Rehab Reports on Managing Reactions to Trauma

Houston, TX – SUN Behavioral Health Houston recently reported on how to manage acute reactions to trauma in their blog. Trauma can happen to anyone and is defined as any event that impacts a person’s life. These events could happen once or multiple times or are long-lasting and repetitive. Everyone reacts to these differently. Some appear to be less affected, while others develop conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even people who have experienced the same or similar traumas will have different reactions to it.

“This includes acute reactions to trauma, which sometimes develops into an acute stress disorder (ASD), but not always. Acute trauma reactions are short-lived responses to the traumatic event that develops. The person may be in a state where they are stuck in ‘fight or flight’ as their body perceives an ongoing threat. If ignored, it could progress into a chronic trauma response that significantly impacts a person’s life and often requires treatment to reverse,” the blog post states.

There are 5 main categories of acute reactions to trauma. These include emotional, physical, behavioral, cognitive, and social. Emotional reactions include feelings of anger, sadness, fear, and shame, but they can also include emotional dysregulation, unhealthy coping mechanisms, or not feeling any emotions, which is known as numbing. Physical reactions to trauma include sleep, gastrointestinal, respiratory, skin, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal concerns. People might have nightmares, muscle tension, difficulty falling asleep, stomach or chest pain, or increased or decreased appetite.

Behavioral reactions to trauma include becoming avoidant of people or situations, participating in risky behaviors, reenacting their trauma, self-harm, or suicidal ideation. Cognitive reactions alter how people think, believe, and navigate their daily lives. An example of a cognitive response would be believing that the world is now dangerous after thinking it was safe. They might also have survivor’s guilt, unwanted and intrusive memories and thoughts, or a need to rationalize or justify the event. Social reactions include avoiding their support system, feeling like they can’t trust others, believing they are a burden to loved ones, or feeling betrayed by those they care about. They might also respond to their trauma by “trauma dumping” on others.

There are many ways that someone can manage acute trauma reactions. These include validating one’s own experience. The trauma was real, and it was not the person’s fault, even if they played a role in its existence. Techniques like the 5-4-3-2-1 technique allow people to concentrate on the present moment. This involves looking at 5 things they can hear, touch, taste, see, and smell. Then identify 4 of those things, then 3, then 2, and finally 1. Also, laughing helps many people manage trauma reactions by boosting the immune system and lowering stress levels. This could include watching a funny video, spending time with a witty friend, or attending a stand-up comedy show.

People can also help others manage their trauma reactions by being there for them. They must remain judgment-free. Questions can be asked, but never shame or judge them for their circumstances. This creates a space that facilitates healing. Also, let the person take the lead in the conversations and never tell them how they should or should not feel. Everyone is different and will have various emotions, beliefs, and thoughts about what happened to them. Also, do not offer unsolicited advice, as it might make them withdraw. If they ask for advice, it can be given. Otherwise, provide practical help such as cleaning their apartment or preparing a meal.

“If your trauma reactions are impacting your daily life, talk to your doctor about the possibility of attending trauma therapy. Through therapy, you will gain skills that reduce the symptoms associated with your reactions. They will teach you how to lower stress and help you find healthy ways to cope with your experiences. You will also find healing and peace surrounding the events that took place,” the blog post continues.

SUN Behavioral Health Houston solves the unmet needs of adults and adolescents in Houston. They provide trauma therapy, and their no-cost care assessments enable them to work with potential patients and their doctors to design a treatment plan that offers the best healing opportunities. Their crisis care center is also open 24/7 and provides compassionate stabilization for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.

For more information, call them at 713-796-2273 or visit their website. SUN Behavioral Health solves unmet needs.