Those of us who call the Greater Houston Area home, know what a great place this is. We are a community that is filled with people with big hearts and welcoming attitudes. Some might describe Houston as a big city with a small-town feel. I have always been amazed at how our community supports each other during times of crisis. I was reminded of this in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. I saw neighbors helping each other pick up debris and opening their homes to each other while they waited for power to be restored.
We are a resilient community. We know what it’s like to have to face adversity and overcome challenges. Our “can do” attitude is one of our strengths and is part of what makes this such a dynamic city to live in. We will overcome the problems created by Hurricane Beryl and most of us will get back to living our normal lives.
Trauma and Stress Can Take a Toll on Us
Not everyone bounces back quickly from the stressors created by hurricanes and natural disasters. Maybe you have come across people who have lost their patience or seem to be at their “wits end”. For many, the trauma that comes with natural disasters is just one problem too many. We all have limits to our emotional reserves. If your reserves were already depleted prior to the storm, it may feel like the added stress is just more than you can take.
Understanding the Nature of Stress and Resiliency
Stress is a normal part of life. When we experience stress, our body revs up to meet the challenges that life is throwing at us, and our minds become more focused on finding resolutions. When the problems are resolved, our body returns to a calmer state and recovers from the stressors. We then evaluate the problems and try to learn strategies to cope with these types of problems in the future. This natural process of managing stressors is one of the ways that we develop resiliency.
What Happens if Stress is Ongoing or Overwhelming?
When stress is chronic or overwhelming our body never gets a chance to recover or repair itself. We tend to operate in a constant state of “fight or flight” which can take a huge toll on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Chronic stress can also disrupt our ability to develop healthy coping strategies which can lead to strained relationships, ineffective behaviors, alcohol and drug abuse, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Chronic stress has also been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, digestive problems, and physical pain.
Understanding the Interaction Between Stress and Trauma
Trauma can happen to anyone. Trauma can occur as a result of hurricanes, natural disasters, crime, combat, car accidents, domestic violence, and other extreme events. In general, trauma occurs when we experience a life-threatening event that is so extreme that it overwhelms our normal coping mechanisms. If we don’t successfully resolve the emotional and mental issues resulting from the traumatic event, it can result in PTSD.
All trauma is stressful, but not all stressful events are traumatic. For example, losing power at home can be stressful, but it isn’t necessarily traumatic. However, if you lose power and almost get electrocuted as a result it can be both stressful and traumatic. Chronic stress can also be traumatic. If you feel constantly emotionally depleted and like you are “on the edge of losing it”, you can begin to feel traumatized by the constant level of overwhelming stress.
Understanding the Cumulative Effects of Trauma and Stress
When combined, severe stress, chronic stress, previous traumas, and current traumatic events can have an exponential impact on a person’s ability to cope. When our “emotional cup” is empty, we become at risk for a mental health crisis. The accumulation of traumas and stress can lead to severe depression, panic attacks, or a nervous breakdown. The pain that was just below the surface can no longer be hidden and help is often needed.
Signs that Someone is in an Emotional Crisis
Below are some of the signs that someone may need help.
- Unable to stop crying
- Unable to stop worrying
- Unable to concentrate or focus
- Experiencing severe panic attacks or anxiety
- Having trouble functioning doing normal tasks
- Having difficulty returning to work or focusing on the job
- Reports feeling like they are going to go crazy or going to lose it.
- Extreme anger outbursts
- Having thoughts of dying or suicide
- Having ongoing feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
- Withdraws from others and started isolating themself
- Expressing feelings of depression
- Reports episodes of reliving traumatic events or having flashbacks
- Abusing alcohol or drugs
- Unable to sleep or sleeping all of the time
Seek Help
If you know someone who is struggling with any of the issues above, they may be in a mental health crisis. Remember, stress and trauma can be cumulative and everyone has a limit to their emotional reserves. If someone is in crisis, get them help. Don’t just expect them to “snap out of it”. Therapy can help you or a loved one recover from the impacts of stress and trauma.
New Dimensions Can Help!
If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced mental health professionals can help you heal the emotional wounds of the past and develop the tools you need to successfully cope with the stressors of life. We can help you develop the skills you need to move beyond surviving into thriving. To learn more about our mental health and substance abuse programs for adolescents and adults, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.
New Dimensions has Intensive Outpatient Treatment Programs in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston. We serve individuals who live in Houston, League City, Friendswood, Galveston, Pearland, Dickinson, Pasadena, Baytown, Spring, Conroe, Kingwood, Sugar Land, Cypress, Tomball, Richmond, Humble, Huntsville, Bellaire, Alvin, Seabrook, Missouri City, Lake Jackson, and surrounding areas.
New Dimensions also provides psychological testing services for individuals looking for clarification about their diagnosis. Some of the areas that we test for include, ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, Dementia, and Bariatric Surgery Evaluations. We also have Intervention Services for families that are seeking help for a loved one who is struggling with addiction.