Childhood Trauma and Schizophrenia: What’s the Link?

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Exploring the link between childhood trauma and schizophrenia brings up multiple topics. Here, we will consider what childhood trauma may look like and how it can influence a person’s brain functioning as they get older—particularly where schizophrenia is concerned. Then we will answer the question: what now?

Describing Schizophrenia

The simplest definition of schizophrenia would be a “split mind.” But might not help much.  here’s what a “split mind” could look like.

Your friend David goes to college and has always been outgoing, friendly, and gotten along with friends and family.

Bur recently, what seems like out of nowhere, he started hearing voices in his head. He became paranoid. He started thinking the professors at school are plotting together to make him fail. He even thinks people are following him around to get info on him.

These symptoms make it tough for him to know what’s real. He stops going to parties. He hermits up in his room. It’s like there’s a split in his mind, with one side experiencing the world as it is and the other side being consumed by hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking. This split mind makes it difficult for David to function in his everyday life.

Technically speaking schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that affects a person’s ability to think, feel, and behave clearly. Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking, and abnormal motor behavior.

How did this happen?

What Causes Schizophrenia?

Medical professionals are hesitant to point to a single reason a person develops schizophrenia. But some of the possible origins include genetic, brain chemistry, brain structure, and environmental causes. When looking at childhood trauma and its connection to mental health, it’s the last one we’re talking about: environmental factors.

Childhood Trauma and Schizophrenia

There are quite a few circumstances and situations that can be considered childhood trauma. But remember, trauma is personal—and even subjective to a degree. Trauma can have many faces. But, without getting into details, here are a few examples of what most would agree fall into the category of trauma in early childhood.

  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Emotional abuse (being repeatedly criticized, belittled, or ignored by a caregiver or other adult)
  • Neglect (denied basic needs)
  • Domestic violence (seeing it happen)
  • Bullying
  • Experiencing natural disasters
  • Losing a parent or loved one

What’s the Link?

When a child experiences trauma, the body’s stress response system is on overdrive. It goes into action releasing stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. When the stress response is activated repeatedly or over a prolonged period, it can cause changes in the brain. This might mean even reducing the size of certain parts of the brain which will change the balance of neurotransmitters. These changes could lead to difficulties with memory, learning, and emotional regulation.

It’s these changes in the brain that we would consider “caused by environmental factors.” But again, it’s not a math equation. Childhood trauma does not necessarily mean schizophrenia will develop.

That said, if both are present in a person’s history and present experience, the link should be explored and treated if possible.

How Do We Treat Childhood Trauma Induced Schizophrenia?

The first step is talking to someone. There are experts available that can help. This may include a personal doctor or someone from a mental health treatment center like Lido Wellness Center. Once that is done, the person will be advised on their next steps for treatment.

This will likely include:

Schizophrenia Medication

Antipsychotic meds (Thorazine, Prolixin, Zyprexa, etc.) help to reduce the symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions. Antidepressant or mood stabilizer medication may also be used to help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders.

Inpatient Mental Health Treatment

The next step will be therapy or mental health treatment. At Lido Wellness Center, we offer an PHP, IOP, and Outpatient model of treatment which offers a more intensive approach to treatment. But any childhood trauma schizophrenia should include these modalities:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): A type of therapy that helps individuals to change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be contributing to their symptoms.
  • Family therapy: Family therapy focuses on families understanding and coping with the illness. It will likely help to improve communication and reduce stress within the family.
  • Group therapy: Groups allow people with schizophrenia to connect with others who are experiencing similar problems and learn from one another.
  • Trauma-focused therapy: This approach can be particularly effective for individuals who have experienced childhood trauma.

It can include different forms of therapy such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) which can help individuals process and come to terms with their traumatic experiences.

Are you looking for help with childhood trauma induced schizophrenia? Or dealing with any other aspect of trauma or mental health? Our team is available to answer your questions. We can help you understand the steps that are most appropriate for you and your unique circumstance.

