Trauma 101
True or False: Abusing substances makes PTSD symptoms worse.
TRUE: Substances can make you feel more depressed, more suicidal, and less stable. Even when substances appear to "solve" trauma symptoms, in the long run it doesn't help.
Do I need to get clean from substances before I can work on my trauma?
NO: The two disorders can be treated at the same time.
What are symptoms of Trauma/PTSD?
1. Re-experiencing symptoms
2. Avoidance and numbing symptoms
3. Arousal symptoms
How do trauma and substance use relate?
Substance use can often be used to numb the feelings of a traumatic experience OR substance use can put us at risk of being in a high risk environment.
True of False: I should talk to my therapist about my trauma during the first session.
True or False: Abusing substance prevents you from knowing yourself.
TRUE: With substances, you get lost. To heal from trauma, you need to become more and more aware of who you really are without substances.
Is it helpful to talk about my painful trauma memories right away in treatment?
MAYBE: For some people it may be helpful, for others it may not!
What types of traumatic events result in PTSD?
ANYTHING!
True of False: You can heal from childhood trauma as an adult.
TRUE
What are the three types of grounding?
Mental, Physical, Soothing.
What is Trauma Arousal?
Seeking/finding pleasure in the presence of extreme danger, violence, risk or shame.
What is the definition of "traumatic?"
Something that is extremely upsetting or something that causes great harm or damage to the mind or body.
ANXIETY: because it is marked by an overwhelming feeling of anxiety during or after the trauma.
How do we achieve Post-Traumatic Growth?
By acknowledging our trauma and taking care of ourselves. Engaging in activities such as therapy, identifying our strengths, and cognitive reframing.
What are some triggers of trauma?
They differ for everyone. Some main ones include: Anger, Anxiety, Feeling overwhelmed, vulnerable, abandoned, feeling out of control, and Loneliness.
True or False: ACES stands for Acknowledgement of Childhood Experiences
FALSE: Adverse Childhood Experiences.
What is Post-Traumatic Growth?
Post-traumatic growth (PTG) or benefit finding is positive psychological change experienced as a result of adversity and other challenges in order to rise to a higher level of functioning.
What are the two main types of trauma?
Simple and Complex.
What is Trauma Splitting?
Ignoring traumatic realities by “splitting off” experience and not integrating into personality or daily life.
How long does it take to heal from trauma?
IT DIFFERS FOR EVERYONE! There is no right or wrong way to heal and each experience is different.
True or False: The more ACES you have, the less likely you are to experience health conditions, substance use, and other trauma related experiences as an adult.
FALSE.
What is the difference between trauma and PTSD?
The primary difference between trauma and PTSD is the not in the severity of the event or trauma but the severity and length of the symptoms.
What Trauma Abstinence?
Compulsive deprivation which occurs especially around moments of success, high stress, shame or anxiety.
What is Trauma Repetition
Repeating behaviors and/or seeking situations or persons who recreate the trauma experience.
What is Trauma Shame?
Profound sense of unworthiness and self hatred rooted in traumatic experience.