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Acute trauma refers to the difficulties experienced following a singular, overwhelming incident. Most people experience some traumatic event in their lifetime.
After a frightening event like a crash or an assault, it is common to feel shaken for a while. It may be time to reach out when the reactions stay and get in the way of sleep, work or feeling safe.
Memories of the event that pop up without warning
Bad dreams or trouble falling and staying asleep
Feeling on edge or jumpy at sudden sounds
Avoiding places, people or news that remind you of it
Feeling numb, far away or not quite real
A racing heart or tight chest when something reminds you
Snapping at people or feeling irritable more often
Trouble focusing at work, school or while driving
How counselling helps
What working on it together looks likeHow counselling helps
Early on
Understand your reactions
Together with your counsellor, you make sense of what happened and how your mind and body reacted. You go at your pace and share only what feels okay.
As you go
Calm your body
Your counsellor teaches you grounding and breathing tools for moments when memories or panic rise, so you can feel steadier day to day.
Over time
Move forward
When you are ready, you work through the memory, for example with EMDR, a therapy that helps the brain process painful memories. Then you get back to what matters to you.
Approaches
Therapies our counsellors use for acute traumaTherapies used
Acute trauma refers to the difficulties experienced following a singular, overwhelming incident. Most people experience some traumatic event in their lifetime. It is important to note that not everyone experiences trauma the same way, and the level of trauma two individuals might experience from the same incident is also subjective. Trauma symptoms may not immediately develop after a traumatic event. In some cases, it can take some people years to feel the impact on their minds and bodies! Some examples of traumatic events can include an accident, an act of violence, a natural disaster, sudden or accidental passing of a loved one, physical or sexual assault, among many other possibilities. Any trauma has the potential to impact our nervous system deeply and make us susceptible to emotional and physiological concerns, including but not limited to:
Sleep disturbances
Exaggerated startle response
Inability to regulate emotions
Fear
Vivid memories, flashbacks or nightmares
Inability to concentrate
Feelings of hopelessness
It should be noted that unresolved trauma may develop into other mental health issues that can be more chronic, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, Depression or Substance Use.
These experiences can feel overwhelming and difficult to manage, especially by yourself. Moreover, given the stigma attached to mental health concerns, feelings of shame, feeling broken, or blaming oneself are common among people too.
Know that you do not have to struggle with trauma symptoms by yourself and that there are many resources available to you when you are ready to reach out.
Start Your Recovery Journey Today
You do not have to face trauma alone. Support is available through professional counselling services in Canada. Our team provides therapy and emotional support to help you heal at your own pace.
We offer counselling services across Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey, and Chilliwack. Contact No Fear Counselling today to book your session and take the first step toward recovery and well-being.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2014). Trauma-informed care in behavioral health services.
Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. New York: Viking
Counsellors who help with acute traumaCounsellors for acute trauma
You may want support if your reactions to the event are not easing, or they keep getting in the way of sleep, work or relationships. Some people feel the impact right away, and others notice it months or even years later. You do not need to wait until things feel very bad to talk with someone.
No, you decide what to share and when. Many people start by learning ways to feel calmer and safer before they talk about the event itself. Your counsellor will check in with you often, and you can pause or slow down at any time.
No, you do not need a diagnosis to start. Many people come in after a car crash, an assault, a sudden loss or a natural disaster, simply because they feel different since it happened. Your counsellor will listen to what you notice and work from there.
Yes, you can meet with a counsellor online from anywhere in BC, or in person in Burnaby, Coquitlam or Surrey. Some people feel safer starting from home, where they control the space around them. Our intake team can suggest counsellors who fit what you need, your language, your budget and where you want to meet.
If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8, call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433), or call 911 if you are in danger. You do not need to wait for a counselling session to get help. When you feel safer, counselling can be a place to work through what happened at your own pace.