Trauma Treatment Center in Orange County

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Trust the Best Trauma Treatment Center in Orange County

In life, sudden or repeated events can occur that can create mental disorders for some people. Exposure to these experiences can cause thoughts, feelings, and emotions that significantly affect an individual’s normalcy.

These conditions are known as trauma and stress-related disorders. If a person suffers from these diseases, the wisest thing to do is to seek specialized help at a top trauma treatment center in Orange County, such as Lido Wellness Center. You should learn more about these conditions so that you will know if you or a loved one requires PTSD and trauma treatment.

What Are Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders?

They are negative psychological reactions that occur in an individual after exposure to a particular event. The event may be sudden, such as a death, accident, or natural disaster, or repeated, such as physical abuse or violence. In the case of the latter, the traumatized person is not necessarily the victim, but witnessing these violent acts causes trauma that severely affects their life.

What is the Cause of the Disorder?

Actually, the event itself does not cause trauma, since two people can witness or live the same situation and one can be affected and the other not. The psychological condition is generated by the individual’s perception of the event, which is usually one of helplessness or vulnerability. The more unprotected or vulnerable the person feels, the greater the impact, and therefore the more severe the psychological condition.

Types of Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders

  1. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): an event can be frightening, causing the feeling that the world is not safe. The person may relive it in dreams and nightmares, or when experiencing similar situations. Requires a PTSD treatment program.
  2. Adjustment disorders: the person reacts emotionally or behaviorally to a life-changing event, such as a move, death, or separation. Causes high levels of stress or depression, and needs support from one of the top trauma and PTSD treatment centers.
  3. Acute stress disorder (ASD): occurs within the first four weeks of exposure to a traumatic event and can cause anxiety, intense fear, helplessness, or re-experiencing the event.
  4. Reactive attachment disorder (RAD): occurs when an infant or child does not develop stable attachments to primary caregivers. The child has trouble controlling their emotions and is extremely fearful of their parents or guardians.
  5. Disinhibited social engagement disorder: occurs in children who have difficulty forming emotional attachments with others. They are outgoing and friendly, but the interpersonal relationships they form are short-lived.

Symptoms of  Trauma

Different symptoms may vary from one individual to another, but in general, the person tends to be unfocused, has trouble sleeping or has nightmares, suffers from depression, has feelings of guilt, has drastic changes of mood, has anxiety, panic, stress, hypersensitivity, exhaustion, or muscle tension, among others.

Several types of therapy can help treat trauma disorders, including:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This therapy helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may contribute to their symptoms.

Exposure therapy involves helping individuals confront and work through their traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a therapy that uses eye movements, or other forms of bilateral stimulation, to help individuals process and resolve their traumatic memories.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is a therapy that teaches individuals skills to help them regulate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors and manage stress more effectively.

Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT): TF-CB helps people who have experienced trauma. It combines elements of CBT with other interventions to help individuals process their traumatic experiences and develop coping skills.

It’s important to note that different types of therapy may be more or less effective for different individuals, and it may take some trial and error to find the right approach for you. Working with a trained mental health professional with experience in treating trauma disorders is also essential.

Count on LIDO Wellness Trauma Center

If you’re looking for the leading trauma & PTSD treatment in Orange County, you’re in the right place. At Lido Wellness Center you will find the best team of professionals, the best trauma treatment facilities, and the best therapeutic methodologies to successfully overcome any of these conditions. Call us to learn more about our mental health treatment services.

TMS for PTSD: How Does It Help?

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Overview of TMS for PTSD

TMS for PTSD is a new, non-invasive treatment option that has shown promising results in clinical trials. Here we explore TMS for PTSD in more detail to help you decide if this is a promising option for you or your loved one.

Trauma and Our Foundations

It is no easy matter to discuss trauma. It should be said that when trauma occurs, it is as if a foundation in our heart changes shape. Places where our feet once found level ground become a steep slope of emotions and fear. It is deeply personal and painful on levels that affect our every breathing moment.

