Trauma has many faces
Events are defined as traumatic when they cause strong feelings of fear, helplessness or terror and lead to long-term health problems, both mental and physical. These most commonly include accidents, natural disasters, physical or emotional violence, death of a loved one and serious illness. Such experiences can disrupt normal functioning and lead to anxiety, depression, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and other mental disorders.
Trauma is not only about extreme situations. It can also result from more everyday but intense experiences, such as a difficult childhood, domestic violence, chronic illness or major surgery. Often the impact of these events on the psyche and health is long-term, resulting in chronic stress and weakened immunity.
Trauma patient
Patients may experience traumatic experiences in the context of the disease itself, but also of medical procedures. Diagnosis, intensive care, hospitalisation, and the experience of surgery can be a source of deep stress. Such situations are often associated with a sense of loss of control, anxiety about the future and often physical pain.
For many patients, visits to hospitals and clinics are associated with unpleasant memories. They can remind them of previous traumatic experiences and, counterproductively, exacerbate health problems. This is why it is so important for medical staff to be aware of the emotional difficulties patients experience and to be able to respond appropriately.
Need for a safe space
The first step in supporting traumatised patients is to create a safe space. It is important that they feel listened to and understood. Medical staff should show empathy and patience and avoid judging or belittling the patient's experience. Every encounter should be seen as an opportunity to build trust.
A comfortable atmosphere helps to stabilise the patients' mental state. Regular talk sessions in which the patient can openly share their fears and feelings are very useful. Emotional support should be an integral part of treatment, as lowering anxiety and stress can speed up recovery.
Specialist assistance
The most important element of support for trauma patients is access to professional psychological help. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy are effective treatments for PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. Regular sessions with a therapist can help patients work through difficult experiences and, as a result, reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms and improve overall wellbeing.
With the help of a psychotherapist, patients are able to safely work through and understand their experiences. In therapy, they learn techniques to manage their symptoms and regain control of their lives. It is important that the patient has access to ongoing and long-term psychological support to support them through the various stages of recovery.
Education and support for families
Relatives should also actively support traumatised patients. Education about the nature of trauma and its effects allows family members to better understand the patient - what they are going through and what help they need most. Support groups can be a valuable source of information, but also a support for the patient's family itself, helping them to cope with the challenges of caring for loved ones after trauma.
Families should be informed of the resources and techniques available to support the patient at home. Regular meetings with therapists or attending educational workshops can be invaluable. Support from the family is essential for the patient, so it is important that their loved ones receive it too.
Mindfulness and relaxation
Introducing relaxation techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises or yoga can be very helpful in reducing stress and tension in patients. Mindfulness practices that focus on consciously experiencing the present moment can help patients better cope with difficult emotions and thoughts related to traumatic experiences. Regular practice can improve overall wellbeing.
These techniques can be introduced by therapists, but also by medical staff in daily patient care. Through them, patients can learn how to control their emotions and stress. Relaxation exercises should be adapted to the individual needs and abilities of the patient.
Personalised care plan
Every patient is different, so it is important that the care plan is individually tailored to them. Taking into account the patient's personal preferences, medical history and specific concerns can make them better supported. Regular consultation with the client and monitoring of progress allows the care plan to be adjusted on an ongoing basis.
Personalisation of the care plan includes both physical and psychological aspects. It is important that the patient feels that his or her needs and preferences are taken into account at every stage of treatment. This makes him or her more involved in the treatment process and more motivated to cooperate with the medical staff.
Supporting traumatised patients requires a holistic approach that addresses both physical and psychological aspects. Creating a safe space, access to professional psychological support, family education, relaxation techniques and personalisation of the care plan are the most important elements to consider. These enable patients to better cope with their traumatic experiences, which contributes to their overall health.