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Tramua and PTSD Overview
Trauma and PTSD in New Zealand and Beyond
Almost everyone who spends some real time learning about trauma concludes the same thing. Nearly all of us have some. Life is full of adversity. Few of us have perfect childhoods and perfect adult relationships. Few of us have never been injured or sick. Even human births are a known cause of trauma for many according to researchers. And all that happens before we consider the more serious and intense life experiences that can cause trauma.
Trauma and PTSD are highly prevalent in New Zealand. Even with the under-reporting we are known for. Up to one-third of the population report at least one traumatic event in their lifetime and an estimated 10% meet the criteria for PTSD. Unfortunately, statistics related to communities such as Māori, Pacific Island, and refugees are known to be higher. Indigenous peoples and refugees have higher rates of trauma globally, for obvious reasons.
Like all statistics, these figures are just estimates and can vary depending on the source, population, and time period studied. Unfortunately, the true scale of the ‘trauma problem’ is likely to be higher as many people who have experienced trauma may not have received a diagnosis or sought help.
Globally, it’s challenging to determine if trauma statistics are really increasing. Or if we are just learning to report trauma properly for the first time. However, there are indications that some forms of trauma, such as exposure to violence and terrorism, maybe on the rise globally. An example of this is the global rise in recorded refugee numbers due to conflict and persecution. As reported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in 2020, we saw a global recorded high of 26 million refugees, with over half of this number being made up of under eighteen-year-olds.
The COVID-19 pandemic also brought with it new forms of trauma, including the loss of loved ones, financial insecurity, social isolation, and many other stressors. The impact of this traumatic event was further compounded as access to trauma-related services was also restricted or unavailable.
PTSD In New Zealand & Beyond
While war and conflict are a cause of PTSD among soldiers, the biggest burden of PTSD falls on the civilian population. The most common triggers are motor vehicle accidents and assaults, including sexual assault and rape. Adolescents between 14 and 17 have a 28% lifetime prevalence of sexual victimisation, with 8% of girls in that age range experiencing attempted or completed rape. Around 6-7% of the adult population in the US will meet the criteria for PTSD at some point in their lifetime.
The variance among US military veterans is between 30% of Vietnam-era veteran; to 14% of veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. There is under-reporting of PTSD among veterans and the general population. Due to fear of stigma and job loss, as well as lack of insurance coverage.
In developed countries, it is thought that 20% of primary care visits in 2010 were for mental health issues, making primary care an important place to screen and initiate mental health treatment. The last two decades have seen a lot of research on PTSD, funded mainly by US government agencies, which has improved understanding and treatment of the condition.
Given these statistics and global events, it’s not surprising that more people are seeking ways to heal, whether through conventional or alternative methods.
Understanding the nature of trauma and how our bodies cope with it can help us better support ourselves.
Trauma and PTSD Disorders
Trauma can be a deeply life altering experience, that can have a profound impact on a person’s mental and emotional well-being. Trauma can occur as a result of a wide range of experiences, including physical or sexual abuse, natural disasters, combat exposure, or witnessing violent acts. These trauma experiences are typically referred to as Large ‘T’ Trauma.
Trauma-related disorders are a group of mental health conditions that can arise in response to traumatic events. These disorders are characterised by persistent, distressing symptoms such as re-experiencing the traumatic event, avoidance behaviours, and increased anxiety, hypervigilance, or irritability.
Trauma can have a significant impact on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being and can manifest in a number of different ways.
There are several types of trauma disorders, including:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a severe and debilitating condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can include re-experiencing the traumatic event, avoidance of reminders of the event, negative alterations in mood or cognition, and increased arousal and reactivity.
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
Similar to PTSD, ASD is a condition that can occur after exposure to a traumatic event. However, ASD is usually diagnosed within the first month after the event, while PTSD is usually diagnosed later.
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)
C-PTSD is a condition that can develop after exposure to ongoing and repeated traumatic events, such as childhood abuse or neglect, domestic violence, or military combat. C-PTSD can result in symptoms that are similar to PTSD but also include additional symptoms such as changes in self-perception and problems with regulating emotions.
Dissociative Disorders
Similar to PTSD, ASD is a condition that can occur after exposure to a traumatic event. However, ASD is usually diagnosed within the first month after the event, while PTSD is usually diagnosed later.
Small ‘t’ trauma
Small ‘t’ trauma is a hidden epidemic that profoundly impacts the mental and physical health of society.
It is very important to understand that the negative physical and mental impacts of trauma don’t just apply to war veterans and victims of assault. In fact, there are very few of us who do not have some level of trauma ‘locked’ into our system. Many of our most fundamental fears, phobias, hang-ups and mental blocks come from old trauma’s that we have not processed.