With that said, trauma is not rare. About 60% of men and 50% of women endure at least one traumatic experience in their lives. When you go through a trauma such as a car crash, sexual assault, combat, intense injury, or any other distressing event, it changes your brain chemistry. That change can last for years after the trauma occurs—and it can affect your daily life and relationships with friends and family.

What Is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that can affect people who have experienced a traumatic event on an especially intense level. Symptoms of PTSD include:

  • intrusive thoughts, memories, or nightmares related to the traumatic event
  • avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event
  • feeling emotionally numb
  • difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  • irritability or angry outbursts
  • being easily startled or frightened

What Is TMS?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain that are not functioning normally.

By stimulating the prefrontal cortex, TMS helps reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other symptoms associated with PTSD. It is an innocuous, efficient way to treat depression and anxiety disorders, including PTSD.

The treatments are administered in a series of sessions over several weeks.

Is TMS Therapy Safe?

TMS is a safe and effective treatment for PTSD. You don’t need to be sedated or prepared for the procedure, and there’s no pain involved. Some patients may experience headaches or temporary pain at the site of stimulation. However, these side effects are generally mild and manageable.

Does TMS therapy work for PTSD?

In addition to reducing symptoms, TMS can increase volume in certain areas of the brain associated with emotional regulation. This means that the therapy could have long-term benefits beyond just helping you feel better right now. One study showed that up to 80% of PTSD patients felt better after a single TMS session.

TMS can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, including medication, talk therapy, CBT, and more. Though TMS therapy for PTSD is a relatively new practice, the results are very promising. At our trauma center in Newport Beach, many patients with PTSD have found that TMS therapy helps them manage their symptoms, and the benefits far outweigh the risk for these individuals.

Is TMS for PTSD Right for Me?

Do you want to know if TMS would benefit you and your traumatic symptoms? It could be. The best way to find out if you are a candidate for TMS in Newport Beach for PTSD is to give us a call at Lido Wellness Center in Newport Beach, California. Our mental health specialists are ready to help you understand your options, including whether an outpatient mental health treatment plan would benefit you.

What Are Dissociative Disorders?

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Growing up in Western culture, there are certain aspects of life that become ingrained on our collective subconscious. Movies, music, TV, media, they all play a part. For better or worse, this unified understanding of topics and issues also plays a role with mental health. In the realms of dissociative disorders, these have largely received a collective understanding that has been forged by fiction.

That’s not to say it’s a completely false understanding. However, there is always more to the story. An easy way to illustrate this is by understanding that dissociative identity disorders were once called a multiple personality disorders. Movies and soap operas have long maintained this storyline for it’s surprising dramatic effect.

However, the caricatured display can help reveal the underlying symptom of dissociation. Quite simply, there is a dissociation (disconnection) when your thoughts, emotions, even perceptions are not a result of what is “really” happening.

For example, you are a 42-year-old woman but, from time-to-time you experience reality through the perceptions of a 7-year-old, and you behave as such, you may have a dissociative disorder (dissociative identity disorder to be precise).

What Are the Dissociative Disorders?

Dissociative disorders are a group of mental disorders characterized by disruption and discontinuity in the normal integration of memory, identity, emotion, consciousness, motor control, and behavior (DSM-5). There are four main types of dissociative disorders:

  • Dissociative amnesia – Characterized by a person’s inability to recall important autobiographical information that would ordinarily be easily remembered. There are 5 types of amnesia: Localized amnesia, selective amnesia, generalized amnesia, systematized, and continuous amnesia.
  • Dissociative fugue/psychogenic fugue – Characterized by the sudden loss of memory of who they are and memories, they immediately adopt a new identity.
  • Depersonalization/derealization disorder – Characterized by episodes of detachment or unfamiliarity with one’s whole self or aspects of oneself.
  • Dissociative identity disorder/multiple personality disorder – Characterized by at least 2 distinct personality states

What Causes Dissociative Disorders?

