PTSD and trauma

Overview

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop in individuals who have gone through or witnessed a distressing or life-threatening event. Such experiences may cause emotional or physical harm and impact overall well-being, including mental, physical, social, and spiritual health. Traumatic events linked to PTSD include natural disasters, severe accidents, acts of terrorism, combat, sexual assault, domestic violence, historical trauma, and bullying.

In the past, PTSD has been referred to by different names, such as “shell shock” during World War I and “combat fatigue” after World War II. However, PTSD is not limited to war veterans—it can affect people of any background, nationality, or age^[1].

Symptoms of PTSD

These are common symptoms associated with PTSD^[2]: 

Emotional Symptoms of PTSD

• Shock/Disbelief – Individuals may struggle to accept or process what has happened, feeling emotionally numb or detached from reality. This reaction can make it difficult to talk about the traumatic experience.
• Fear – A deep sense of anxiety or worry is common, as the person may feel unsafe or believe the traumatic event could happen again. Everyday situations may trigger intense distress.
• Sadness/Grief – Many people with PTSD experience overwhelming sadness or loss, especially if the trauma involved losing a loved one, personal security, or a sense of normalcy.
• Helplessness – Feeling powerless or unable to change or control the situation can lead to hopelessness. This may cause difficulty in making decisions or engaging in daily activities.
• Guilt – Some individuals may blame themselves for the traumatic event, believing they could have prevented it or acted differently. This is common in survivors of abuse, violence, or accidents.
• Anger – PTSD can lead to frustration and resentment, either toward those responsible for the trauma or toward oneself. Sudden outbursts and irritability are also frequent.
• Shame – Feelings of embarrassment or self-loathing may arise, especially in those who have experienced abuse or assault. Shame can lead to social withdrawal and low self-esteem.

Common Physical Symptoms of PTSD

• Dizziness, Faintness, Shakiness – Trauma can trigger a fight-or-flight response, causing lightheadedness, trembling, or weakness due to adrenaline surges.
• Rapid Breathing and/or Heart Rate – Many individuals with PTSD experience episodes of rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath, often resembling panic attacks.
• Racing Thoughts – The mind may become overwhelmed with intrusive memories, worst-case scenarios, or anxious thoughts, making it hard to focus or feel at ease.
• Changes in Sleeping Patterns – Insomnia, nightmares, or restless sleep are common as the mind remains on high alert, making relaxation difficult. Some may also sleep excessively as a form of escape.
• Physical Pain (Especially Stomach and Headaches) – Stress and trauma can manifest physically, leading to unexplained aches and pains, particularly in the head, neck, and stomach.
• Loss or Increase in Appetite – Some people with PTSD experience a lack of appetite due to stress, while others may overeat as a coping mechanism, leading to weight fluctuations.
• Increased Substance Use/Dependence – Many individuals turn to alcohol, drugs, or other substances to numb emotional pain, which can lead to dependency and further complications.

PTSD and TCIH Approaches

In addition to conventional treatments, several complementary health approaches can support the healing process and help manage PTSD and trauma more effectively:

• Core Energetics: Core Energetics can be an effective therapeutic approach for individuals with PTSD by addressing both the emotional and physical aspects of trauma. According to the Institute of Body Psychotherapy^[3], trauma often leads to emotional disconnection and the suppression of painful feelings, leaving individuals feeling "stuck." Core Energetics works by helping individuals reconnect with their emotions, process suppressed feelings, and release stored trauma in the body. This approach emphasizes the importance of bodily awareness and movement to break through emotional blockages, ultimately empowering individuals to heal and regain control over their lives. By integrating mind-body techniques, Core Energetics fosters a deeper sense of self-awareness and emotional resilience, which is crucial in trauma recovery. 
• Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy can be highly effective in treating PTSD by providing a safe space for individuals to process and understand their trauma. Through techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapy, and exposure therapy, psychotherapy helps individuals confront and reframe traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity. This therapeutic approach empowers individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve emotional regulation, and regain a sense of control over their lives. By addressing the root causes of PTSD, psychotherapy supports long-term recovery and emotional healing.
• Dance Movement Therapy: Dance movement therapy (DMT) can be an effective treatment for PTSD by using movement to help individuals process emotions and trauma that may be difficult to express verbally. According to this research^[4], DMT fosters self-expression, body awareness, and emotional regulation, all of which can help individuals with PTSD release pent-up tension and stress. The body-centered approach encourages the integration of physical, emotional, and psychological experiences, promoting healing. Through guided movement, DMT provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to reconnect with their bodies, reduce symptoms of trauma, and improve overall well-being.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy used to treat PTSD. It involves a structured approach where the therapist guides the patient through processing traumatic memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements. This process helps reduce the emotional charge associated with distressing memories, allowing the brain to reprocess them in a way that diminishes their negative impact. EMDR is effective in helping individuals with PTSD by allowing them to confront and process their trauma in a safe and controlled manner, leading to symptom relief and improved emotional regulation^[5].

• Tension and Trauma Release Exercises®: Tension and Trauma Release Exercise (TRE®) is a therapeutic technique designed to help release deep muscular tension and trauma stored in the body. It involves a series of exercises that activate the body’s natural tremor mechanism, allowing individuals to release stress, anxiety, and trauma-related tension without needing to talk through their experiences. For people with PTSD, TRE® helps reduce physical symptoms associated with trauma, such as muscle tightness and hyperarousal, by encouraging the body to process and discharge stored tension. This process promotes relaxation and can significantly alleviate the symptoms of PTSD, offering an alternative or complementary treatment to traditional therapies^[6].