- Birth trauma
- Relationship break-ups
- Early childhood attachment issues
- Bullying
- Illnesses
- Unhealthy relationships
- Bereavements
- Rejections, humiliations, failure
- Birth trauma
- Relationship break-ups
- Early childhood attachment issues
- Bullying
- Illnesses
- Unhealthy relationships
- Bereavements
- Rejections, humiliations, failure
All these experiences have the capacity to be ‘logged as trauma in our systems, impacting our lives, relationships and physical health.
Trauma is what happens when our mental and emotional coping mechanisms are overloaded at any given moment. If we are more sensitive, run-down or have experienced other traumatic events, the threshold for overload can become extremely low. Yet what results is still trauma and has a legitimate impact on our nervous system.
The legacy of small ‘t’ trauma has a vast impact on the mental and physical health of the masses, partly as a result of its symptoms being systematically overlooked. There are a growing number of experts who believe that trauma is a key factor in many common physical and mental health conditions.
Trauma and PTSD Symptoms
Trauma symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and can develop immediately after the traumatic event or years later. Some people may experience physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach pain, while others may have emotional and psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and irritability.
Common symptoms of trauma include:
Re-experiencing a traumatic event:
This can include flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, or vivid nightmares. These experiences can feel as though the traumatic event is happening all over again and can be very distressing.
Negative thoughts and feelings:
Trauma can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, anger, and hopelessness. It can also cause individuals to have negative thoughts about themselves, others, and the world in general.
Avoidance:
Traumatised individuals may avoid people, places, or activities that trigger memories of the traumatic event. They may also avoid discussing the event or thinking about it altogether.
Physical symptoms:
Trauma can cause physical symptoms, such as headaches, muscle tension, stomach problems, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms may persist even after the traumatic event has passed.
Hypervigilance:
This involves being constantly on guard, feeling tense and anxious, and having an exaggerated startle response.
Dissociation:
Dissociation involves feeling detached from reality and can be a symptom of trauma. This can manifest as feeling numb, feeling as though one is observing the world from a distance, or feeling as though time has slowed down or stopped
Trauma and PTSD and Other Conditions
Insomnia and Pregnancy
Insomnia and Anxiety
Insomnia and Depression
Insomnia is relatively common during pregnancy, especially during the first and third trimesters.
You might have trouble sleeping for a range of different reasons, including:
- Bodily changes – nausea, fluctuating hormones, and an increased need to urinate
- Stress and anxiety – due to changes in responsibilities you’ll face as a new parent
- Pain – cramps and back discomfort
Insomnia commonly happens with anxiety and vice versa. It can be difficult to fall asleep when you can’t quieten persistent feelings of worry. Chronic insomnia may leave you anxious about all the sleep you’re not getting, making it more difficult to manage unwanted emotions during the day.
Whether you’re dealing with an anxiety disorder or a short-term anxiety-related stressor, like a family conflict, upcoming house move or wedding, support from a mental health professional can help you begin to address your symptoms.
Sleeping issues, including insomnia, are among the main symptoms of depression. Evidence shows that poor sleep, especially during times of stress, can significantly increase the risk of depression.
No matter which condition comes first, the same treatments often help both depression and insomnia.
The good news is that pregnancy-related insomnia doesn’t affect your baby’s development and usually passes.
Lifestyle changes that could help with insomnia in pregnancy include:
- Taking a warm bath before bed
- Eating a balanced diet
- Regular physical activity
- Staying hydrated
- Maintaining a sleep schedule
- Practicing relaxation techniques during the day
If your insomnia is anxiety-related, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be an effective way to manage both conditions.
There are also steps you can take to manage milder anxiety on your own by:
- Getting some physical activity each day
- Adding foods that help reduce anxiety
- Introducing relaxation strategies to your self-care routine
- Making time for hobbies and enjoyable activities
The most common treatments are:
- Talk therapy, including CBT
- Antidepressants
- Natural or lifestyle changes, including improved sleep habits, regular exercise, and meditation
Insomnia and Other Conditions
Insomnia and Pregnancy
Insomnia is relatively common during pregnancy, especially during the first and third trimesters.
You might have trouble sleeping for a range of different reasons, including:
- Bodily changes – nausea, fluctuating hormones, and an increased need to urinate
- Stress and anxiety – due to changes in responsibilities you’ll face as a new parent
- Pain – cramps and back discomfort
The good news is that pregnancy-related insomnia doesn’t affect your baby’s development and usually passes.
Lifestyle changes that could help with insomnia in pregnancy include:
- Taking a warm bath before bed
- Eating a balanced diet
- Regular physical activity
- Staying hydrated
- Maintaining a sleep schedule
- Practicing relaxation techniques during the day
Insomnia and Anxiety
Insomnia commonly happens with anxiety and vice versa. It can be difficult to fall asleep when you can’t quieten persistent feelings of worry. Chronic insomnia may leave you anxious about all the sleep you’re not getting, making it more difficult to manage unwanted emotions during the day.