Chronic childhood trauma is thought to be the underlying cause of dissociative disorders. They are a way to cope with a life experience. This may include repeated, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Or a highly toxic, dangerous, or unreliable foundation of life. Incredibly sad and unfortunate events can lead to a person’s mind reverting to this state.

Living in an unpredictable and unsafe family environment may cause the child to dissociate from reality during the more stressful moments. It is evident that the severity of dissociative disorder is directly proportional to the severity of childhood trauma experienced.

Some other causes of dissociative disorders may include:

  • Physical trauma such as head injury
  • Other mental disorders such as panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Some prescription drugs and recreational drugs

Signs and Symptoms of Dissociative Disorders

These depend on the type and severity of the disorder and may include:

  • Feeling disconnected from yourself
  • Sudden unexpected shifts in mood
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Derealisation—where you feel as though the world is not real
  • Significant memory loss
  • Identity confusion and adopting new identities
  • Being unable to concentrate

Diagnosis and treatment Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative disorders are complex mental disorders to diagnose. However, medical professionals follow the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5). The treatment options available include:

  1. Providing a safe and relaxed environment
  2. Using medication such as barbiturates
  3. Hypnosis to repress memories
  4. Psychotherapy which is a long-term form of treatment
  5. Stress management
  6. Treating co-occurring disorders

 Complications of dissociative disorders

Without treatment, a person with a dissociative disorder may suffer the following complications:

  • Insomnia and other sleep-related disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Severe depression
  • Eating disorders such as anorexia
  • Drug use-related disorders such as alcoholism
  • Self-harm and suicide
  • Difficult social life and broken relationships

Help for Dissociative Disorders in Newport Beach, California

If you or a loved are experiencing the symptoms of dissociation, please call us for help today. Lido Wellness is a premier outpatient mental health facility in Newport Beach, California. We specialize in the treatment of many mental health issues, including a high competency and success in treating trauma and trauma related disorders.

If you or a loved one are dealing with issues regarding mental health, we can help

PTSD Treatment in Newport Beach From a Psychiatric Perspective

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By Kimberly Brown, MD, Psychiatrist at Lido Wellness Center

 

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric disorder that often occurs in patients who have witnessed or experienced a traumatic incident. The cause of PTSD can be anything from a natural disaster, an act of war, a criminal or terrorist act, or a personal assault, be it mental, emotional, or physical. High quality PTSD treatment in Newport Beach is the bridge to healing for many individuals.

There are answers for patients and families seeking psychiatric care for trauma treatment. Orange County mental health treatment center, Lido Wellness Center, answers the top questions related to PTSD psychiatry and trauma treatment.

How is Someone Diagnosed with PTSD?

For an adult to be diagnosed with PTSD, they must consistently exhibit all the following symptoms for at least one month.[1] Any or all of these symptoms can affect the patient’s ability to conduct routine tasks.

  • One or more re-experiencing symptom
  • One or more avoidance symptom
  • Two or more arousal and reactivity symptoms
  • Two or more cognition and mood symptoms

Re-experiencing symptoms include trauma flashbacks that may or may not include physical symptoms such as racing heart, nightmares, and startling thoughts.

Avoidance symptoms include avoiding places, people, objects, conversations, and thoughts that remind them of the traumatic event. If the event was a natural disaster, the patient might be triggered by any type of weather event.

Arousal and reactivity symptoms include feeling “on edge,” being easily startled, having trouble sleeping, and having angry outbursts.

Arousal symptoms are usually constant instead of being triggered by things that remind one of the traumatic events. These symptoms can make the person feel stressed and angry.

Cognition and mood symptoms include foggy memory of the initial traumatic event, negative thinking, distorted assignment of shame or guilt, and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. They may feel alienated from family or friends.[1]

Some of the symptoms are normal after someone experiences trauma. However, if symptoms continue or intensify after a month or if the symptoms hinder one’s ability to function as usual before the event, it could be a strong indicator that professional PTSD treatment is needed.

