RECOVERING FROM TRAUMA & PTSD

Someone who has been traumatized may:

Photo: Marlise Meilan

  • have difficulties concentrating

  • feel excessively afraid, anxious, vulnerable, ashamed, angry, or guilty

  • be overly-alert or hypervigilant

  • be easily startled

  • feel intense helplessness or horror

  • experience disturbing and persistent thoughts, images, and/or perceptions

  • have frequent nightmares and disturbed sleep

  • relive flashbacks

  • display distress when triggered

  • avoid emotionally-charged thoughts, feelings, or discussions

  • isolate themselves socially

  • intentionally avoid activities, places, people, or objects that evoke memories

  • display significant disinterest and disengagement in work, school, or other normal life activities

  • use alcohol or substances to attempt to cope with symptoms

It takes time and safety to recover from some of the awful things that happen in our lives. Having a place to work through memories of difficult experiences with patience, sensitivity, understanding, and respect is crucial. 

Trauma-informed therapy can help you to heal and manage the challenging thoughts and feelings that arise as a result of traumatic events. Therapists at the Meilan Counselling Clinic can help you:

  • improve social, occupational, and family functioning

  • stabilize moods and mental states

  • decrease distress, intrusive recollections, reminders, and disinterest

  • find peace and joy in life again