Unresolved traumatic incidents can lead to more complex problems such as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Researchers are finding many links between PTSD and physical health. This is why medical doctors who use an integrative holistic approach to wellness encourage stress relief management and the use of psychotherapy to alleviate the effects of trauma and learn stress reduction skills.
Symptoms such as anxiety, panic attacks, anger, depression, smoking, substance abuse, eating disorders, and other addictions may mask the underlying issues of unresolved trauma, grief and loss. Sadly, many clients have tried to "get over it" or "think their way out" of their symptoms, only to find themselves increasingly frustrated.
Why Can’t I Just "Get Over It"?
Therapists who deal with trauma know clients are often puzzled when something that happened "way back then" seems to be still be impacting them. Despite their best efforts, a traumatized person may continue to become overwhelmed, agitated, enraged, or hypervigiliant whenever triggered by a reminder of the situation.
Sadly, even though a person may know what's wrong, they are often told (by others or their own internal voice) that it "wasn't that bad" or "get over it." With this message, they are left with no internal or external support. It is helpful to understand that these symptoms are outside of conscious control and can debilitate even the strongest of individuals.
