Navigating the Psychological Shockwaves of Trauma
BY: Neighbors’ Consejo|
The concept of shock transcends its psychological definitions, extending into the reality of psychological trauma. Experiencing or witnessing traumatic events can lead to a state of psychological shock, where individuals feel numb, disoriented, and unable to process their emotions. This condition poses a significant challenge to mental health professionals: How can therapeutic interventions be optimized to address the immediate and long-term effects of psychological shock?
According to Psychology Today, the main symptoms are: The hallmark symptoms of shock is feeling a surge of adrenalin; you may feel jittery or physically sick, like you are going to vomit or have diarrhea; your mind will likely feel very foggy, or like you can’t think straight; you may feel out of body; your chest may feel tight; you may feel a disconnection from what’s happening, like you are watching a movie of events unfolding rather than actually being there; you may feel intense anger and want to scream or yell; you may feel like you want to run.
According to Dr. Aimee Daramus, PSYD, emotional shock may be accompanied by a range of physical and emotional symptoms, such as:
- Denial
- Numbness
- Disassociation
- Panic
- Anger
- Breathlessness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Muscle tension
- Inability to express emotion.
- Inability to speak or move.
Dr, Daramus also considers that, “you may experience emotional shock in the wake of an event that suddenly changes your world. It could be an event that affects you or those close to you, such as your parents, spouse, children, or close friends.” Some causes of emotional shock can include:
- Abandonment
- Breakup
- Crime
- Death
- Financial crisis
- Infidelity
- Injury
- Job loss
- Racism
- Terrorism
- Violence
“Psychological shock can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health. If not addressed, it can potentially lead to more chronic conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, or depression. That is why recognizing and addressing psychological shock is crucial for long-term mental health.”
Managing psychological shock involves addressing the emotional impact of the traumatic event and taking steps towards healing. How can we do it? According to Grouport:
- Immediate response: In the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event, it is important to ensure physical safety and security.
- Emotional support: After the immediate needs have been addressed, emotional support becomes critical.
- Professional help: This could involve a mental health professional like a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in trauma and can provide therapeutic interventions.
- Self-care: This might involve regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring you get enough sleep, or engaging in relaxing activities such as meditation or yoga.
In conclusion, psychological shock is a complex and deeply personal experience that varies widely among individuals. Understanding its nuances not only enhances our comprehension of human vulnerability and resilience but also underscores the importance of timely and empathetic intervention. Moving forward, it is crucial that we continue to refine our approaches to mental health care, ensuring that they are accessible, inclusive, and effective. By doing so, we offer not just hope, but a tangible pathway to recovery for those in the midst of their darkest moments.