
Trauma & PTSD
Definition - Emotional response to an event such as; accident, abuse, rape, disaster or tragedy. Immediately following the event shock or denial may occur. Long term reactions can persist and these may be several years later.
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Alternative Definitions - Compromised bodily health by sudden injury, whether or not life threatening. It is important to note that trauma can occur as a result of childbirth, miscarriage, difficult operations and much more. Frequently alluding to war, this can cause much confusion.
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A traumatic event is an emotional shock. It is not easy to take in what has happened and to come to terms with it. After a trauma, it is quite normal to experience all kinds of unpleasant feelings, emotions, and body sensations. These may take some time to die down. In the meantime, memories and images of the trauma, and thoughts about it, come into your mind even if you try to shut them out. These experiences may be confusing and even frightening. You may wonder if you will ever get over the trauma, if you are losing control of yourself, or even if you are going mad. These worries are entirely understandable.

Thought journalling download
Affirmations
Recommended Reading
![]() Trauma & RecoveryJudith Herman | ![]() The PTSD WorkbookBeth Williams & Soili Poijula | ![]() Dynamic Strategies that workMichele Rosenthal |
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![]() Compassionate Strategies to begin healing from Childhood TraumaArielle Schwartz | ![]() Powerful practices to Reclaim your identityMichele Rosenthal | ![]() Life after TraumaDena Rosenbloom & Mary Beth Williams |
Where to get additional support
For Professional Support on Trauma contact the following Charities/ Support Groups (this is merely for information not recommendation or advisory)
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www.birthtraumaassociation.org.uk - Support to all women who have had a traumatic birth experience
www.firstpersonplural.org.uk - The UK survivor led association for Dissociative Survivors of Abuse and Trauma
www.helpguide.org – put Trauma in search engine at top of homepage
www.rcpsych.ac.uk - Information and advice on how to cope after a traumatic event
www.ukpts.co.uk - includes details of trauma services in the UK
www.assisttraumacare.org.uk Emotional and practical support to individuals, families and anyone affected by trauma
www.disasteraction.org.uk Support and information for the bereaved and survivors of major disaster and other events.
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