Trauma

I saw the movie Fury which was about 5 American soldiers in a tank who were at war in Germany.   German and American tanks moved through German towns.  The main focus of our attention was the experiences of the four men who spent time in a confined space and observed and participated in the brutality of war.  The movie was very  emotionally confronting. German children were hung by Nazis because they refused to participate in the war. Bodies were trampled by the tanks and limbs were torn off bodies by ammunition. The youngest of the four men and newest recruit was clearly traumatised by the horrors.  I sat in my seat and in turn was clearly affected by the blood splatters and crumpled bodies.  After the movie I discussed my reactions with a trusted person. I knew that I would not be permanently affected by my sensory exposure to the movie.

There are others who will be permanently affected by a traumatic experience.  You may be that person or know that person.  You watch the deterioration before you and you feel the hopelessness and helplessness.  Sleep is hard to attain, anger and irritability exist and there is emotional  distance from others.  The person withdraws from past significant activities and relationships and appears to be a shell of their former self.

Trauma does not result only from a war experience.  People have accidents and people witness hold ups.  Each person’s response is unique.  Two people can witness the same traumatic event and only one shows clinically significant symptoms.

If you or someone you know has been traumatised by something please know that psychological therapy can help.  Call us and let us listen to your story. We would like to help.