Understanding Depression After Trauma

An individual can be directly or indirectly associated with the traumatized event. It can be due to natural disaster, violence or death of a loved one or any other event that can cause mental desolation. Everybody responds differently to the traumatic events which is a normal healing process.

In an array of emotion, traumatized people exhibit similar patterns which includes shock, denial, self-blame and guilt. Feeling numb, disconnected, anxious, pessimist and indifferent are all the symptoms. Physically, a person may feel nauseated, fatigue, indescribable pain and shattered. Recovering from trauma is not easy. It takes to a longer period to stabilize. Persistent trauma causes social withdrawal, isolation and wreck in relationships. Alcohol consumption may increase resulting in lack of attentiveness.

The feelings depict grieving process. It is also characterized by situational or reactive depression. Persistence of abnormal comportment for more than 2 weeks demarcate the seriousness of depression. Using illegal drugs or alcohol abuse and suicidal thoughts or attempts is the highest form of depression and that is where professional help is requisite.

Depression is defined as a medical illness. It can be treated by medications and therapies which helps in regularizing the person’s life. Analyze your symptoms and seek help before worsening the conditions. Science verifies that the trauma causes chemical changes in brain. Hence, seeking professional help is the solitary solution to the medical condition.

After an extremely distressing event, a person can develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The victim may experience flashbacks of the event via dreams or thought. Memory loss for the specific event, anger outburst, dysfunction and lack of concentration are other main indications. It occurs 3 to 6 months after the ordeal. Treatment is highly important as it can further lead to physical or mental ailment. People affected with PTSD have high rate of experiencing depression.

A personal loss takes longer time to heal. Be patient and allow yourself to grieve to deal with depression after trauma.  Express yourself to your loved ones and ask them for support. Stay away from news that can traumatize you further. Attend support groups as it comforts immensely. Make a routine and eat a balanced diet, also exercise. With great efforts and determination, you can make recovering changes in your life. Avoid things that make you stressed instead, relax and learn to relish little things. Music, movies, dancing and reading can help you recover speedily. Volunteer or visit a country. Keep your doctor updated about your progress.