Whether you’re dealing with an anxiety disorder or a short-term anxiety-related stressor, like a family conflict, upcoming house move or wedding, support from a mental health professional can help you begin to address your symptoms.
If your insomnia is anxiety-related, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be an effective way to manage both conditions.
There are also steps you can take to manage milder anxiety on your own by:
- Getting some physical activity each day
- Adding foods that help reduce anxiety
- Introducing relaxation strategies to your self-care routine
- Making time for hobbies and enjoyable activities
Insomnia and Depression
Sleeping issues, including insomnia, are among the main symptoms of depression. Evidence shows that poor sleep, especially during times of stress, can significantly increase the risk of depression.
No matter which condition comes first, the same treatments often help both depression and insomnia.
The most common treatments are:
- Talk therapy, including CBT
- Antidepressants
- Natural or lifestyle changes, including improved sleep habits, regular exercise, and meditation
Trauma Diagnosis
Trauma diagnosis can be a complex and multi-faceted process involving the careful consideration of both physical and psychological symptoms. In order to diagnose a trauma disorder, a mental health professional will typically conduct a comprehensive evaluation that includes a thorough medical and mental health history, physical examination, and psychological assessment.
During the psychological assessment, the mental health professional may ask questions about the individual’s experiences, thoughts, feelings, and behaviours related to the traumatic event. They may also use standardised diagnostic tools, such as:
- The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS)
- The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5)
- PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) – which helps to determine if the individual is experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other trauma-related disorders.
In addition to these diagnostic tools, the mental health professional may also conduct a thorough physical examination to rule out any medical conditions that may be contributing to the individual’s symptoms. This may include laboratory tests, such as blood or urine tests, or imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to help the mental health professional gain a complete understanding of the individual’s overall health and well-being.
Ultimately, the goal of the trauma diagnosis process is to determine the presence of any trauma-related disorders and to provide the individual with an accurate and effective treatment plan that addresses their unique needs and circumstances.
Severn Clinics Supports Successful Holistic Care Of
Severn Clinics Supports Successful Holistic Care Of
FIBROMYALGIA
CHRONIC PAIN
DEPRESSION
ANXIETY
STRESS
OCD
PTSD
TRAUMA
INSOMNIA
ADD & ADHD
CHRONIC FATIGUE
MOOD DISORDERS
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tobias@severnclinics.co.nz
The Limbic System - A Deeper Understanding?
The limbic system is vital to understanding the context of trauma and PTSD recovery. The limbic system serves as the hub for the fight, flight and freeze response, carrying out several crucial mental and physical functions. If you understand the limbic system, you will understand trauma and PTSD.
Trauma can greatly affect the limbic system, leading to challenges with emotional regulation and memory.
The amygdala plays a significant role in processing fear and anxiety, triggering the fight or flight response. In the aftermath of a traumatic event, the amygdala may become overly active, causing anxiety, flashbacks, and difficulties in recalling the traumatic experience.
The hippocampus: The hippocampus plays a crucial role in memory formation and retrieval. Trauma can disrupt the functioning of the hippocampus, leading to memory consolidation difficulties and fragmented recollections of the traumatic event.
The prefrontal cortex: The hippocampus is responsible for regulating emotions and impulse control. When the prefrontal cortex becomes less active, it becomes challenging to regulate emotions and control impulses.
When the limbic system experiences trauma, it sometimes gets ‘stuck’ in fight/flight/freeze mode. This can lead to a vast array of physical and mental symptoms. Yet the key issue is the ‘stuck’ fight or flight response. The key to effective treatment and healing of trauma and PTSD is understanding that there are mechanisms to turn off a ‘stuck’ limbic system. Go to our page on trauma & PTSD treatments to learn more.
The limbic system encompasses multiple brain structures, including the hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus, cingulate gyrus, septum, fornix, olfactory bulb, and thalamus, working together to regulate emotions, motivation, memory, and sensory processing. It is critical in regulating our thoughts, feelings, and behaviour and is closely linked to mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Session Selection
Individual Session
A single session is perfect if you need a little mental relaxation during moments of heighten stress. Ideal to help combat the effects of, or prepare for a busy week.
Course Of Sessions
We recommend a course of sessions if you are looking at supporting a specific outcome. A course typically lasts five or ten weeks, where one or two light sessions per week can be scheduled.
This course protocol is then repeated every 2 to 3 months. Maintenance or relaxation sessions can be completed weekly or fortnightly during this more focused period; this is especially recommended if work or life stresses are significant.
Session Selection
Individual Session
A single session is perfect if you need a little mental relaxation during moments of heighten stress. Ideal to help combat the effects of, or prepare for a busy week.
