Situation Extremis (contd.)

A traumatic experience causes the most extreme form of negative stress and can overwhelm people with intrusive psychological and physical symptoms. Panic attacks, difficulties in concentrating, fatigue, anger, guilt and numbness have all been reported following a traumatic experience. As human beings are individual in their psychological make-up, there is no standard pattern of response

some react immediately, whilst others may only show signs months or even years later

some feel the effects for a long period of time whilst others recover more quickly

some express their feelings openly, whilst others suffer in silence

We have a natural tendency to avoid inflicting pain on ourselves. However, it has been shown that if people attempt to block experiences out, symptoms become more severe and last longer. Psychological symptoms may disguise themselves as bodily complaints such as headaches, digestive problems and skin complaints or changes in behaviour and attitude such as an increased consumption of alcohol, irritability, poor concentration and low confidence. Providing timely, professional help is critical to avoid further distress and the risk of developing the complex and unyielding condition known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Situation Extremis (contd.)

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		Situation Extremis (contd.) A traumatic experience causes the most extreme form of negative stress and can overwhelm people with intrusive psychological and physical symptoms. Panic attacks, difficulties in concentrating, fatigue, anger, guilt and numbness have all been reported following a traumatic experience. As human beings are individual in their psychological make-up, there is no standard pattern of response some react immediately, whilst others may only show signs months or even years later some feel the effects for a long period of time whilst others recover more quickly some express their feelings openly, whilst others suffer in silence We have a natural tendency to avoid inflicting pain on ourselves. However, it has been shown that if people attempt to block experiences out, symptoms become more severe and last longer. Psychological symptoms may disguise themselves as bodily complaints such as headaches, digestive problems and skin complaints or changes in behaviour and attitude such as an increased consumption of alcohol, irritability, poor concentration and low confidence. Providing timely, professional help is critical to avoid further distress and the risk of developing the complex and unyielding condition known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).