Counselling for Acute Stress Disorder
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Understanding Acute Stress Disorder
Acute stress disorder is an intense stress reaction in the first days and weeks after a frightening event such as an accident, assault or sudden loss, with symptoms like intrusive memories, feeling numb or on edge, and trouble sleeping. Early counselling can help the nervous system settle and may reduce the chance of longer term difficulties. Sojourn offers trauma informed counselling in person at our Cloverdale office in Surrey, BC and online across British Columbia. View therapist profiles and book online.
What Exactly is Acute Stress Disorder?
Acute Stress Disorder, often simply referred to as ASD, is a mental health condition that can develop after you experience or witness a traumatic event. This isn’t your everyday stress—we’re talking about situations that are truly shocking and scary.
The symptoms of ASD can start to appear within a month of the traumatic event and they can last from three days to one month. If symptoms persist beyond this period, there might be something more, like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), at play. But don’t worry, we’ll get to that in a bit.
Spotting the Symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder
Knowing what to look out for is the first step in the journey of healing. Symptoms of ASD can be quite broad, but they generally fall into five main categories:
1. Intrusion:
Recurring nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event.
2. Negative mood:
General moodiness, inability to experience positive emotions, or a continuous sense of doom and gloom.
3. Dissociation:
Feeling disconnected from oneself, experiencing the world as unreal or dreamlike, or having trouble remembering details about the traumatic event.
4. Avoidance:
Staying away from reminders of the traumatic event, which could include people, places, conversations, or objects.
5. Arousal:
Difficulty sleeping, irritability, difficulty concentrating, hypervigilance, or being easily startled.
It’s important to remember that everyone reacts to stress differently. You may experience some of these symptoms or none at all. It’s all about your personal experience.
The Power of Therapy in Handling Acute Stress Disorder
Yes, ASD is challenging. But remember the good news we mentioned earlier? Here it is: Therapy can make a huge difference!
Working with a trained therapist provides you with a safe and supportive environment to explore your feelings and reactions, understand your symptoms, and develop coping strategies. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness-based interventions are among the most effective therapeutic approaches for dealing with ASD.
Different Forms of Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapy aims at changing the negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to your stress. Through CBT, you can learn how to manage your symptoms more effectively and improve your quality of life.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR focuses on reprocessing traumatic memories. By recalling these memories under guided eye movements, individuals can change how those memories impact them.
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions: These therapies, including meditation and deep-breathing exercises, can help manage symptoms by promoting relaxation, enhancing self-awareness, and improving attention to present-moment experiences.
Embracing Your Journey to Recovery
Remember, recovering from ASD is a journey, not a race. Take it at your own pace, and know that every step you take, no matter how small, is a victory. Surround yourself with supportive loved ones and lean on their strength when you need to.
If stress symptoms persist or shift into ongoing worry or panic, our anxiety counselling in Surrey may also be a helpful next step.
Let’s Take the Next Steps Together
Dealing with ASD can be tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to walk alongside you on this journey, providing support and guidance every step of the way.
Our experienced therapists are ready to work with you, using evidence-based therapeutic approaches to help you manage your symptoms and reclaim your life. No matter how you’re feeling right now, know that things can get better, and we’re here to help make that happen.
Take the first step today by booking an appointment with us. We’re looking forward to meeting you and starting this journey together towards healing, understanding, and growth.
Just remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Actually, it’s more than okay—it’s incredibly brave. So be brave with us, and let’s overcome Acute Stress Disorder together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is acute stress disorder?
Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a short-term reaction to a traumatic event, with symptoms such as intrusive memories, anxiety, dissociation, avoidance, or trouble sleeping in the days and weeks afterward. Early support can ease symptoms and reduce the risk of longer-term PTSD.
How is acute stress disorder treated?
Treatment often includes trauma-focused therapy, grounding and coping skills, and sometimes EMDR. At Sojourn our counsellors help you process the event safely and regain a sense of stability.
When should I seek help after a traumatic event?
It is wise to reach out if distressing symptoms persist for more than a few days or interfere with daily life. Early support can make a real difference.
Do you offer direct billing for motor-vehicle-accident trauma?
Yes. We offer direct billing to ICBC for counselling related to motor-vehicle-accident claims. For other insurers, many extended health plans cover services provided by RCCs and RMFTs — we provide receipts you can submit for reimbursement.
Can sessions be online?
Yes — we offer in-person sessions in Surrey and secure online counselling across British Columbia.