What Are the Different Types of Therapies and Treatments For PTSD?

PTSD treatment in Newport Beach will vary depending on the patient’s needs and disorder severity. Either a psychiatrist or a therapist trained in trauma can be the primary mental health provider for trauma treatment.

For severe symptoms, medication and therapy combine for the best outcome. Orange County patients and patients across the county have succeeded with various psychological methods.

Some of the most effective interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder are medications that only a licensed psychiatrist (MD or DO) can prescribe. Other non-prescription methods that professionals employ include “talk therapy,” exposure therapy, and cognitive restructuring.

Why Some People Develop PTSD After a Traumatic Event and Others Don’t

Post-traumatic stress disorder affects everyone differently; most people do not develop the condition. The frequency of PTSD in the United States is 8% to 9% and affects roughly 25% to 30% of victims who experienced a significant traumatic event.[2]

Certain risk factors make a person more likely to develop PTSD than others. Common risk factors include injuries, witnessing another person’s injury or death, buried or repeated childhood traumas, history of substance abuse, extreme fear and helplessness, a history of mental illness, and lack of support after the traumatic event.[3]

Are There Physical Problems Associated with PTSD?

Adults who have been diagnosed with PTSD may experience elevated rates of several physical health conditions, including:[4]

  • Chronic aging disorders
  • Reduced physical functions
  • Gastritis
  • Radiating chest pain
  • Arthritis

Can You Prevent PTSD?

One cannot prevent trauma or the symptoms that may follow. However, studies have shown that several supporting factors aid in resilience and recovery following a traumatic event and can help prevent long-term PTSD symptoms.[5]

Remaining in continual contact with a support network and sharing their trauma experience can be beneficial. Identifying oneself in the survivor role instead of a victim will give a stronger sense of empowerment.

Finding ways to experience positive emotions such as laughter and looking for positive meaning in the experience can shift the perspective. Helping other survivors navigate their own healing process and believing in their ability to cope can positively affect post-traumatic events.

Consult Lido Wellness Center: PTSD Treatment in Newport Beach

If you or a loved one are struggling with symptoms of PTSD, we can help. At Lido Wellness Center, we’re dedicated to providing whole-person, patient-first PTSD treatment. Contact our offices today.

 

Sources:

[1] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd#part_2239

[2] https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2003/1215/p2401.html

[3] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd#part_2239

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3288257/

[5] https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/how-prevent-trauma-becoming-ptsd

How Somatic Experiencing Therapy Can Help with Trauma

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The following are several common questions we hear about somatic therapy: “What is somatic experiencing therapy?” “How exactly does a somatic therapist help?” and “Does somatic therapy actually work?”

For those unfamiliar with trauma healing, this may be a new practice. Perhaps you or a loved one are ready to heal and wish to take a more holistic approach rather than relying solely on prescription medication. The Lido Wellness Center multidisciplinary team is here to help you answer all of these somatic therapy questions and share what you need to know about this insightful treatment.

What is Somatic Experiencing? (SE)

Somatic experiencing is a type of trauma therapy. This practice operates on the principle that past trauma can become trapped in the body and eventually lead to symptoms such as PTSD. Through this somatic experience, practitioners work to release that stress from the body.

First developed and practiced by Dr. Peter Levine in the seventies, somatic experiencing is designed to help patients increase their sense of awareness of their internal experiences. Dr. Levine, along with several researchers, conducted a study that demonstrated somatic experiencing helped restore core response network functionality (CRN) while considering the instinctive and natural reactions and protective mechanisms.[1]

They found that this practice proved effective when dealing with trauma and stress by using the patient’s attention to interoceptive, proprioceptive, and kinesthetic sensations. In laypeople’s terms, attention to gut instincts, physical movement, and tactile feeling.[1]

The human body possesses natural ways of regulating trauma response and the nervous system. Somatic experiencing practices natural release techniques of the negative symptoms of trauma.

