Trauma can be one of life's most difficult challenges to navigate. It can leave you feeling helpless, overwhelmed, and completely disconnected from others or even the world around you. Maladaptive behaviors, or unhealthy coping skills in nonprofessional terms, are behaviors we use to help us deal with challenging situations, perhaps because of trauma. Such coping skills can include substance abuse, unhealthy eating habits, and risky behaviors.
Understanding and Coping With Painful Trauma Nightmares and Flashbacks
If you've experienced trauma, you may know what flashbacks and nightmares are like. Most individuals who are living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) experience nightmares or flashbacks. This is one more way that the brain reacts to a traumatic experience. Understanding what nightmares and flashbacks are, how they affect you, and how to cope can help in increasing your quality of life.