Preamble
In writing this post, I felt compelled to address a significant gap of education in both the mental health and medical fields: the lack of readily available information directing individuals to recent trauma protocols or practitioners. When people experience a Potentially Traumatic Event (PTE), whether firsthand or vicariously, they often don’t know what is going on and consequently where to turn for help. Education about early intervention with techniques like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) (Recent Trauma Protocol) can make a significant difference in someone’s life, especially within approximately the first 30 days following a PTE.
Many individuals assume that their emotional distress will resolve on its own, but research shows that unprocessed trauma can have long-term consequences if left untreated. The cause of symptoms can happen out of a person’s awareness. For example, a common sign is someone being activated and not knowing why. This is indicative of a memory that has been stored in non-declarative memory (procedural memory), which is mostly automatic and unconscious. By raising awareness of the importance of early intervention, we can help more people seek appropriate support before memories become deeply ingrained.
To note: There are other therapies that can be helpful as well. Here I use EMDR’s Recent Trauma Protocol as an example.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Benefits of Seeking EMDR (Recent Trauma Protocol) Therapy Within the First 30 Days:
- Prevents Chronic PTSD: Addressing trauma early can prevent distress from becoming long-term (Shapiro, 2014).
- Faster Recovery: EMDR helps process the event before it leads to entrenched avoidance or emotional dysregulation (Shapiro, 2014).
- Reduces the Need for Long-Term Therapy: Early intervention can shorten the duration of care needed (Shapiro, 2014).
Consequences of Delayed Intervention:
- Increased Risk of PTSD: Unresolved trauma is more likely to persist beyond 30 days, which could lead to a formal PTSD diagnosis and/or an impact on functionality in daily life (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
- Prolonged Therapy: If symptoms become deeply rooted, treatment may take longer (Shapiro, 2014).
- Impaired Functioning: Work, relationships, and mental well-being may be impacted if distress remains unprocessed (Shapiro, 2014).
Recognizing Symptoms of Early Trauma Response:
After a PTE, some individuals will naturally recover, while others may struggle with lingering distress. Symptoms to be mindful of include:
- Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares
- Heightened anxiety or panic attacks
- Avoidance of places, people, or conversations related to the event
- Hypervigilance, feeling constantly “on edge” or easily startled
- Emotional numbness or detachment from self and/or others (Dissociation)
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach issues, or chronic fatigue
Recognizing these early signs and seeking professional support promptly can prevent trauma from deeply embedding itself in the nervous system.
Real-World Examples of PTEs That May Require Early Intervention:
- Transportation Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are one of the most common PTEs. Even if physical injuries heal, the emotional impact can linger, with symptoms like hypervigilance, nightmares, or avoidance of driving.
Events like the recent airline crash at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport are deeply distressing not only for survivors but also for witnesses, first responders, and even those who hear about it and view the accident itself through media. Such incidents can lead to persistent fear, intrusive thoughts, and travel related anxiety.
- Witnessing a Tragic Death
Observing a sudden or violent death, whether involving a loved one or a stranger, can lead to intense emotional distress, including guilt, dissociation, and/or heightened fear. This can come from something like witnessing someone participate in the MAID program. Further, one can experience this as a PTE vicariously.
A recent example could include the shooting of certain political figures being seen on Youtube uncensored could be traumatic
- Natural Disasters
Survivors of earthquakes, floods, or wildfires often experience profound fear and helplessness. Even those indirectly affected, such as people who lose their homes or loved ones, may develop lasting distress if trauma remains unprocessed.
- Violent Assaults (Physical or Sexual Assaults, Robberies)
Experiencing or witnessing violence can lead to severe emotional and physical reactions, including fear, avoidance, hyperarousal, and/or dissociation. EMDR can help survivors process their experiences before symptoms escalate.
- Reproductive Trauma
Reproductive experiences can be deeply emotional and, for some, constitute Potentially Traumatic Events (PTEs). Reproductive trauma includes challenges such as infertility, pregnancy loss, and distressing birth experiences, all of which can have profound psychological and emotional effects (Hutti et al., 2015). Despite the significant impact of these experiences, they are often minimized or overlooked in medical and mental health settings (Postpartum Support International, 2017).
Types of Reproductive Trauma
Birth Trauma: Childbirth can be both a joyous and deeply distressing experience, particularly when complications arise, medical interventions are required, or individuals feel a loss of control (Beck et al., 2011). Studies have shown that individuals who undergo traumatic childbirth may develop post-traumatic stress symptoms, impacting their ability to bond with their baby and partner (van Dinter-Douma et al., 2020).
Infertility & Medical Interventions: Learning of an inability to conceive naturally or experiencing repeated unsuccessful fertility treatments can be devastating. The emotional rollercoaster of hope and loss, combined with medical interventions and societal expectations, often results in symptoms of trauma, including anxiety, depression, and stress (American Society for Reproductive Medicine, n.d.).
Pregnancy Loss (Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Termination for Medical Reasons): Pregnancy loss at any stage can lead to significant emotional and psychological distress (Hutti et al., 2015). Research indicates that individuals who experience early pregnancy loss often exhibit symptoms of anxiety, depression, and acute stress disorder within the first month (Ferring Pharmaceuticals, 2020). Partners may also experience grief and trauma responses, yet their distress often goes unrecognized (Hutti et al., 2015).
- Vicarious Trauma (Observing and/or hearing about another organism experiencing trauma)
Witnessing or hearing about a traumatic event that has happened to someone else. In today’s digital age, people frequently consume graphic videos and distressing news reports of real-life tragedies. Watching footage of war, violent crimes, or fatal accidents can trigger secondary trauma, causing anxiety, nightmares, and emotional distress similar to direct exposure.
This is not an exhaustive list. There are many more PTEs that can occur in ones environment (ie observing an event) and/or within oneself (ie. psychosis).
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (n.d.). The psychological impact of infertility. Retrieved from https://connect.asrm.org/mhpg/education/infertilityimpact
Beck, C. T., Gable, R. K., Sakala, C., & Declercq, E. R. (2011). Posttraumatic stress disorder in new mothers: Results from a two-stage U.S. national survey. Birth, 38(3), 216–227. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-536X.2011.00475.x
Ferring Pharmaceuticals. (2020). Panicked and overwhelmed: New study reveals the emotional and psychological impact of infertility. Retrieved from https://www.ferring.com/panicked-and-overwhelmed-new-study-reveals-the-emotional-and-psychological-impact-of-infertility/
Fiona Rogerson. (n.d.). EMDR for birth trauma. Retrieved from https://fionarogerson.com.au/emdr-for-birth-trauma/
Hutti, M. H., Armstrong, D. S., Myers, J., & Hall, L. A. (2015). Grief intensity, psychological well-being, and the intimate partner relationship in the subsequent pregnancy after a perinatal loss. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 44(1), 42–50. https://doi.org/10.1111/1552-6909.12539
Postpartum Support International. (2017). EMDR therapy. Retrieved from https://www.postpartum.net/emdr-therapy/
van Dinter-Douma, E. E., de Roos, C., Vervoort, E., & Rodenburg, R. (2020). The EMDR recent birth trauma protocol: A pilot randomized clinical trial after traumatic childbirth. Psychology & Health, 35(9), 1047–1064. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2019.1699092