Trauma and PTSD

[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”5%” text_color=”custom” custom_text_color=”#000000″ text_align=”center” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_text_separator title=”Trauma and PTSD” color=”custom” style=”double” accent_color=”#008080″ el_class=”hdd”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeInLeftBig”]

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” bottom_padding=”5%” text_color=”custom” custom_text_color=”#000000″ text_align=”center” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]Trauma typically occurs in response to situations which are life threatening or pose a significant threat to an individual’s physical or psychological wellbeing. Your Psych Centre is here to help. Our Psychologists have training in trauma-focused psychological therapy and provide individualised therapy in a safe and supporting environment.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#f2f2f2″ scene_position=”center” top_padding=”5%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”5%” text_color=”custom” custom_text_color=”#000000″ text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_text_separator title=”Trauma response triggers” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-users” i_color=”turquoise” i_size=”lg” title_align=”separator_align_left” add_icon=”true” el_class=”hd”][vc_column_text]

Situations or events which may trigger a trauma response includes:

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Natural disasters
[icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Serious motor vehicle accidents
[icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Significant workplace injury
[icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Acts of violence such as a physical assault or robbery
[icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Interpersonal violence such as rape or child abuse
[icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Ongoing stressful events such as living in a crime-ridden neighborhood or battling a life-threatening illness
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Physical and emotional reactions to events such as these is a normal part of coping. After the threat has subsided, some individuals will have symptoms for a few days to weeks. Whilst others may have symptoms which are more severe and longer lasting. Severe and ongoing symptoms may indicate the presence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][image_with_animation image_url=”14523″ animation=”Fade In” hover_animation=”zoom” alignment=”center” border_radius=”20px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”5%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”5%” text_color=”custom” custom_text_color=”#000000″ text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_text_separator title=”Symptoms of PTSD” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-podcast” i_color=”turquoise” i_size=”lg” title_align=”separator_align_left” add_icon=”true” el_class=”hd”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text][icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Ongoing intrusive thoughts and memories about the traumatic event which cannot be controlled
[icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Flashbacks where the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event(s) were recurring
[icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Recurrent nightmares where the content is related to the traumatic event(s)
[icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Significant psychological and physical distress if exposed to reminders or symbols of the traumatic event(s)
[icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Avoidance of distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s)
[icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Avoidance of external reminders  that trigger distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings associated with the traumatic event(s)
[icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Unrealistic thoughts about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s) which leads the individual to blame themselves or others
[icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Overly negative beliefs or expectations about self, others, or the world (e.g., “I am bad,” “No one can be trusted,” ‘The world is completely dangerous,”)
[icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame)
[icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Significantly less interest or participation in important activities
[icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Feelings of detachment from others
[icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Unable to experience positive emotions (e.g., happiness, satisfaction, or loving feelings)
[icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Problems with concentration
[icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Irritable behavior and angry outbursts toward people or objects
[icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Hypervigilance and exaggerated startle response
[icon color=”accent-color” size=”tiny” icon_size=”” image=”fa-forward”] Sleep disturbance (e.g., difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless sleep)
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]In children older than 6 years, repetitive play may occur in which themes or aspects of the traumatic event(s) are expressed. In children, there may be frightening dreams without recognisable content.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#f2f2f2″ scene_position=”center” top_padding=”5%” bottom_padding=”5%” text_color=”custom” custom_text_color=”#000000″ text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

Next Steps

Most people who experience a traumatic incident will not require treatment. However, if the above symptoms persist after one month, it is recommended you speak with a mental health professional – such as your GP – who can advise on treatment options.

Treatments include trauma-focused psychological interventions which focus on education, stress management techniques and helping the person to confront feared situations and distressing memories.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Book an appointment

Contact us at Your Psych Centre via phone, email or drop in to our office to arrange to meet with one of our trained psychologists for a confidential discussion.

No referral is needed to make an appointment. However, you can arrange for an appointment with your GP to discuss your mental health and the support which is available. If you are eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan, your GP can provide this to you to bring along to your session which will allow you to access a rebate through Medicare.[/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=”medium” button_style=”see-through-2″ color_override=”#000000″ hover_text_color_override=”#ffffff” icon_family=”none” text=”BOOK AN APPOINTMENT” url=”https://www.yourpsychcentre.com.au/contact-us/”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][image_with_animation image_url=”14520″ animation=”Fade In” hover_animation=”zoom” alignment=”center” border_radius=”20px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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