The following is based on the book, The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel van der Kolk
Trauma is not only something faced by our war veterans; it's far more prevalent in our society than we often realise. It may be a childhood incident, a car accident, or being witness to an event the memory of which you simply can’t shake. Trauma can affect anyone, and if it is to be treated, understanding its impact is crucial.
Trauma can also result from experiences of extreme stress or pain, leaving individuals feeling helpless or too overwhelmed to cope. While experiences of war can cause trauma, exposure to violent crimes and accidents are also significant contributors. It is often the case that people who have been traumatised can struggle to trust those who haven't shared similar experiences, and tend to believe that no one can truly understand them. In such cases, finding a psychologist who they can sufficiently connect with, can be an early step to help build both trust and recovery.
For those struggling with symptoms of trauma for more than one month - and sometimes for years - they often are considered to have Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, more commonly known as PTSD. When someone with PTSD is reminded of their trauma, their body and brain react as if the memory were happening in real time, triggering a high-stress response. This can include not only racing thoughts, low mood, but also tense muscles and more physical injuries, more illnesses with a lowered immune system, and occasionally feelings of panic, either awake or in dreams.
Childhood trauma, in particular, has lasting negative impacts well into adulthood. For many adults who have survived childhood trauma, they may have years or decades of feeling that it is all in the past, only to have the symptoms resurface if not previously treated, in later years.
The problem with PTSD is, unlike normal memories, which fade and change over time, traumatic memories remain vivid, unchanging, and easily triggered. Trauma stays with individuals, both in their body and mind.
So, how do people learn to live with it, and for many, even recover from it?
One highly effective method is EMDR, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. EMDR helps patients integrate their traumatic memories, restoring a sense of control over their mind and body. Although the exact mechanisms of EMDR's effectiveness are not fully understood, it is clear that it aids in the integration of traumatic memories.
This integration is vital because, without it, traumatic memories can continue to affect PTSD sufferers as if they are ongoing events. Once integrated, these memories become part of the past, no longer dominating the patient's present life.
EMDR enables patients to develop a healthier relationship with their traumatic memories, allowing them to regain control over their minds, bodies, and lives. The results achieved through EMDR are often astounding.
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