PTSD and traumatisation

• experiencing the traumatic event over and over again (recurring memories and mental images, dreams and nightmares)
• anxiety
• insomnia
• drug or substance addictions
• fatigue
• exhaustion
• depression
• feelings of anger and guilt
• memory and concentration difficulties
• being alert
• increased state of alertness
• despair
• callousness
• passivity
• apathy
• suicidal thoughts
• arrhythmias, chest pain
• hyperventilation
• dizziness
• stomach pain
• headache
• trembling
• eating disorders

The word "trauma" refers to emotional wounds or injuries caused by experiences such as the sudden death of a loved one, serious injuries or the threat of such events. In the case of violence in a partnership, there is an additional breach of trust, as the violent person is actually expected to provide care and security.

Domestic violence can lead to psychological trauma due to the threat to physical safety, intense fear, lack of control and overwhelming situations. The individual's own stress can increase as more and more difficult moments come together due to the never-ending experiences of violence in the partnership.

As a result, the impact of the violence on the person affected becomes ever stronger. Those affected often describe a cycle of violence in which they are subjected to one incident after another: "I hadn't even survived the last violent incident when the next one came along."

Many individuals who have endured long-term violent relationships develop depression. Depressed individuals internalise the negative messages repeatedly received from their abusive partners: you are bad, worthless, no one can love you, you are not good enough, etc., reinforcing beliefs of being unworthy, unlovable, or inadequate. Seeking professional conversational support is crucial for breaking this cycle.

During traumatic events, the human nervous system activates the fight-or-flight response, an evolutionary survival mechanism. This physiological reaction has been deeply ingrained in our species, allowing us to react swiftly to external threats, e.g. a bear in the wild.

In moments of danger, the autonomic nervous system prepares the body to confront or escape the threat. This reaction is normal in all mammals and developed as an optimal response to sudden danger.

Panic attacks trigger the same physiological response as threatening situations. However, panic attacks can occur seemingly out of context, without real threats. The exact causes of panic attacks are unknown, but the body reacts intensely.

Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, sensations of restricted air intake, heart palpitations, trembling limbs, sweating, dizziness, tingling, and a strong urge to escape. Panic attacks can evoke feelings of impending doom or confusion, with a sense of detachment from reality. Senses often become heightened as the body prepares for fight or flight responses.