Trauma and Feeling Overwhelmed
Psychological & Emotional Trauma: If an event clearly replays itself constantly affecting you daily even though it happened some time ago or you experience a feeling or a sensation that you can't really explain, but it makes you feel nervous, oversensitive, fearful, you may be experiencing aspects of an emotional or psychological trauma. You might feel your heart rate increasing or shallow breathing, you might sweat suddenly or feel instantly cold or shivery. Sometimes you may experience a heightened or extreme sensitivity to noise, light, crowds or an increased fear of new situations, people or ideas or activities and become highly concerned about the unknown-whatever that may be. You might feel very anxious daily or have anxiety that comes and goes. You could have feelings of being afraid and unsafe, you may know why, or you may not know why, you may have an idea, but don't know what to do about it. Some people know that they have gone through a trauma, and others have due to circumstance, have 'forgotten' that they did. If you feel burnt out and overwhelmed, this could be due to an experience of psychological or emotional trauma or long term habitual stress. Stress, if it is s extreme or constant can create anxiety and anxiety- if it is intense enough it can create traumatic or acute behaviours.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder : Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a form of anxiety disorder that's sparked by a traumatic event and can be formed by direct experience or witnessing of an event causing intense fear, or powerlessness. People who are involved in traumatic events can have a period of difficulty, understanding, making sense of situations and adjusting or coping. In time and with appropriate help for the individual-traumatic reactions can get better. However, in some instances, the behaviours and symptoms can worsen lasting months or years, completely disrupting the individual's life and routines and relationships. If you have experienced any of these, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder. If you think you do its important to get help so you can do something about it. PTSD can come from any event or situation that can completely devastate you.
Feeling Overwhelmed: There are times in everyone's life when they feel overwhelmed by circumstances and situations beyond their immediate influence. When this starts to happen on a daily basis, you need to consider why. Feeling overwhelmed is comprised of many influences, panic, anxiety, heightened sensitivity, worry and unhelpful thoughts of the past, present and future, feeling unable to cope but somehow getting by, reduced interest in life, poor appetite or overeating and overcompensating in many activities. Feeling overwhelmed isolates you from your inner well being and potential for fufilment.
Therapeutic Approaches to Trauma and Feeling Overwhelmed
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy(ACT), Mindfulness methods and a cognitive psychotherapeutic approach in assisting your own understanding and self-healing. We work at your speed, there is no rush and I work with you to find you the most valid solutions to your situation. It is important to be aware that if you have the experiences outlined above but have not had any obvious traumatic cause or emotional challenges, these may be indicators of illness. If there is any possibility of this you should see your medical doctor. If you would like to know more please contact me in the 'Consult with Christopher' section of my website, and you can find out about fees, appointments and various ways of having a session.