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Feeling Disconnected From Oneself and Others After Trauma

User Profile: comfortableNight4463
comfortableNight4463 August 11th, 2022

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"These are some of the ways that people describe feeling alienated after trauma; that is, disconnected from themselves and others.

Does Alienation Matter?

Alienation is linked with multiple forms of post-traumatic distress.

Drawing on nine published studies that examined alienation-PTSD links specifically, a recent meta-analysis revealed a large effect size relationship between alienation appraisals and PTSD symptoms. As alienation appraisals increased, so did PTSD symptoms.

Alienation also distinguished people with trauma histories who met the criteria for either PTSD or Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).

Is It Alienation or Something Else?

Researchers began to tease out these related constructs in a 2019 study that involved 100 college students as well as 93 adults seeking services in Northern Ireland who had survived trauma. Participants reported their trauma histories, alienation, social support, loneliness, and alexithymia as well as PTSD and depression symptoms. Alienation explained links between trauma histories and post-traumatic stress and depression symptoms, even when taking into account social support, loneliness, and alexithymia.

What Are the Implications of Alienation Research for Our Response to Trauma?

If alienation is part of the harm of trauma, then connection should be part of our response.

Outreach from victim advocates to survivors in the aftermath of intimate partner abuse predicts less distress a year later, relative to a comparison condition that offered referrals instead of outreach.

We can also change how we talk about and collaborate to address trauma, particularly intimate violence. By doing so, we communicate that survivors are not alone, that we each take the issue seriously, and that change is possible."

Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!

Reflection:

What are your thoughts on alienation after trauma?

*I tend to alienate after a stressful event so that I can compose myself and get a handle on my emotions. I do it so I can prevent emotional outbursts in front of others.*

#Alienation #Isolation #Trauma #MentalHealth #Relationships #Communication




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User Profile: SirenOfSerenity
SirenOfSerenity August 12th, 2022

@comfortableNight4463

Thank you so much for posting this. PTSD is a topic that came up in a group support session and I'm happy to see you bringing awareness.

What are your thoughts on alienation after trauma?

I do believe in giving someone space to process what they're going through so they can come to terms with it in order to move forward, but the duration of that space depends on the person's preference. But support should always be offered unconditionally to the traumatized.

1 reply
User Profile: comfortableNight4463
comfortableNight4463 OP August 12th, 2022

@SirenOfSerenity I agree. This is a great insight. Taking space to recover and giving others' space to do so is very important.

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User Profile: fruityPond7887
fruityPond7887 August 12th, 2022

@comfortableNight4463 I think alienating after a traumatic event is normal reaction. It's normal to need that space to process what happened and to help recover. I don't think someone should alienate for super long, but I think a bit of time is okay!

1 reply
User Profile: comfortableNight4463
comfortableNight4463 OP August 12th, 2022

@fruityPond7887 I agree. It's good to take some time to think and take care of yourself.

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User Profile: mytwistedsoul
mytwistedsoul August 12th, 2022
What are your thoughts on alienation after trauma?
Well I have to say I agree with what @NoneTheWiser said and add that sometimes being alone feels safer. But the longer you're alone the harder it gets to reconnect with other people and the more you end up alienating yourself

1 reply
User Profile: comfortableNight4463
comfortableNight4463 OP August 12th, 2022

@mytwistedsoul I agree. It can feel safe to be alone because we don't have to pretend that we're okay. It's hard to get back into social interaction when one has been isolated for so long. Thanks for sharing!

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