The range of trauma reactions described in What is Post Traumatic stress disorder?, be they physical, cognitive, behavioural or emotional, are all perfectly understandable and usually gradually reduced over time. Some people, however, find however that they simply cannot "shake off" the effects of the trauma. If these reactions are present to an extreme degree, or do not settle after a few weeks, they may indicate that a longer-term reaction is setting in.

To experience problems "shaking off" a traumatic reaction is also quite understandable, since traumatic events are very different from everyday experiences which we all cope with on a regular basis. They are often sudden and unexpected, they can involve fear and horror beyond the range of normal human experience and they confront the individual with the possibilty of his/her or another's death. It is hardly suprising that such an experience should be life changing for an individual.

Indeed it is common for people who have been through a traumatic event to question previously held beliefs about themselves, others and the world.

Some survivors who find themselves, unable to move on following a trauma, may become severely depressed. A significant minority develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or other trauma induced syndromes.

Long-term reactions to trauma include :-

Increased use of drugs or alcohol

Continuing stress-related physical complaints

A continuous feeling of exhaustion

Continuing overwhelming grief reactions

Fears or phobia's of certain people and situations

Continuing feelings of self-blame, guilt, shame, anxiety, fear or anger

Continuance of nightmares and/or poor sleeping

Continuing feelings of emptiness or numbness

A need to keep active not to feel distressed

Disappointment or anger with oneself for how one is coping following the traumatic event.

Relationship or family dissiculties, often as a result of increased irritablity or drinking

If any of these difficulties persist for more than a few months or become increasingly serious then the trauma survivor is likely to need some professional help in order to work through the trauma and return to a normal way of life. This may involve medication, trauma counselling or a combination of the two. recent clinical research has also demonstrated the success of certian Cognitive Behavioural interventional therapies in treating established PTS symptoms. It is a good idea to talk to your GP about treatment or referral possibilities in the first instance.

PLEASE REMEMBER:-

That although so much you are still basiclly the same person that you were before the traumatic incident.

And if you are suffering help is available

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Post Traumatic Stress Sufferers and System abuse Victims Steering Group,

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