Traumatic Stress Responses

From a counseling or psychological point of view, trauma is perceived as an extraordinary or frightening, life-threatening event, or series of events, real or perceived, that can cause temporary or long-standing stress disorders. These events force the victim to confront and attempt to cope with the psychosocial demands of surviving and adapting to the reality of the trauma. This can happen at the time of trauma and/or for a period following (which varies according to resiliency factors of the individual). Reactions to traumatic and posttraumatic stress are both positive and negative. Positive reactions to traumatic stress include personal growth, resiliency, and a sense of honor and pride depending on behavioral actions during and after the traumatic event. Negative consequences can include symptoms of intrusion, anxiety, ...