Course Of Sessions
We recommend a course of sessions if you are looking at supporting a specific outcome. A course typically lasts five or ten weeks, where one or two light sessions per week can be scheduled.
This course protocol is then repeated every 2 to 3 months. Maintenance or relaxation sessions can be completed weekly or fortnightly during this more focused period; this is especially recommended if work or life stresses are significant.
Example Severn Clinics Sessions
No More Anxiety
Length: 30 minutes
Brian Bath
Length: 40 minutes
Return To Happiness
Length: 30 minutes
Purpose: Anxiety, Tension, Fear, and Stress Relief / Calm Awareness and Focus/Feelings of Well-being
Purpose: Cognitive Enhancement, Pain Reduction, Deep Trance State
Purpose: Mood Enhancing
Feeling: Gentle, Chilled, Sleepy, Peaceful, Calming, Enjoyable
Feeling: Gentle, Chilled, Sleepy, Peaceful, Calming, Enjoyable
Feeling: Gentle, Peaceful, Calming
Frequencies: 0.1Hz, SMR variable (13 -14 Hz)
Frequencies: 40Hz, 7.83Hz, 2Hz
Frequencies: Mixed SMR, Theta, and Medium Beta (plus matched isochronic tones)
Anxiety is probably the most prevalent challenge for people in modern times. Research shows that it’s not just an overabundance of higher brain waves that are more common in people with anxiety but a lack of coherence in the lower brain frequencies. This session is designed to help you retrain yourself into an idling state. The idling state is where you are ready to either take action or relax.
The intention of this session is to relax the brain to flush out toxins, stimulating the brain’s immunity system, and increase blood flow (oxygen/nutrient supply) to the brain. This natural process normally occurs each night if we are sleeping well and accessing those deeper sleep states. Brain Bath is a very gentle session, allowing you 40 minutes to focus on your breathing while your brain drifts off into a deeper meditative state. Due to the nature of the session, set to target the quieter brain frequencies, the colours, and patterns seen during this session are more muted. Leave you feeling relaxed.
Return to Happiness is a perfect pick me up. Feeling low can be all consuming and hard to break out of. This session is designed to help you break out of the habitual mindset of feeling low or depressed.
It’s great to use a session to get you feeling better temporarily. Better still though is to start to train your brain to be in the frequencies of mind that encourage happy moods. What shows in experience and research to be most effective in this goal is to encourage a brain state that is ready for action but relaxed – SMR or Low Beta. This session has a stable core of SMR with some moving Theta and Beta to further enhance the effects
Example Severn Clinics Sessions
No More Anxiety
Length: 30 minutes
Purpose: Anxiety, Tension, Fear, and Stress Relief / Calm Awareness and Focus/Feelings of Well-being
Feeling: Gentle, Chilled, Sleepy, Peaceful, Calming, Enjoyable
Frequencies: 0.1Hz, SMR variable (13 -14 Hz)
Anxiety is probably the most prevalent challenge for people in modern times. Research shows that it’s not just an overabundance of higher brain waves that are more common in people with anxiety but a lack of coherence in the lower brain frequencies. This session is designed to help you retrain yourself into an idling state. The idling state is where you are ready to either take action or relax.
Brain Bath
Length: 40 minutes
Purpose: Cognitive Enhancement, Pain Reduction, Deep Trance State
Feeling: Gentle, Chilled, Sleepy, Peaceful, Calming, Enjoyable
Frequencies: 40Hz, 7.83Hz, 2Hz
The intention of this session is to relax the brain to flush out toxins, stimulating the brain’s immunity system, and increase blood flow (oxygen/nutrient supply) to the brain. This natural process normally occurs each night if we are sleeping well and accessing those deeper sleep states. Brain Bath is a very gentle session, allowing you 40 minutes to focus on your breathing while your brain drifts off into a deeper meditative state. Due to the nature of the session, set to target the quieter brain frequencies, the colours, and patterns seen during this session are more muted. Leave you feeling relaxed.
Return To Happiness
Length: 30 minutes
Purpose: Mood Enhancing
Feeling: Gentle, Peaceful, Calming
Frequencies: Mixed SMR, Theta, and Medium Beta (plus matched isochronic tones)
Return to Happiness is a perfect pick me up. Feeling low can be all consuming and hard to break out of. This session is designed to help you break out of the habitual mindset of feeling low or depressed.
It’s great to use a session to get you feeling better temporarily. Better still though is to start to train your brain to be in the frequencies of mind that encourage happy moods. What shows in experience and research to be most effective in this goal is to encourage a brain state that is ready for action but relaxed – SMR or Low Beta. This session has a stable core of SMR with some moving Theta and Beta to further enhance the effects
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