Emotional distress is not mental illness – it’s an understandable and meaningful response to our history and circumstances.

What is Trauma?


Going through very stressful, frightening or distressing events is sometimes called trauma. When we talk about emotional or psychological trauma, we might mean:


✔️ situations or events we find traumatic
✔️ how we’re affected by our experiences.


Traumatic events can happen at any age and can cause long-lasting harm. Everyone has a different reaction to trauma, so you might notice any effects quickly, or a long time afterwards.

Here are some Tools to help with Trauma:


Abortion

Having an abortion could lead you to experience different emotions, including grief and depression. This is natural, and healing is possible. Mourning and the signs of grief after an abortion Feeling and expressing grief is a natural response to any perceived loss. For some people, the hormonal changes that occur after an abortion can cause… Continue reading Abortion

Birth Trauma

The following information has been sourced from the Birth Trauma Association. The Birth Trauma Association (BTA) Welcome to the Birth Trauma Association (BTA). We’re a charity that supports women who suffer birth trauma – a shorthand term for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after birth. We have a team of peer supporters: women who have all… Continue reading Birth Trauma

Abuse

Abuse, trauma and mental health (18+) Abuse, whether physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual, can have long-term effects on your mental health. Trauma can affect how you feel about yourself and how you relate to others. Women who have gone through abuse or other trauma have a higher risk of developing a mental health condition, such as… Continue reading Abuse

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PTSD

PTSD How PTSD makes you feel: You may be reliving aspects of what happened This can include: vivid flashbacks (feeling like the trauma is happening right now) intrusive thoughts or images nightmares intense distress at real or symbolic reminders of the trauma physical sensations such as pain, sweating, nausea or trembling. Alertness or feeling on edge This… Continue reading PTSD

Emotionally Unavailable Parent

Emotionally Unavailable Parent “I think I literally craved love and attention as a child. The more my mother withdrew, the more frantic I became. I became a troublemaker because I knew she would pay attention to me, even if it meant punishment. It sounds weird, but that’s what I did. Since I couldn’t get her love, I settled… Continue reading Emotionally Unavailable Parent

The Stages of Loss

The Stages of Loss The five stages – denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance – are often talked about as if they happen in order, moving from one stage to the other. You might hear people say things like ‘Oh I’ve moved on from denial and now I think I’m entering the angry stage’. Denial Feeling numb… Continue reading The Stages of Loss

Fear of Leaving the House

Fear of Leaving the House Also known as Agoraphobia – is a type of anxiety disorder. A person with agoraphobia is afraid to leave environments they know or consider to be safe. What are the signs of Agoraphobia? Fast, pounding heart Sweating, trembling, shaking Breathing problems Feeling hot or cold Nausea or diarrhoea Chest pain Problems swallowing Dizziness or… Continue reading Fear of Leaving the House

Art Therapy for Depression and Anxiety

Art Therapy for Depression and Anxiety Art Therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. You can try art therapy yourself! Here are some examples of people expressing there visualisation fo their mental health struggles: 1. ‘Brain Sick’ 2.… Continue reading Art Therapy for Depression and Anxiety

5 Signs of Unhealed Trauma

5 Signs of Unhealed Trauma ✔️ Patterns of self-destructive and out-of-control behaviour For example, participating in addictive behaviours (eating disorders, drinking, drug use), self-harm or injury, feelings of avoidance (promiscuity and excessive sleeping). ✔️ Staying stuck in victim perpetrator or rescuer roles They routinely seek out relationships with abusive partners, or take on the role of abuser,… Continue reading 5 Signs of Unhealed Trauma

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