WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE?
Stress is a general reaction to anything (event, object, or person) that poses as a threat or causes harm to our well-being. Our nervous system is engineered in such a way that when a dangerous situation is encountered, it gets triggered to exhibit a fight/flight response, depending upon the intensity and severity of the situation. As per Hans Selye’s concept of what comprises a stressful reaction, it can lead us to think in two directions. One which serves as a performance booster and helps us be well prepared so as to combat challenges successfully is often referred to as ‘Eustress’. On the other hand, a response that leads us to compromise with our regular functioning (general as well as occupational) and causes physical or mental trouble, is referred to as ‘Distress’.
Speaking of general events, stress is a commonly experienced state of being. It is related to a circumstance or a situation and lingers on, as long as the stressor is present in the environment. As soon as the stress-inducing event/situation disappears, the individual resumes his or her optimal state of functioning. Linking it to the brain, the nervous system after experiencing a shake where the biological processes had expedited, returns to its normal state, thereby achieving the balance. However, when an experience is traumatic and leaves a lasting impact on the psyche of a person and he/she is unable to overcome the stress that comes along, it may lead to a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It becomes imperative to understand that the experience of trauma can be as subjective as it is. There’s no singular definition of what and how trauma looks like and feels like to a person. The one who goes through it is in a position to determine how impactful or significant it was, to be called traumatic.
Events such as natural disasters, warlike scenarios, abuse, or loss of loved ones may trigger such reactions. The person may take longer than usual struggling to deal with the pain and trouble caused. Even though the situation has passed, the individual is unable to retain the sense of safety and trust that helped him/her feel secure in his own skin and the environment as well.
The person feels unable to get the ‘situation’ out of his or her mind and often feels worried about it occurring again only to bring back all the unpleasant memories and reliving the entire situation once more.
HOW IT SHOWS?
Although the symptoms may vary from person to person and be exclusive to each, there are some of them which may be more commonly faced.
· Reliving the event again: The person may be susceptible to reliving the traumatic incident in the form of intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares. He/she may experience the same level of anxiety, fear, and pain as was felt during the real experience.
· Avoiding similar scenarios: It may be difficult for the person to be in situations that even remotely remind him/her of the traumatic incident. He/she may avoid going to similar places, or recall anything related to the trauma, feel distant & aloof from others and the environment.
Often people go through feelings of depersonalization as well, where they feel unable to recognize and identify with their own selves and feel a sense of detachment with how they view themselves. While at the same time, such feelings can even lead to derealisation where individuals are not able to feel in unison with the environment they live in, and rather feel that it is all unreal and imaginary.
· Mood related variations: In PTSD, the person may also experience mood-based symptoms such as feelings of sadness causing him/her to feel worthless. He/she may also feel uninterested in the activities which were earlier pleasurable and become isolated. A persistent feeling of sadness and helplessness may prevail. Guilt and blaming self for any unpleasant events or even any general mistake may also be evident.
One also needs to be aware that cognitive distortions may be at the peak in such situations. Hence, the person may even take the slightest hint as something extremely disturbing and feel upset or irritable.
· Feeling responsible: The person may at times bear the burden of being powerless and not being able to prevent the harm or reverse the damage. This might lead to self-loathing and viewing self as not being capable enough.
· Hypervigilance: The person’s sensory and mental alert system may get hypersensitive to incoming stimuli. He/she may get easily startled by sounds and surprised by even little variations in the environment. Every situation would be overanalyzed to look for danger and threat.
APPROACH TO TREATMENT
In order to challenge the distorted beliefs about the self and the world, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy would be an effective form of treatment. It will help the individual to view the situation in a rational manner and feel capable enough to find solutions to his own problems, thereby replacing the negative, irrational thoughts with more healthy and balanced ones. Because of the nature of CBT placing an emphasis on the individual becoming the pathfinder helps him/her feel confident, assured, and valued for his ability to guide his/her own life.
Medication could also be helpful to help the person cope with associated conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Family-based counseling or therapy may help him/her strengthen his relationships. It may, in turn, also help family members and close ones to understand and empathize with the individual. They may become active facilitators in helping him/her recover and provide emotional support.
Taking Counselling sessions can be effective in dealing with trauma, coping up with symptoms, and restructuring the thoughts, memories, and feelings in a healthy way.
