Life is tough sometimes.
There are times, when life can dish a tall order of challenges that we may not feel prepared to face nor withstand. But there are tools and resources available to gather up the type of support that you may need. One thing we all should know about humans is that we will go through some form of life’s pains and trials through the course of our lives. Studies indicate that most human beings experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Two other things we should know, is that we vary dramatically in the way we will handle those life challenges, and, as such we may vary considerably in the way that we utilize the resources and tools available to us. There are yet other variations according to our given situations and living environments.
Whatever your tendency may be, be sure to research and seek the ones that are most likely to work out well for you. Because the mindset and disposition of persons evolve during their processes, it is also likely that you’ll need to tweak your use of chosen resources as you address and begin to work through your life challenge. As you’re working through your fittest ways to cope, your initial tools may be evolving as well, because of emerging research and new developments about your subject matter. The aspect that is paramount in this process is to take bite-size pieces of the process, in the beginning of any intervention or self-help journey. This will ensure that the tools you’ve chosen with a professional, are remaining relevant and effective in providing the help that you need.
So how will you know what type of help to seek, and who to reach out to, for help?
The answer to that question will depend on a few variables to the depth of your needs. Let’s explore some examples of what a traumatic event may look like, and with whom, or what resource you should springboard your process of healing:
Loss of a loved one
When we lose a loved one – whether it is a family member or other significant person in our lives, the pain can feel quite unbearable for quite some time. This type of loss can leave us feeling quite depleted and unwilling to do much for ourselves or others around us. This can be the case even when those other persons are equally important to us.
As unlikely as that may seem, the reason for such behaviors is the person affected may only be able to manage enough mental and emotional energy for their own grieving process. Unfortunately, without the help of an trained professional to guide us through this type of pain, the lack of much needed healing can become painfully bruising – other emotional and physical problems can develop beyond the events of initial pain of the original loss.
My friend Jane (name changed to protect identity) was so depressed after the loss of her husband that she had no desire to do anything for herself from day to day. Not only was she not interested in participating in events and activities that she would typically never miss; she was equally disinterested in day-to-day grooming, and eventually progressed to not wanting to eat, barely drinking an occasional fruit juice, water or tea when begged to partake of some of them. She then started to suffer debilitating cramps in her lower back, and severe headaches among a number of other symptoms. Mary became dangerously underweight. This event upset her further as she could see her own dramatic weight loss, yet the degree of trauma that resulted from her grieving, rendered her unable to strive for any improvement of her situation. Her emotional breakdown was such that she was reduced to eating for literal survival. After three months of this pattern, Mary’s family and friends had to intervene because of her severe weight loss and deteriorating mental state.
Mary was hospitalized, and her primary care physician arranged a battery of referrals for her to begin treatment with several specialists – The first, a nutritionist who specializes in treating patients who have undergone similar loss traumas such as Mary’s. Her doctor also referred her to a psychologist, to organize her first steps toward living efficiently as the survivor of her deceased mate and learning new and rewarding ways to move on with her life. Thirdly, Mary’s doctor assigned a nurse who would check on her weekly after her hospital treatment to ensure that she was making the typically expected improvements in the subsequent weeks. I would be remiss, should not leave you hanging on Mary’s results. I am happy to, and report that Mary has improved immensely and is living her best current life, and back to enjoying most of the activities that she engaged in prior to the loss of her husband.
Other losses that may cause similar reactions are:
Loss of a relationship -This can be a romantic as well as a platonic relationship that has meant a lot to the individual over a long period of time.
Loss of a dear pet
Pets who have been a part of the family, or have been one’s sole house partner for a number of years tend to be regarded as a family member. As such their loss, whether because of natural causes, or other unforeseen circumstances, can be quite painful and require the need of a professional to get the affected family members back on track emotionally and psychologically.
Loss of property
loss of a home and other prized possessions during inclement weather and natural disasters, or other catastrophic events can leave us needing a professional help and a “healing toolbox” with a number of referrals that assist victims with information about various types of insurance policies that are hopefully in place to mitigate some of the losses and alleviate the extreme stressors that may ensue.
How does PTSD factor into these types of trauma?
PTSD is the aftermath that some individuals suffer after a severely traumatic event or events, such as disasters experienced in the midst of a military assignment
According to the Stay Safe Foundation www.staysafefoundation.org other events such as such as a serious accident, or a personal assault, or a disaster can also lead to PTSD.
**Untreated PTSD can be quite detrimental to the well-being and safety of the immediate victim, and also to their loved ones**
As your Life Empowerment and Wellbeing Coach,
I want to stress the following: if you suspect that you or someone you know is experiencing this disorder, you should seek the help of a trained professional right away. I can assist you with the process of ordering your steps toward receiving the help that you need and deserve!!!
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