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Traumatic Brain Injury
01 August 2025
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The long-term Mental Health effects of Childhood Trauma
30 May 2025
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Trauma Articles

Ariana Grande Reveals PTSD Diagnosis – But What Exactly Is It? - Click Here to View

Long Term Impact Of Chronic Disease - Click Here to View

Impact of Trauma on Children by Debbie Kaminer - Click Here to View

Gender Based Violence Shelters and Mental Health - Click Here to View

Support Groups

Grieving Process

SHOCK is often the immediate reaction to suicide, along with a physical and

emotional numbness. These are ways of temporarily screening out the pain so it

can be experienced in smaller, more manageable steps.

DEPRESSION may appear as disturbed sleep, fatigue, inability to concentrate,

change in appetite, and the feeling that nothing can make life worth living.

ANGER may be part of the grief response, whether directed towards the

deceased, another family member, a therapist, or oneself.

RELIEF may be part of the reaction when the suicide followed a long decline into

self-destructive behaviour and mental anguish

GUILT often surfaces as the feeling: “If only I had done…,If only I had said or not

said…”

WHY? Many survivors struggle long and hard with this question. “Why did they

do it? Why didn’t they speak to me? Why didn’t I stop him? Why? Why? Why?”

You then become stuck in the vicious cycle of “Should’ve, would’ve, could’ve” of

“If only…”

Coping with Loss

Losing someone you love is one of life’s most painful experiences. Grief is a natural response to loss and affects your emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing. While everyone’s journey is different, understanding common reactions and using healthy coping strategies can help you heal.

Common Emotional Reactions

Grief can bring intense and sometimes unexpected feelings. You may experience:

• Numbness or disbelief, as if the loss isn’t real

• Longing or expecting your loved one to return

• Sudden waves of sadness or crying

• Anger, frustration, or a sense of injustice

• Guilt or self-blame over things left unsaid or undone

• Deep loneliness, emptiness, or despair

Physical Symptoms of Grief

Loss can also affect your body. Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty sleeping or changes in appetite

• Low energy or fatigue

• Headaches, chest tightness, or racing heart

• Digestive problems or nausea

• Hair loss or weight changes

These reactions are normal and do not mean you are weak. Grief can come in waves and may resurface around anniversaries, holidays, or unexpected reminders.

Understanding the Stages of Grief

You may move through emotional “phases” such as denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, and acceptance. These are not fixed steps or a strict timeline. People often move back and forth between emotions, and no two grief journeys look the same.

Healthy Ways to Cope

While grief can’t be rushed, there are practical ways to support your healing:

1. Express Your Feelings

• Talk openly with trusted friends, family, or a counsellor

• Write in a journal or compose a letter to your loved one

• Create something meaningful, like a scrapbook or memory garden

2. Look After Your Body

• Keep a regular sleep schedule

• Eat nourishing meals, even in small amounts

• Get gentle exercise like walking to boost your mood and energy

• Limit substances like alcohol, nicotine, and excessive caffeine, which can worsen emotional lows

3. Care for Your Emotional Health

• Allow yourself moments of joy without guilt

• Plan ahead for anniversaries or difficult dates

• Practice forgiveness for yourself and others

• Join a support group or talk to a Mental Health professional if grief feels overwhelming

When to Seek Extra Support

If your grief feels unmanageable, lasts longer than expected, or triggers symptoms of Trauma or PTSD (such as flashbacks, avoidance, or severe anxiety), it may help to talk to a Mental Health professional. Grief counselling, trauma therapy, or support groups can offer safe spaces to process your emotions and find hope again.

PTSD Treatment and Referral Guide

Compiled by the Scientific & Advisory Board of SADAG and reviewed by the MRC Research Unit on Anxiety and Stress Disorders

Case Study

“I was raped at 25. For years, I spoke about it without feeling. Then flashbacks began — vivid, terrifying, and overwhelming. My heart raced, my body froze, and I felt trapped. Christmas, the time it happened, still triggers anxiety. Through treatment, I’ve slowly rebuilt my life and regained control.”

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD is a serious psychiatric condition that develops after a Traumatic event. People with PTSD experience distressing memories, flashbacks, or emotional numbness that affect daily life. Once linked mainly to war veterans, PTSD can result from any Trauma, including violence, accidents, or disasters, whether experienced or witnessed.

Who is Affected

Around 10% of people may develop PTSD after Trauma. It affects anyone, not only soldiers or survivors of extreme events. Some recover through support networks, but many need professional help. Children can also develop PTSD, often after abuse, loss, or disasters, though their symptoms may look different from adults.

Symptoms of PTSD

Symptoms usually appear within three months but can surface later. They fall into three main categories:

• Intrusive: Flashbacks, vivid memories, nightmares, sudden emotional waves, or repetitive Trauma-themed play in children.

• Avoidance: Withdrawing from others, emotional numbness, avoiding reminders of the Trauma, or losing interest in activities.

• Hyper-arousal: Irritability, poor concentration, sleep problems, exaggerated startle reactions, panic attacks, or physical complaints in children.

Many people turn to alcohol or drugs to cope, which can worsen symptoms.

Appearance of Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms typically begin weeks after the Trauma but may emerge months or years later. Diagnosis requires symptoms lasting more than a month. PTSD can overlap with depression, panic disorder, or substance use, sometimes making diagnosis difficult. It’s important to tell a therapist about any Traumatic events to ensure proper treatment.

Treatment

PTSD can be effectively treated through a combination of therapy and medication:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps patients confront triggers in a controlled way, learn coping strategies, and reduce sensitivity.

• Family Therapy: Addresses communication and emotional impacts within the family.

• Support Groups: Sharing with others who’ve experienced Trauma can reduce guilt and isolation.

• Counselling & Debriefing: Individual or group sessions help process the event and emotions.

• Medication: Antidepressants (including SSRIs) can reduce core PTSD symptoms and support therapy.

Recovery takes time; being patient with yourself is key.

Myths and Facts

Myth: PTSD only affects “weak” people.
Fact: PTSD is a brain-based response to Trauma that can affect anyone.

Myth: Everyone who’s frightened develops PTSD.
Fact: PTSD symptoms differ from normal stress responses.

Myth: PTSD isn’t a serious medical condition.
Fact: PTSD often coexists with depression, anxiety, and substance misuse, affecting work and social life.

Ongoing Research

• Early counselling after Trauma can reduce later PTSD symptoms.

• People with PTSD show hormonal changes, including low cortisol and high adrenaline.

• Ongoing production of natural opiates may cause emotional numbness.

• People who dissociate during Trauma may be more vulnerable to developing PTSD.

Six Steps Towards Recovery

1. Recognise symptoms as part of the healing process.

2. Accept guilt as common; seek counselling if needed.

3. Talk openly about your experience with trusted people.

4. Reclaim daily routines gradually; face fears rather than avoid them.

5. Remember recovery is a process that takes time.

6. Support loved ones as they cope with your Trauma and their own.

There are excellent clinics and Mental Health professionals across the country — help is available, and even a few sessions can make a difference.