Stress Response - Research Paper Example

? Acute Stress Response Acute Stress Response In the history of mankind, human beings have constantly being exposed to traumaticevents that range from rape, assault, violence, car accidents, physical and emotional abuse to natural disasters. The implication of such traumatic events is that they incapacitate one’s ability to cope with life in all situations, be it new or familiar. This academic presentation delves on the nature and causes of trauma. In essence, it shall examine ways through which individuals can cope with trauma. The treatment of trauma shall be looked at from spiritual and professional perspectives. There are varied definitions of trauma by different scholars. In all of them, there are specific factors that remain constant so that trauma is defined as the personal experience of an event which involves actual, threatened or serious injury. It is the response to learning about an unexpected event which involves a sense of helplessness, intense fear or horror. The most common type of trauma involves natural disasters. This would include such disasters as floods, earthquakes, large fires, volcanic eruptions tornados, hurricanes and avalanches. There are other traumatic events that include rape, sexual and physical assault, house fires, war, child abuse, domestic violence, car accidents and specific unexpected work exposures. Some individuals after such events are able to adapt and go on with life. Their normal functions are unaffected as they develop no psychiatric disorders (Herman, 2008). However, to others, a traumatic experience disorganizes all other processes of their lives. This means that this experience alters his/her biological, psychological and social balance so that they from then henceforth lead disrupted and challenged lives. A traumatic event can be very horrific. However, it is not the actual event that causes an individual to be traumatized. Trauma comes about as a result of the individual’s internal reaction to that horrific event. It is this reaction that determines the degree and intensity of the trauma. This explains why two people can be in the same accident and one of them after the event goes on with life as usual while the other breaks down emotionally and their life changes completely. They may have experienced the same event, but they react differently (Wright, 2012). The way one reacts to an incident is directly determined by their history, emotional status at the time of event and their coping skills. It is also known that after a traumatic experience, brain structure and functioning are altered physically. Whether trauma is caused by natural disasters or intentional human activities, it can be described as either one-time or repeated trauma. Single-incident events include such experiences as accidents, hurricanes, rape, death or robbery. As one observes, these events can either be natural causes or intentionally inflicted by an individual. On the other hand, long-term traumas occur when a horrific experience is prolonged. This is common in cases of repeated physical or sexual abuse. The result of traumatic experiences is that one is physically, mentally and emotionally affected. From an emotional perspective, an individual tends to be anxious, withdrawn, depressed and fearful. In some cases, one experiences recurring panic attacks. The individual can also be mentally affected whereby they have concentration problems. They may have problems with their memory or simply feel distracted. There are instances whereby the individual experiences flashbacks of the horrific event (Brewen, Andrews & Rose, 2002). Amnesia, intense guilt and nightmare are also common in traumatized individuals. From a physical perspective, one may experience eating and sleeping problems. One may also get chronic pain and often feel exhausted. Traumas are categorized into two types; physical and mental. Physical trauma is that which involves the body’s response to either injury or threat. On the other hand, psychological trauma includes painful feelings and thoughts. Extreme behavior may also be evident which includes intense fear, irritability, withdrawal, helplessness, aggression, hyper vigilance, sleep problems or flashbacks (James & Gilliad, 2013). While psychological trauma can be a single event implication as in rape and assault, it could also be as a result of repeated horrific events such as incest, domestic violence and so on. It is important to note that the particular event does not necessarily determine how traumatic it could be to an individual. Rather, it is the individual’s response, beliefs and experience about the event. As such, the individual may be overwhelmed and may not be in a position to cope with the experiences as presented by the event. Interestingly, even the individual might not be in a position to recognize how traumatic this event is to them until the symptoms exhibiting so begin to show. