When an individual encounters events that create feelings of fear, helplessness and horror, such as death, injury and sexual violence for themselves or others, it can cause deep emotional and psychological trauma.
Private Health Hospital Psychiatrist Dr. Gülşah Dinçer Atalay said that people who have experienced trauma should receive social and psychological support in order to solve their problems.
Atalay pointed out that traumatic events can lead to a variety of problems in individuals, ranging from acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, sleep problems and even alcohol or substance use.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND NEWS CAN ALSO HAVE NEGATIVE IMPACTS
Noting that traumas can affect not only those directly exposed to the event but also those who witness it, Psychiatrist Dr. Gülşah Dinçer Atalay said, “For example, the effects of trauma can be observed in individuals who have lost a loved one or witnessed a natural disaster, and constantly following traumatic events through social media or the news can increase people's anxiety and stress levels. The psychological effects of trauma on individuals can vary depending on personal history, severity of the event, and environmental factors. Symptoms include replaying the event in the mind, bad dreams that include the traumatic event, constant alertness and feeling like something bad is going to happen at any moment, inability to sleep or waking up frequently, sudden bursts of anger, crying spells, and a desire to stay away from situations or environments that remind them of the trauma.”
CAUSES COGNITIVE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PROBLEMS
Atalay continued his words as follows: “If these symptoms are seen for a few days to four weeks, it is considered acute stress disorder, if it continues for a longer period of time, it is considered post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition to these symptoms, individuals experiencing acute stress disorder may also experience physical problems such as uncertainty about daily life and intense anxiety about the future, a tendency towards negative thinking and pessimism, difficulty in focusing and making decisions, forgetfulness, headaches, stomach problems and back pain.”
TRAUMATIC ENVIRONMENTS SHOULD BE KEPT AWAY
Psychiatrist Dr. Gülşah Dinçer Atalay, who stated that the psychological recovery process after trauma can be supported with precautions taken in the early period, said, “First of all, the physical safety of individuals should be ensured, the first step is to move away from the traumatic environment and create a safe area. Afterwards, individuals should be provided with social support from their family and friends to prevent them from feeling alone, and if possible, support groups should be formed to support them in sharing their feelings. Healthy lifestyle habits such as regular sleep, healthy nutrition and exercise should contribute to the recovery process. Support can be provided from relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and relaxation exercises. However, if the complaints continue despite these, it should be kept in mind to get professional support before they become chronic.”