Somatic practitioners and therapists believe the body’s inability to fully process a potentially traumatic event causes negative symptoms such as anxiety, shame, and aggression. Unresolved trauma can influence more serious physical, emotional, and mental health issues.

What To Expect During A Somatic Experiencing Session

Somatic Experiencing is a whole-body-focused therapy, so professionals may apply it across various disciplines such as psychotherapy, medicine, psychiatry, physical therapy, and even teaching.

A patient’s first somatic experiencing session will often be different from the sessions that follow. A commonly practiced form of somatic therapy involves the patient discussing their concerns, similar to other mental health therapies.

Going beyond discussion, somatic experiencing guides the patient’s focus toward the underlying physical responses. Moving the focus from the body, we strengthen the mind-body connection through exercises such as visualization, grounding, breathwork, meditation, dance, and massage.

There are also several subgroups of somatic experience that may be employed at the discretion of the practitioner including bioenergetic analysis, biodynamic psychotherapy, and brain-spotting. These are therapies that blend body, medical, and analytic modalities together for an even more comprehensive approach.

Somatic Experiencing Techniques

Each somatic experiencing session will be unique. However, there are several common threads to give a clearer picture of what to expect.

The therapist will help the patient develop a stronger awareness of their body, summon emotional resources, or encourage emotional release.

Grounding is a technique that requires contact with natural elements such as earth, fire, wind, and water to receive the positive electrical charges that can improve mental health.

Alternating the patient’s focus from a stressor to something that relieves tension is an effective way to help release tension.

Does Somatic Therapy Really Work?

Trauma is captured not only in the mind but in the memory banks of your physiology. Think of the common “fight, flight, or freeze” mechanism that can be triggered by a myriad of different events that all vary from person to person.

A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that somatic experiencing was an effective treatment for people with PTSD. Over 44% of patients included in the study reversed their PTSD diagnosis. Those who didn’t reverse the diagnosis experienced a reduction in negative symptoms.[2]

Somatic experiencing has been closely associated with other successful mindfulness techniques. But it takes a unique therapeutic stance by promoting healing without forcing an explicit retelling of past trauma.

Somatic Experiencing Therapy: Orange County’s Best

At our premier trauma treatment center in Orange County, Lido Wellness Center employs a whole-body, holistic approach to health, including mental, physical, and emotional wellness. Our center is a compassionate, patient-centered treatment center and a haven for people suffering from a variety of disorders and conditions.

If you or a loved one would like to learn more about somatic experiencing therapy and mental health treatment, contact our offices today for a confidential assessment.

 

Sources:

[1] https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00093

[2] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jts.22189.1002/jts.22189

 

 

 

Grief And Trauma: Understanding The Stages Of Emotional Recovery

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When you experience a traumatic event, the world around you may seem to crumble and fall apart. Are you left wondering how to put your world back together again? In this period of uncertainty, it is easy for feelings of sadness and anxiety to set in about what may happen next.

Learning how to process grief during Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) recovery is a crucial element in healing. Reducing the intense internal response to loss can begin with quelling anxiety about sadness and uncertainty. Symptoms of PTSD are a result of trauma or severe stress.

Working with a mental health professional can help you manage grief, trauma, and move through the stages of emotional recovery. Traumatic loss does not need to be overwhelming or debilitating, you can get help managing the symptoms. 

What Is A Traumatic Loss?

Traumatic loss is characterized as a traumatic reaction to an event such as an unexpected death, accident, or violence. A traumatic event may also include expected events such as the death of a loved one from a chronic illness. Emotions caused by traumatic loss may include separation anxiety, disbelief, or a sense of emptiness. 

Due to the nature of a traumatic event, it may be difficult for a person to move through the typical stages of emotional recovery. 

How Is Trauma-Related To Grief?