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs when body functions of an individual – including memory, intellectual processes, nervous system and emotional responses – have been significantly altered by either one or more traumatic experiences. It is a reaction of the individual to that horrific and abnormal event. In psychology, it is classified as an anxiety disorder. A diagnosis of PTSD is only conducted on individuals who have in the past been exposed to event/s considered traumatic. There are various causes of PTSD a condition that was considered as a diagnostic entity in the 80s. Traumatic events have lasting implications on the nervous system. They in essence cause abnormal stress hormones secretions. It has also been revealed that after such traumatic events, the amygdala and hippocampus brain parts are affected (Herman, 2007). These parts are responsible for fear and memory. It has also been revealed that patients who have traumatic experiences have their brains affected at the parts that are responsible for speech and language. There is a correlation between PTSD patients and certain social-cultural environments. It has been observed that societies that have such behavior as being authoritarian and/or have tendencies of glorifying such acts as violence or sexual abuse have high PTSD patients’ rates. This goes hand in hand with individual’s occupations. Individuals engaging with traumatic events or humanitarian work may develop secondary PTSD (fatigue/burnout). Such individuals often work in the emergency realms of their occupations. They include firefighters, police officers, disaster investigators, paramedics and so on. The individual’s risk for PTSD is highly determined by the intensity of exposure (to the victim of traumatic event), his/her degree of sensitivity and empathy, and his/her unresolved issue in their history. PSTD may affect three groups of individuals; those who personally experience the horrific event, the witnesses of the same, and individuals who pick up the pieces. The last group includes emergency workers and officers. In few instances, PSTD is known to occur to family members of the victim of the trauma or even their friends. Post-traumatic stress disorder develops in varied ways in different individuals. In some, the symptoms develop hours or days after the event while in others it may take long periods of time, sometimes years before the symptoms appear (Levine, 2001). The traumatic events that lead to PTSD are varied - war, rape, natural disasters, assault, car/plane crashes, kidnapping, terrorism, death of a loved one, childhood neglect, sexual/physical abuse – as any horrific event that leaves an individual hopeless and helpless can cause it (James & Gilliad, 2013). There is a major difference between PTSD and other normal responses to trauma. The traumatic events that lead to PTSD tend to be frightening and horrific in that they would upset anyone. After any traumatic event, an individual feels shattered and experiences some symptoms related to PTSD. One feels crazy and confused. Bad dreams and anxiety may be inevitable. Such feelings are normal human reactions to such traumatic events. The symptoms for most people are short-term. They last for a few days or weeks. However, if one has PTSD, the symptoms increase by the day so that instead of showing improvement as if one is getting over the traumatic event, they feel worse everyday. PTSD symptoms are evidenced differently in individuals. They may arise either suddenly or gradually. Interestingly, they may come and disappear over time. Some of these symptoms appear suddenly from nowhere while others are triggered by an event, image, smell, words or object that reminds the individual of the actual traumatic event. There are three major types of symptoms of PSTD. One of the common symptoms is the person re-experiencing the horrific event so that they feel like it is so real but is actually in their minds. The individual gets memories of the event that make them upset. In addition, the person experiences flashbacks of the event which may also include nightmares (Briere & Scott, 2006). In the event that one is reminded of the trauma, the person feels very distressed. There are also physical reactions when one is reminded of the traumatic event. Such include nausea, sweating, rapid breathing and pounding heart. The second symptom is that such victims tend to avoid at all costs anything that reminds them of the trauma. For instance, if one was involved in a car accident, they avoid driving at all costs. Such a person will avoid places, activities and thoughts that may trigger the horrific memories. The individual may also be unable to remember specific important details of the trauma. As such, some may even loss interest in certain activities and sometimes, in life (James & Gilliad, 2013). They become emotionally numb and may even feel detached from others. Their life expectations become limited so that if they were single, they do not expect to get married or if they were studying, they have no real expectations of a good career. The third major symptom is that the person experiences an increased emotional arousal and anxiety. This may lead to difficulty in either falling or staying asleep. The person becomes easily irritable. Some individuals have difficulties in concentration while other become hyper vigilant. Other common symptoms of PTSD include feelings of depression and hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, feelings of alienation, mistrust and betrayal, substance abuse, anger and irritability (Scaer, 2005). It is important to note that symptoms of PSTD in children and adolescents may be different from those evidenced in