What are the after effects of domestic abuse on the body, mind and soul?
What is trauma?
Many things are referred to as trauma, but by definition it is the psychological response that we have following an event or experience. This could be in the form of a singular event or a repeated experience. A singular event could be an unexpected death, accident or natural disaster, whilst experiences of war, domestic abuse or childhood abuse would be classed as a traumatic event with repeated exposure.
Others around us can too be affected, vicarious trauma, and may experience the same symptoms if they have been exposed to the trauma itself or the aftermath of it from the victim. This can include the victims friends, family, or professionals that have treated or supported them.
When we think of physical injuries we automatically know that the body has to heal, but we often forget that emotional and psychological injuries affect our brains so deeply, and that these too need to heal.
As I hope you have figured out by now, I am not trained to diagnose any of you! However, I truly believe PTSD/ C-PTSD affects anyone who has experienced domestic abuse. Also, research shows that interpersonal trauma (trauma deliberately inflicted by another) tends to have more complex effects than trauma that happens after an accident.
How does it show?
Trauma responses show in a variety of ways that include;
Changes to person's normal behaviour ie. being more aggitated, anxious, tearful or quiet
An increased reactive response (hyperarousal/hyper-vigilance), being on edge and jumpy
Having negative thoughts of themselves, feeling responsible or guilty
Withdrawing from others
Avoidance behaviours from places or things that remind them of the event/experience
The experience of vivid dreams, nightmares, and flashbacks that can be accompanied by panic attacks
Trauma can also show up in the body through digestive issues and auto-immune diseases/disorders
When does it show?
Our psychological response can be immediate or prolonged. In regards to domestic abuse we would class this as a repeated experience of trauma, and although we do experience the after effects of each single trauma throughout, it is common for our brains to go into a protective mode whilst we are living in the situation. Our brains are exceptionally clever and have many ways in which they attempt to keep us safe. One of the ways in which it does this is to block things out when they happen, dissociation.
Disasociation happens when one cannot physically escape their situation and so they escape mentally instead. Essentially we 'block' out what is happening and the emotions that come with it. You may feel numb, completely disconnected and feel as though you are watching yourself from afar. You go through the motions without actually 'feeling' anything.
At the time this survival mechanism protects us, but what often happens is we remain in this state until the experience is over, this is usually why the effects of trauma often hit hard after we have left the relationship. Once you are in a safe space the brain then allows you to start to process what you have been through.
How long does it last?
As said previously, a trauma response is completely natural and normal for anyone. How long it lasts depends on the severity of the trauma, the person and their risk factors. It could be a few days/weeks, or it could be years. If you have experienced trauma over a long period of time, it is likely to take a long time to fully recover.
What is PTSD/ C-PTSD
If an individual is experiencing these symptoms mentioned above for a long period of time after the event/'s and it is impacting their everyday life, it is possible they could be diagnosed with a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This essentially means your trauma response is extended past the length of time of what would be deemed as 'natural' or 'normal'.
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is essentially what it says on the tin, a more complex version of ptsd. C-PTSD usually occurs from multiple traumas and experiences, it is more serious and sadly comes with more symptoms.
What treatment is available?
Some people can manage without any formal treatment, but in most cases the best form of treatment is psychotherapy. Your symptoms come from your experiences and these experiences need to be properly processed. Unprocessed memories feed PTSD. You may wish to seek a therapist who uses psychodynamic, person centered or humanistic approaches, please ensure they practice trauma informed too. I would always recommend private therapists if you can financially access it.
Medication can be used for the treatment of trauma disorders however, please remember it is your experiences that have effected your mental health not a 'chemical inbalance'. Whilst medication can help to alleviate some of the physical symptoms and there is nothing wrong with taking it, it won't fix the cause so please don't let a professional tell you otherwise. I am a firm believer in psychotherapy for everyone.
Can it be cured?
Well, not really no. But does it get better and can it be managed and overcome? Of course. Trauma changes us, our experiences of people and the world shape us into who we are. There are things that you may also find difficult or triggering but please trust me when I say this does get easier to manage.
And you know what, sometimes it gives you a wicked sense of humour ;)