In addition to physical recovery, patients also need to recover emotionally from a traumatic injury. Psychologically, trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, violent injury, or natural disaster.
The majority of people experience at least one traumatic event in their life, and many experience multiple events throughout the lifespan.
Immediately after the event, shock and disbelief are typical. Longer term reactions include: unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, strained relationships and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea.
While these feelings are normal, some people have difficulty functioning on a day-to-day basis. We know a lot about what people go through after a trauma, and how to help foster healing as well. Our department has dedicated social workers to support patients and families with their emotional recovery. They can be reached at: 312-864-1538 Monday-Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. You might also find the following sources useful.
While many individuals suffer from post traumatic stress symptoms, many also find that they are able to cope with extreme conditions. The ability to adapt and overcome obstacles is called “Resilience”, and the feeling of appreciation and strength after a trauma is called “Post Traumatic Growth”. Many patients and families experience these feelings throughout their recovery, and can feel them in combination with traumatic stress symptoms.
For more information, visit Building your resilience from the American Psychological Association (APA).
Traumatic events can affect children in different ways than adults. For example, young children often show their feelings through a change in behaviors, while teenagers may exhibit changes in how they interact with their social network. Visit The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) to find a variety of resources and handouts to help family members understand what children and teens experience after a traumatic event
PICS is a collection of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that continue to persist after a patient leaves the intensive care unit (ICU). PICS may show up as an easily noticed drawn-out muscle weakness, known as ICU-acquired weakness; as problems with thinking and judgment, called cognitive (brain) dysfunction; and as other mental health problems. You can learn more from this video by the Society of Critical Care Medicine: THRIVE: Redefining Recovery.
When we experience a traumatic event, our bodies enter “survival mode”. This means our brain releases chemicals into our body that trigger a “fight, flight, or freeze” response. It is common for individuals to have feelings in their body as a result of their emotional response to a traumatic event. For more information on our brain’s response to trauma, view this information from the National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavior Medicine (NICAB): What Happens in the Brain During Trauma?
One way to address the stress we feel in our bodies is to practice mindfulness. Simply put, mindfulness is awareness, cultivated by paying attention in a sustained and particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally. Practicing mindfulness can be one tool to cope after a traumatic event, and to cope with chronic pain. These practices can give you a sense of control, and also help nudge your mind to the present moment during periods of intrusive thoughts about the past or future. For the science behind mindfulness please visit the Mindfulness Program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
There are also many apps you can use to practice mindfulness meditation. Search in your App Store for: Headspace, Calm, Mindfulness App.
It is common for individuals who have experienced trauma to turn to alcohol or illicit substances to cope with intense thoughts and feelings. For example, some turn to alcohol to numb their emotions, or others abuse substances to go to sleep. While understandable, this pattern of behaviors can ultimately be harmful and interfere with daily functioning. Visit our Community Support page for a list of local resources that provide support for alcohol and substance use.
Family members can also experience emotional trauma when a loved one is admitted to the hospital. We encourage you to care for yourself while you also care for your loved one. Being a caregiver is hard work, and is often overwhelming. Give yourself some grace, rely on your support system, and ask for help from staff in the hospital. Some tips to care for yourself can be found here:
The Trauma Stewardship Institute’s Tiny Survival Guide (PDF)
OnHealth’s Intensive Care: A Guide for Patients and Relatives