adults. They may experience fear of being separated from parent or known adults. In some instances, children lose their previously acquired life skills which include toilet training. The young ones may also develop new phobias that may not even be related to the trauma. For instance, a child involved in a large fire may develop a fear of monsters. Young children with PTSD are known to act out the event in plays, drawings or simple stories. In response to trauma, it becomes very difficult to predict who is likely to develop PTSD. However, there are certain risk factors that direct on who is vulnerable to developing Post-traumatic stress disorder. These factors mainly relate to the traumatic event so that the more extreme or prolonged the threat of life or safety in the event, the greater the risk of responding through PTSD (James & Gilliad, 2013). In addition, intentional human-caused events such as torture, rape and assault tend to be more traumatic compared to natural disasters. Thirdly, risk of developing PTSD in response to a traumatic event is highly determined by the extent to which the event was inescapable and unexpected. Other factors that play a significant role include family history of PTSD, lack of support and coping skills after trauma, history of substance, physical and sexual abuse and high levels of stress in the day to day life (Herman, 2007). On the other hand acute stress response refers to an individual’s physical reaction in the midst of an event that is mentally and/or physically terrifying and threatening. It is also known as fight-or-flight response as described by Water Cannon in the 1920s. The changes that occur in an individual’s body help him/her to either fight the threat or flee. Note that this is an automatic reaction whereby the body has a protective safety mechanism to fight danger. In such a situation, a change in the respiratory rate is evidenced as one takes air in order to supply more oxygen to the body. Additionally, as oxygen rich blood is being pumped through the body, the heart rate increases. Blood pressure goes up and the skin becomes cold. One’s vision becomes sharper and they cannot at that point feel any pain (Jamieson, 2012). This response may lead to acute stress disorder. The disorder occurs in a period of one month after a person has experienced a traumatic event and responded to such with strong feelings of helplessness, horror, distress or fear. The diagnosis was developed in order to identify persons who would ultimately develop PTSD. Not all responses of stress are harmful and negative. In stressful experiences there is a lot that happens which helps one develop adaptive responses. One of these is the reappraisal arousal. Cognitive appraisal tools help significantly in changing negative stress into positive experiences. It involves helping individuals this of the arousal of stress as a trigger for them to perform better (Jamieson, 2012). This is a very positive move towards helping traumatized individuals benefit from such negative experiences. After the identification of the negative impact of traumatic events on humans’ lives, it is important to look at treatment and acute stress response. Usually, people resort to professional treatment which is very helpful in eliminating symptoms of trauma. Additionally, a spiritual approach becomes convenient as it allows one to find meaning in life. Professional treatment of trauma may be in the form of medications, psychotherapy or both. Talk therapy treatment (psychotherapy) involves a health professional talking to the sufferer. It can last from six up to twelve weeks. One important factor to consider in conducting psychotherapy is that it is not a therapist-client only affair. Family and friends of the client play a very significant role if it is to be a success (Rothschld. 2000). Additionally, treatment of trauma does not help one avoid any reminder of the trauma. In fact, it encourages one to recall and thereby process all emotions that one felt during the horrific event. Treatment ensures that the individual gains a sense of control in their life. Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) involves the individual exposing his/her thoughts, situations and feelings that remind them of the event. During the sessions, upsetting thoughts are identified and replaced with meaningful realizations (Rothschild, 2000). Family therapy involves close members to the individual helping him/her cope with the situation. In instances when medication is prescribed, it helps to relieve symptoms of depression. Antidepressants are used to only eliminate feelings of sadness and worry, but not the cause of trauma. The topic on spirituality raises a lot of emotions among health professionals. However, it is important to note that when spirituality is ignored in interventions of people suffering from trauma, a point is missed. Ultimately, one ignores that important aspect of the self that suffered the negative impact of the trauma. At this point, spirituality is not defined in the religion realms, but the acknowledgement of the non-material and intangibles of the world. It is a search for meaning which involves both the transcendence and the immanence (James & Gilliad, 2013). Acute stress response may have spiritual notions. For instance, in the PTSD symptoms, an individual