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Adult Survivors Of Abuse and Trauma

The most common kinds of trauma are PTSD and childhood/domestic abuse. Trauma and its resulting stress can have a lasting impact, and when not dealt with, can cause significant harm to ourselves and others. Learning to recognize, address, and work through these feelings and experiences is the best way to live a productive and happy life.

Childhood Trauma

Physical abuse itself is not the main culprit. Most people have had physical injuries, fractures or burns during childhood due to purely accidental causes and they have not been harmed by it because they have been comforted and cared for by good caregivers at the time of the incident. Damage comes when the injuries are inflicted by those to who one looks for love and protection, and there is no relief from the trauma.

PTSD

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a widely misunderstood condition. You may experience its effects, but be told you can’t possibly have it because you haven’t “been in combat”. This is a damaging and dangerous assumption. While many post-combat vets experience symptoms, PTSD is not exclusive to them alone. It is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, not Post-Combat Stress Disorder.

PTSD can develop from a variety of traumatic incidents, from natural disasters to sexual assault. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th edition (DSM-5), to be diagnosed with PTSD, a person must have experienced or witnessed a traumatic, physically threatening event or have learned that a traumatic event happened to a close friend or family member, and display specific symptoms for at least one month. Four types of symptoms are listed in the DSM-5:

Avoidance Symptoms:
- Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event
- Anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt
Re-experiencing Symptoms:
- Intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks
Hyperarousal Symptoms:
- Anger, irritability, and hypervigilance
- Aggressive, reckless behavior, including self-harm
- Sleep disturbances
Negative Mood and Cognition Symptoms:
- Loss of interest in activities that were once considered enjoyable
- Difficulty remembering details of the distressing event
- Change in habits or behavior since the trauma

If you are struggling with childhood trauma, trauma from domestic abuse, or PTSD symptoms, there is hope. You may feel like you can never get over these feelings, but the caring professionals at Novus Mindful Life can guide you through the necessary steps that lead to healing.