DEALING WITH TRAUMA
RECOVERING FROM FRIGHTENING EVENTS
It’s natural to be afraid after
something scary or dangerous
happens. When you feel you’re
in danger, your body responds
with a rush of chemicals that
make you more alert. This is
called the “flight or fight” response.
It helps us survive
life-threatening events.
But the brain’s response
to frightening events can also
lead to chronic problems. This
can include trouble sleeping;
feeling on edge frequently;
being very easily startled, anxious,
or jumpy; having flashbacks;
or avoiding things that
remind you of the
event.
34 Healthy Living | Summer Issue | 2018
Sometimes these
symptoms go away
after a few weeks.
But sometimes they
last much longer.
If symptoms last
more than a month
and become severe
enough to interfere
with relationships
or work, it may be a
sign of post-traumatic stress disorder,
or PTSD.
“There are real neurobiological
consequences of trauma
that are associated with
PTSD,” explains Dr. Farris
Tuma, who oversees the NIH
traumatic stress research pro