Trauma
Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape or natural disaster. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea. While these feelings are normal, some people have difficulty moving on with their lives. Psychologists can help these individuals find constructive ways of managing their emotions.
Adapted from the APA Help Center article, "Recovering emotionally from disaster."
After Traumatic Events
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Talking to your children about the recent spate of school shootings
Every child will respond to trauma differently. Some will have no ill effects; others may suffer an immediate and acute effect. Still others may not show signs of stress until sometime after the event.
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Recovering emotionally from disaster
Understanding the emotions and normal responses that follow a disaster or other traumatic event can help you cope with your feelings, thoughts and behaviors – and can help you on the path to recovery.
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Open Up! Writing About Trauma Reduces Stress, Aids Immunity
Writing about difficult, even traumatic, experiences appears to be good for health on several levels - raising immunity and other health measures and improving life functioning.
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Helping your children manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting
As a parent, you may be struggling with how to talk with your children about a shooting.
Getting Help
- Find a Psychologist
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How to find help through seeing a psychologist
This brief question-and-answer guide provides some basic information to help individuals take advantage of outpatient (non-hospital) psychotherapy.
News
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Mice may inherit traumatic experiences
December 7, 2013, The Washington Post
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Childhood maltreatment can leave scars in the brain
November 4, 2013, NPR
Monitor on Psychology Articles
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More psychologists with training in trauma needed
September 1, 2013
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Traumatic stress in a violent world
September 1, 2013
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Among Boston's first responders
July 1, 2013
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More support needed for trauma intervention
April 1, 2012
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Mission: Afghanistan
March 1, 2012
Books
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Reproductive Trauma
August 2010
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Emotion-Focused Therapy for Complex Trauma
January 2010
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Women and Victimization
October 2005
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A Terrible Thing Happened: A Story for Children Who Have Witnessed Violence or Trauma
November 1 2000
APA Offices and Programs
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Working Group Report on Child Maltreatment Prevention in Community Health Centers
This APA report recommends strategies for preventing maltreatment and promoting positive parenting practices.
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Children and trauma: Report of the Task Force on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Trauma in Children and Adolescents
The Task Force on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Trauma in Children and Adolescents identified “what we know” and “what we need to know” regarding the development and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in youth.
