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2.4 Reactions and symptoms related to severe trauma / stress disorders
KEY TO KNOW
Aim . To deepen understanding of the reactions that may occur after traumatic experiences .
2.4.1 Intrusions / intrusive memories , flashbacks , nightmares , and amnesia
Intrusions / intrusive memories , flashbacks , nightmares and amnesia are symptoms that occur when a survivor “ relives ” a trauma .
The human brain does not always behave in its usual manner when we experience a life-threatening situation . During such events , everything happens so fast that the experience of the event is not stored “ correctly ” in the memory . As a result , the survivor may suffer from partial memory loss or amnesia , because the traumatic event is not accessible to the survivor ’ s conscious mind .
Flashbacks are re-experiences of a trauma that happen over and over again . The images are so realistic that the body makes itself ready to fight , escape or freeze all over again . The survivor relives his trauma . Intrusions and flashbacks can also trigger physical symptoms , such as a rapid heartbeat and tremors .
Intrusions can also take the form of nightmares , which trigger serious sleep problems . Survivors may be disoriented when they wake up . They can experience frightening , automatic thoughts , which increase in intensity and are difficult to stop .
2.4.2 Avoidance
Traumatised survivors often try to avoid places , events , objects , or sensory experiences that remind them of the event that traumatised them . They may use cognitive , emotional , and behavioural strategies to avoid exposure and may try to avoid all forms of traumatic memory and emotions . For example , they may choose to isolate themselves because this seems the safest way to avoid the risk that unforeseen and frightening things might occur . They may be emotionally numb or overwhelmed by emotions , states that also cause them to prefer to stay at home . They may feel guilt , depression or worry , and lose interest in activities that they used to enjoy . These strategies can create serious problems in daily life , not least for friends and family .
2.4.3 Strong reactions to triggers and reminders
Triggers are trauma-reminders , events or situations that remind the survivor of their painful experiences and memories . A “ trigger ” causes trauma reactions to repeat , often long after a traumatic event has occurred . It is basically any stimulus that reminds survivors of what happened . After a car accident , for example , even the image of a car can trigger fear and apprehension . Survivors who have been traumatised by war experiences are often triggered by the sight of