What Does Trauma Look Like for First Responders?

You may experience regular stress related reactions to certain events, or more serious issues can arise. Post traumatic stress disorder is a common side effect of working in high stress situations. Traumatic events of which first responders encounter on a daily basis, can lead to the development of this disorder. Trauma can appear in behavioral changes such as being extra quiet, withdrawn, afraid, disengaged, easily agitated, and frustrated.

 When Trauma Turns into PTSD

Post traumatic stress disorder is a psychological disorder associated with painful or traumatic memories. It is often seen in people who work in incredibly high stress situations, like first responders. It is also very common in police officers and soldiers.

People with PTSD, may be triggered by certain stimuli. It could be a place where traumatic events accord such as, driving past the scene of a horrific car accident, where a paramedic witnessed the death of a patient. It could be certain sounds, like the sound of a gun being fired or even a car backfire may trigger a soldier to re-experience the horror of war.

Processing Emotions and Stimuli is Intense with PTSD

These stimuli cause the sufferer to be bombarded with painful memories of whatever the root cause of their disorder is. This can cause them to avoid certain places or people. They may also experience nightmares or emotional numbness. They lack the coping mechanisms needed to properly process and move past these overwhelming memories.

 Instead they may experience emotional breakdown or an inability to handle the world around them. It can also lead to drug or alcohol abuse in order to cope with increased feelings of anxiousness, guilt, worry or anger. This can make leading a normal and comfortable life very difficult. It is important then to seek treatment. Speak to a doctor about the symptoms and request a referral for therapy.

When First Responders Develop Trauma EMDR Therapy Can Help

 Thankfully we have developed certain therapies to treat PTSD and help sufferers lead a normal, healthy life. PTSD is absolutely a treatable disorder with the right approach. There are many different kinds of therapies available for the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder.

 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is one of the most effective and less invasive therapies. There is also Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Some antidepressant medications have been found to effectively treat PTSD, however, symptoms can return when the medication is discontinued.

 What is EMDR Therapy and How Can it Help Trauma?

 While there are many different therapies available this article will focus solely on EMDR and its positive effects. This is because we have found EMDR to be the most effective PTSD treatment for the men we work with. If you think you are experiencing PTSD symptoms, talk to your doctor about the best course of treatment for you.