Traumatic grief is a combination of bereavement and PTSD symptoms that occur when an individual loses someone significant in their life. Symptoms of grief and trauma include: 

  • Preoccupation with the lost person
  • Hypervigilance for signs they are still around
  • Desire to be reunited with them despite knowing they’re gone
  • Difficulty moving on from this loss (future feeling hopeless)
  • Anger towards others or oneself 
  • Social difficulties due to extreme grief

Studies have reviewed traumatic loss among different groups and found symptoms generally fall into two categories. The first is separation distress, a preoccupation of thoughts and feelings associated with the deceased. The second is traumatic distress, which includes feelings of distrust and withdrawal from others. 

For example, young adults who lose a friend to suicide may experience separation distress symptoms such as preoccupation with thoughts of their lost loved one and longing for them. They might also feel traumatic distress including anger towards themselves or the deceased person’s family members as well as disbelief in God and trust issues.

What Are The Stages Of Emotional Recovery?

  1. Grief and denial 
  2. Anger
  3. Bargaining
  4. Depression
  5. Acceptance 

The First Stage: Grief And Denial

Grief is an intense emotion that is caused by suffering a loss. Denial is a typical human reaction that occurs as a defense mechanism against experiences that are difficult to accept. Before learning to accept grief you will generally deny the loss. 

Thoughts like “This can’t be happening to me”, and “That couldn’t have happened”, are very common. However, denial will slowly give way to the realization of the situation. That’s when individuals move on to the second stage. 

The Second Stage: Anger

During the anger stage, people ask themselves “Why me?” They feel angry over their loss. This feeling exists for anyone close to the deceased. 

Anger is a common feeling during grief. You might feel anger at the person for causing pain, though you know they are not to blame. Anger is also connected with stages of isolation. Dealing with loss may cause an individual to disconnect from their support system. However,  expressing emotions such as anger allows one to reconnect and learn to cope with intense feelings.

The Third Stage: Bargaining

Bargaining is a way to try and hold on to hope in an intense situation of pain. You may be willing to do anything to return to your life before the loss. During this internal negotiation, guilt could be accompanying as there maybe thoughts like “if only”, or “what if.”

These thoughts and feelings are normal and expected during this stage. As difficult as these emotions may be, they will help you heal as you are confronting the reality of the loss. 

The Fourth Stage Of Emotional Recovery: Depression

The most obvious sign of grief and trauma is depression. Unlike other stages of emotional recovery, this stage comes with intense sadness and despair that can feel like a never-ending tunnel without the light at the end. It’s important to remember that this response is completely natural given the loss experienced. 

It’s understandable to question why you should continue when your world has been turned upside down. However, there will come a time where things get better. As intense as this feeling maybe it’s important to remember that it is part of your journey in healing. 

The Fifth Stage Of Emotional Recovery: Acceptance

Reaching acceptance does not mean you will forget about your loved one or no longer experience sadness over your loss. You’ve also learned when to reach out emotionally during difficult periods as needed.

When you are experiencing grief, it is normal to feel like there’s no end in sight. You might have times when you accept the loss and then later go back into a stage of denial or anger. This is a natural part of the process. 

Grief And Trauma: Recognizing The Symptoms Of Traumatic Loss

Severe symptoms related to loss are indications that the individual is suffering from something more than typical bereavement. It’s estimated that 10-15% of bereaved individuals are suffering from a traumatic loss. 

Traumatic loss symptoms can be extremely difficult to manage without professional help. Symptoms may last for several years and vary based on each individual. These symptoms can interfere with a person’s normal day-to-day functioning. That’s why it’s important to recognize symptoms and seek help immediately. 

Get Help Moving Through The Stages Of Emotional Recovery 

Lido Wellness Center offers therapeutic solutions that can help you or your loved one work through traumatic loss. To recover from loss, it’s important to be able to move through the stages of emotional recovery. Our mental health professionals understand how grief and trauma relate and can help overcome the challenges it prevents.

Contact us today to learn more about our mental health solutions. We can help you cope with pain or death, as well as teach you to reconnect with activities and relationships that are supportive and enjoyable.