Research on Post Traumatic Stress

Individuals who have experienced traumatic events oftentimes suffer psychological stress. In most instances, these are normal reactions to abnormal situations. Individuals who feel they are unable to regain control of their lives, or who experience the following symptoms for more than a month, should consider seeking professional counseling.

The symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress

• Recurring thoughts or nightmares about the event.
• Having trouble sleeping or changes in appetite.
• Experiencing anxiety and fear, especially when exposed to events or situations reminiscent of the trauma.
• Being on edge, being easily startled or becoming overly alert.
• Feeling depressed, sad and having low energy.
• Memory problems including difficulty in remembering aspects of the trauma.
• “Scattered" and unable to focus on work or daily activities. Difficulty with decisions.
• Feeling irritable, easily agitated, or angry and resentful.
• Feeling emotionally "numb," withdrawn, disconnected or different from others.
• Spontaneously crying, feeling a sense of despair and hopelessness.
• Feeling extremely protective of, or fearful for, the safety of loved ones.
• Unable to face some aspects of the event. Avoids activities, places, or people that remind you of the event.

The APA gratefully acknowledges Richard Tanenbaum, Ph.D., Deborah DeWolfe, Ph.D., and Anne Marie Albano, Ph.D., for their contributions to this fact sheet. American Psychological Association 202/336-5800.

I am thankful for research such as this. It is consistent with research on these matters that have been around since Harry F. Harlow did his seminal research in the 1950's.  Yes, I said the research goes back to the turn of the last century! I attended undergraduate college and graduate school from 1960-1975. My Master's and Doctorate are each in the areas of Psychology and Counseling and had to read a lot of these kinds of studies. All of them come to similar conclusions. 

How can we best respond to this frightening and discouraging insight?

I say that we know how to bring healing to children and adults damaged by Shock, Trauma, Abuse and Neglect. 

The single most important response is to interact with distressed persons, regardless of their age, race, faith or diagnosis, with GREW Skills.  GREW stands for:

Genuine concern & honesty about the person, his/her feelings and his views of the event

Respect for the person's perceptions, memories, fears and emotions. Do not put him down, deny his feelings or try to hurry the recovery process.

Empathy by listening carefully and accurately to the details of the event, her feelings and concerns but avoiding sympathy or over feeling their feelings. 

Warm interactions that include good eye contact, an open posture and appropriate touch such as a hug or pat on the back. Tune into the emotional level of the victim. Weep with those who weep and laugh with those who laugh.

Wounded people can get better. They need to talk and or write about experiences, feelings, including survivor guilt. Some may wish to confess guilt, so forgive it without argument. They ask "Why God allowed the event to occur?" We cannot give quick, cheap or instant answers. The questions are part of the healing process. Encourage the normal expressions of anger, denial and sadness-depression. Beware the expression of premature joy.  Do not sing happy songs to a sad heart. 

We have successfully training Counselors both Lay and Professionals how to bring healing and release to hurting persons. We get consistent feedback from trainees all over the planet who are seeing distressed persons set free to live lives of health and peace.  

Get our books that tell you how to minister to hurting hearts.