient may no longer be interested in activities that he or she enjoyed in the past. He may also find it hard to remember recent activities or events. Others might isolate themselves from the rest and spend much time crying.

Therapy has proved effective against most of these problems. In the therapy session, the patient is helped to control his or her feelings and effectively deal with the trauma. They are also able to accept that what happened actually happened and they need to get a life.

If one finds himself in such a condition, it is good not to isolate themselves. Connecting with others helps the victim heal quickly. It is also important for one to seek assistance as early as possible. Social activities also help a victim reconnect with the world. Finally, joining a support group that has similar survivors reduces the sense of hopelessness that one may be experiencing.




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