International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience
Open Access

Traumatic stress is a psychological response that occurs as a result of experiencing or witnessing a distressing, lifethreatening, or emotionally overwhelming event. It can have a profound impact on an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being, often leading to a range of symptoms that can disrupt daily life. In this article, we will delve into the causes, effects, and coping strategies for traumatic stress, shedding light on this important aspect of mental health (Bremner JD 2022).

Traumatic stress can be triggered by a wide range of events, such as natural disasters, accidents, violence, abuse, combat experiences, and medical emergencies. These events have the potential to overwhelm an individual’s coping mechanisms and trigger a traumatic stress response. Factors that contribute to the severity of traumatic stress reactions include the intensity of the event, a person’s proximity to the event, prior exposure to trauma, and existing mental health conditions.

Effects Of Traumatic Stress: The effects of traumatic stress can vary widely from person to person. Immediate reactions often include intense fear, helplessness, and horror during and after the traumatic event. However, for some individuals, these feelings may persist and develop into more chronic symptoms, leading to the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Common symptoms of traumatic stress and PTSD include. Distressing and unwanted memories, nightmares, or flashbacks of the traumatic event.Avoiding places, people, or situations that remind the individual of the trauma. Experiencing heightened anxiety, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and an exaggerated startle response.Feeling detached, emotionally numb, experiencing guilt or shame, and having a pessimistic outlook on life.Distorted perceptions of self, others, and the world, often resulting in a sense of ongoing danger (Green BL 1994).

While coping with traumatic stress can be challenging, there are various strategies that individuals can employ to manage their symptoms and promote Consulting a mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychiatrist, is crucial for proper assessment and treatment. Therapies like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and exposure therapy have shown efficacy in treating traumatic stress and PTSD. Connecting with friends, family, support groups, and communities can provide a sense of belonging and understanding. Talking about one’s experiences can help reduce isolation and normalize feelings (Gold SD 2005).

Engaging in activities that promote physical and emotional well-being, such as regular exercise, meditation, journaling, and a balanced diet, can help regulate stress responses. Identifying and managing triggers that remind individuals of the traumatic event can help reduce distress. Gradual exposure to triggers under the guidance of a therapist can aid in desensitization. Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation can help individuals manage anxiety and reduce the intensity of traumatic stress symptoms. In some cases, medication prescribed by a psychiatrist may be beneficial to manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, and insomnia (Van der Hart O 1989).

Traumatic stress is a natural response to overwhelming events, but it doesn’t have to define a person’s life. With the right support and coping strategies, individuals can gradually heal and regain a sense of control. Seeking professional help and utilizing various coping mechanisms can pave the way toward recovery and resilience, allowing individuals to move forward from their traumatic experiences and lead fulfilling lives ( Bell CC, 1991).

Bremner, JD. (2022). Traumatic stress: effects on the brain.  Clin Neurosci. 39(2), 113-32.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Bell, CC., Jenkins, EJ.(1991).Traumatic stress and children.2(1):175-85.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Green, BL. (1994).Psychosocial research in traumatic stress. J Traum Stress. 7(3):341-62.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Gold, SD., Marx, BP., Soler-Baillo, JM., Sloan.(2005). Is life stress more traumatic than traumatic stress. J  Anxi Dis. 19(6):687-98.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Van der Hart, O., Brown, P., Van der Kolk, BA.(1989).Pierre Janet's treatment of post-traumatic stress. J Traum Stress. 2:379-95.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref