Counseling Center

Traumatic Events

When we think of traumatic events, the first images we have may involve the horrors of war, Hurricane Katrina, and Ground Zero on 9/11. However, many college students have been affected by other kinds of traumatic events, including rape, sexual or physical abuse in childhood, or witnessing violence in their families or neighborhoods. They may also be struggling with the effects of events from earlier in their lives: things that most adults can cope with, such as the death of a parent, may be traumatizing for a young child.

Any event that causes a threat to one's safety or the stability of one's world can be traumatic. People often feel numb immediately after a trauma, but after-effects can be very long lasting. The primary effect of trauma is anxiety, and anxious feelings can go on for years after the event which sets them off.

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the label for trauma-related symptoms which persist more than one month after the traumatic event. Symptoms are complicated and wide-ranging, and include flashbacks, painful memories, nightmares, frightening thoughts, sleep problems, depression, anxiety, and angry outbursts. People who survive trauma may also feel intensely guilty if others involved did not survive.

Talking about traumatic events in a safe environment may be very helpful, both in terms of dealing with immediate effects, and in terms of preventing longer-term problems.

Help at SIUC

Counseling Center, Student Health Center, Room A302, 618-453-5371 during business hours

Help in the Carbondale Community

SIRSS, 604 E. College, 618-457-6703

Links to Additional Resources

Emotional and Psychological Trauma

Coping and Surviving Violent and Traumatic Events

Reliving Trauma

Living Through and Surviving Traumatic Events

Comments: Webmaster