Trauma is a term which refers to a person’s response to events which are threatening to a person’s physical, mental and/or emotional well-being. Trauma victims may have physical, mental or emotional damage to repair. Emotional or mental trauma responses may include exaggerated fears, anxiety, panic and depression. Therapy may help people process the traumatic events and learn to manage mood and behavioral symptoms that are interfering with quality of life.
Facts About Traumatic Loss
From the American Psychological Association:
Traumatic events include physical, psychological and sexual abuse; terrorism and war; domestic violence; witnessing violence against others; and accidents and natural disasters. They can result in serious stress and detrimental consequences for survivors and their families.
Approximately one half (50 percent) of all individuals will be exposed to at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.
Although the majority of individuals will be able to absorb the trauma over time, many survivors will experience long-lasting problems.
Approximately 8 percent of survivors will develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
