What is the natural response to trauma?

In this article here below, highly regarded psychiatrist, Dr Okon Frankson Umoh, tells us how trauma can affect us in our daily lives, and what the natural human response to trauma is.

Psychologically speaking, what is the natural response to trauma?

The natural response to trauma is based on the mind and the mind becoming hypervigilant. So, what trauma does is that it raises the level of vigilance and awareness of our minds. Trauma also affects the way we process information, which gives rise to a whole host of different psychological symptoms.

Our emotions become intense, as we become very apprehensive, angry, fearful, and panicky. The main psychological response to trauma relates to our central nervous system. We are simply too alert, things are not put to rest, which causes a lot of symptoms that we associate with trauma.

How severe does trauma have to be for a severe psychological response to occur?

There really is no measure of severity. Any traumatic event can provoke psychological unease in any given person.

How can psychological responses typically manifest into our lives?

I always look at trauma as a condition where anxiety is very prevalent. Almost everything becomes frightening to you, and you are overly anxious in your day-to-day life. Everything becomes threatening.

It is very common for people who have experienced some form of trauma to avoid certain situations that they perceive as threatening. When the avoidance does not solve our anxiety or panic, then we see many people turn to drugs or alcohol.

Physical responses to trauma include excessive sweating, tremors, fast heartbeat, stomach problems, and a racing pulse. Some people may even pass out. Cognitive responses to trauma is this avoidance that I mentioned and the perception that something is threatening when we would not have deemed it so before experiencing trauma.

How long can previous trauma affect us in our lives?

There is no definitive length really. Our response to trauma may change over time. For example, people with PTSD may go on to develop long-term adjustment issues.

How can severe trauma be treated?

Severe trauma may manifest as PTSD, depression, substance abuse, or anxiety. Then, we look at how these different illnesses can be treated. Treatment may include medication, psychological therapy, and/or comprehensive rehabilitation of some sort.

To schedule in an appointment with Dr Okon Frankson Umoh, simply head on over to his Top Doctors profile today.