re-experiences trauma events and may have intrusive images, thoughts and memories. This may be interpreted as spiritual oppression (Courtious, Ford & Kolk, 2012). Based on one’s spiritual background, one may believe that what is happening at that point can only be explained as evil forces at work which are attacking them through their imagination. Nightmares and dreams that revolve around the trauma may also be interpreted spiritually. The interpretations can take a condemning notion that God is punishing them, or an exploratory notion, say, someone is trying to communicate. In the avoidance aspect of the PSTD symptoms, emotional numbing may be interpreted as the emergence of disconnect between the individual and God. The individual may feel like s/he has been spiritually abandoned. The sleeping and concentration difficulties may render a person incapacitated to engage in any spiritual practices that were previously the norm. This is because such an individual may not have the energy to conduct such spiritual rituals as praying, yoga or meditation. When one is exposed to traumatic events, they are left with bitter feelings that give rise to the question of why. Such events tend to direct one to think of evil as it is a form of human suffering (Briere & Scott, 2006). The answer to the question of “why” may render as to questioning the existence of Good. One after such a traumatic event may lean on the existence of evil as opposed to that of good. While one understands that trauma is horrific, frightening and emotionally destructive, spirituality urges one to find good –positive possibilities – in the midst of suffering. One of these possibilities is that trauma shows one a broader approach to spirituality. When trauma occurs, previous faith and ways of finding meaning are shattered. Subsequently, new avenues that are broader in nature of finding spiritual meaning are created. The individual finds new ways of connecting with both oneself and the world. The second possibility is that trauma creates a deeper connection with humanity. One gets an understanding that pain is universal. The person is at a position to feel another’s pain and acknowledge that all humanity is connected. The third possibility is embedded in forgiveness (James & Gilliad, 2013). After a traumatic event, an individual has feelings of bitterness, sorrow, hurt and rage. The best path of healing lies in some form of forgiveness. The person has to engage in a form of ‘let go’ situation so that s/he are able to ease off from the guilt that overwhelms him/her. When conducting spiritual psychotherapy, there are various factors that one has to consider. It is important that the therapist raises the issue of spirituality to the client and whether s/he (client) is interested in spirituality in the therapy (Lambert, 2004). If there is an agreement to follow that path in the course of treatment one needs to conduct spiritual assessment (Williams & Poijula, 2002). This is bound to enhance one’s ability to understand and thereby facilitate the client’s spirituality. Thirdly, the therapist needs to identify the assessment methods and measures that will be in use. This is dependent on the interaction between the two, and the experience of the therapist. In the course of treatment whether professional or spiritual, the process of helping an individual respond to stress positively is important. A therapist must define the problem and make sure that they have a common understanding with the client. Secondly, s/he must ensure the safety of the client in whatever they engage in (James & Gilliad, 2013). When one option does not work for a particular client, it is important that alternatives be examined. As they go along and make plans towards improvement, commitment to the same must also be ensured. As human beings, each passing day comes with challenges that one must endure. Some of these challenges emerge from horrific events which one has no control of life. Traumatic events are usually unexpected and inescapable. Feelings of despair and hopelessness engulf a victim and trauma sets in. With the clear identification and diagnosis of trauma and stress, it is possible to access treatment. It could be professional, spiritual or both. Treatment is paramount as it helps one relive symptoms of trauma. One also envisions a new meaning in life and at has at that time responded positively to stress. References Briere, J., & Scott, C. (2006). Principles of trauma therapy: A guide to symptoms, evaluation and treatment. California: Sage. Brewen, C.,Andrews, B., & Rose, S. (2002). Fear, helplessness, and horror in post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 13, 499-501. Courtious, C., Ford, D., & Kolk, B. (2012). Treating complex traumatic stress disorders: An evidence based guide. New York: Guilford Press. Herman, J. (2007). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence. New York: Basic Books. Herman, J. (2008). Trauma and recovery. New York: Basic Books. James, R.K. & Gilliad, B.E. (2013) Crisis intervention strategies. Cengage Learning Jamieson, P. (2012). Improving acute stress responses: The power of reappraisal. New York: Sage. Lambert, J. (2004). Acute stress response, Behavior Research and Therapy, 12, 127-131. Levine, P. (2001). 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