Trauma

Around 12% of Australians experience trauma during their life. After a life-threatening or violent event, severe psychological distress can persist.

These include an accident, violent attack, sexual harassment, abuse or natural disasters. There are a range of emotional reactions in response to a traumatic event, including shame, guilt, anger, helpless, fear, numbness and flashbacks. Living with trauma can take hold of an individual’s psyche over time, leaving them feeling vulnerable and out of control. 

Intrusive symptoms include: 

• Recurring and intrusive recollections of the traumatic event, including reliving the event or dissociative flashbacks
• Severe distress due to internal or external cues that mimic an aspect of the trauma.
• Distressing dreams related to the trauma
• Poor sleep