![]() ![]() The traumatic event causing the crisis alters the individual’s belief of a just and fair world. ![]() Trauma renders a person helpless and powerless due to the overwhelming force of the event. Psychological trauma is an affliction of the powerless (Herman, 1992, p.33). Individuals in crisis have suffered from a psychological trauma. The crisis itself has the potential to cause serious damage to an individual’s cognitive, affective, and behavioral states. The state of crisis may cause a person to respond with ideations of suicide and homicide. This crisis can be too overwhelming for the individual and may cause the individual to respond in a pathological manner. The event or situation can manifest itself in many forms, but it is the emotional reaction to the event or situation that causes the state of crisis. We must first define the nature of trauma and crisis, and then view the current models of treatment.Ĭrisis, according to Gilliland and James (1993), refers to a perception of an event or situation as an intolerable difficulty that exceeds the resources and coping skills of a person. The need for a model of intervention is paramount to help the individual cope with life’s tragedies. ![]() ![]() Prolonged exposure to violence and trauma has severe effects on an individual’s psychological state. These images take not only a toll on an individual’s view of society they take a toll on the individual’s sense of well-being. Events included, but were not limited to, the advent of road rage, school violence and mass execution of students, corporate violence, airline tragedies, government unrest, and the impeachment of a president. In the 1990’s, the public had been witness to numerous occurrences of psychological trauma and people in crisis. The media has presented trauma as the “top story” and “headline news” to the point where they must vie for the most shocking story for the higher ratings. An individual does not have to go further than the television in the living room to see images of death, destruction, and mayhem. You may be referred to a psychiatrist, psychologist or a clinical social worker who can recommend various treatment options for you or your family member.įor more information about trauma, visit David Baldwin's Trauma Information.Trauma, danger, crisis, and fear appear to be prevalent in today’s unsettled environment. Your doctor may recommend that you be evaluated by a licensed mental health professional if he or she suspects that trauma history may be interfering with your medical management. Since with trauma, "the past is the present," one can react in the present medical situation as if it is what was happening in the past.Ī number of different kinds of counseling as well as medications can be effective in treating PTSD. Present experiences such as medical procedures, evaluations, and appointments with doctors can re-trigger early experiences of distress. If a patient generally believes he/she is helpless to impact his/her life circumstances, this may interfere with following through with medical treatment recommendations. This might result in difficulty with sleep or concentration.Ī history of psychological trauma can affect a patient's experience in a medical setting. Other types of symptoms include re-experiencing the trauma in the form of nightmares or flashbacks (a kind of mental replay of the trauma), numbing of emotions and being on high alert for danger. This may be adaptive initially, yet may lead to a pattern of symptoms that interferes with living life. Often, after a traumatic event people begin to avoid triggers that remind them of the event in attempting to cope with the trauma. Someone who continues to be significantly affected by a traumatic event months or years later may have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While most people are distressed for a period of time (weeks or months), they eventually resume their normal responsibilities and adapt. After a traumatic event some people become anxious, depressed and others have difficulty managing their daily responsibilities. Psychological trauma includes observing or experiencing a life-threatening event and being violated by people on whom you depend for your well-being. ![]()
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