The Onset of Psychological Trauma
Principal Category: Psychological Trauma
Authors:
• Vianey Gonzalez B.Sc(Psych) – Licensed Psychologist Specialty in Crime Victim Trauma Therapy, Neuropsychologist, Certified Deception Professional, Psychology Advisory Panel & Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
• Portion from the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health
The onset of psychological trauma begins when a person experiences a sudden and overwhelming event that the brain is unable to process in its usual way. Key areas of the brain, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex, become dysregulated. The amygdala, responsible for processing fear and danger, becomes hyperactive, sending constant danger signals, while the hippocampus, which manages memory, becomes impaired, causing fragmented or incomplete memories of the event. The prefrontal cortex, which helps with rational thinking, loses control over emotional regulation, making it difficult for victims to process the trauma logically. This cascade of events can lead to shock, cognitive dissonance, shutdown, and eventually the onset of lasting trauma, manifesting as anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional numbness. Recognizing the signs of trauma and addressing them through therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, can help victims manage their emotional responses and reprocess the trauma. Early intervention helps restore balance to the brain and prevents long-term psychological harm, allowing individuals to recover from their distress and regain control of their emotional and mental well-being. Understanding this process is key to supporting trauma recovery effectively.
Understanding the Onset of Psychological Trauma in Human Beings
The Onset of Trauma: When human beings experience a sudden, horrific event, their brains and bodies react in a way that can lead to psychological trauma.
This process typically begins with shock and cognitive dissonance, followed by an overload of mental and emotional stimuli, often leading to a shutdown. If not addressed, this response can transition into lasting trauma, affecting a person’s mental and physical well-being. Understanding this process can offer valuable insights into why traumatic events have such profound effects on individuals.
The Onset of Shock
The first stage in this process is shock, which occurs immediately after the traumatic event. Shock is a psychological and physiological reaction to the suddenness and severity of the event, and it’s characterized by a numbing or detached feeling. This reaction is rooted in the brain’s natural defense mechanisms, which help protect the person from being overwhelmed by the intensity of the experience.
When shock sets in, the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for processing emotions like fear and danger, becomes highly activated. It sends urgent signals to the hypothalamus, initiating the “fight-or-flight” response. This releases stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, into the bloodstream, heightening physical awareness and preparing the body for immediate action. Heart rate increases, breathing quickens, and muscles become tense, as the brain focuses solely on survival.
During this period, many individuals report feeling disconnected from reality, as though they are observing the event from outside themselves. This dissociative response helps the brain to temporarily suppress emotions, allowing the person to function despite the overwhelming situation. However, while this protective response can help people survive an initial threat, it may also set the stage for future trauma.
The onset of shock is the brain’s immediate response to a traumatic event, activating the body’s survival mechanisms. When a person experiences shock, the amygdala, which processes emotions, identifies a threat and sends distress signals to the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus then triggers the sympathetic nervous system, initiating the “fight or flight” response by releasing adrenaline and cortisol. These stress hormones prepare the body for action by increasing heart rate, elevating blood pressure, and enhancing alertness.
The prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational thinking and decision-making, becomes less active during this phase. This allows the limbic system (which manages emotions and survival responses) to take over, pushing logic aside in favor of instinctual reactions like fleeing or freezing. This reduced cognitive control may cause the individual to feel overwhelmed, confused, or detached from reality, resulting in emotional numbness.
The release of cortisol, combined with adrenaline, diverts energy away from non-essential systems like digestion and focuses on immediate survival. This is why shock can cause nausea, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. The hippocampus, which forms and stores memories, can also be affected, leading to fragmented or incomplete recollection of the traumatic event. The initial shock response is a biological defense mechanism meant to temporarily suppress emotions and enhance survival, but it can also set the stage for longer-term psychological issues if not addressed.
Cognitive Dissonance and Overload
Following the immediate shock, cognitive dissonance often occurs. Cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort or confusion that arises when the traumatic event clashes with a person’s understanding of the world. The brain struggles to reconcile the horrific event with previously held beliefs about safety, security, or personal control.
For example, a scam victim who previously believed they were immune to deception may struggle to process the reality of being scammed. The brain is overwhelmed with conflicting thoughts: “How could this have happened?” “This doesn’t make sense,” or “It’s not real.” This mental conflict causes significant stress, as the mind works overtime to make sense of the event. When the brain is unable to resolve this conflict, cognitive overload occurs.
At this stage, the brain is flooded with stress hormones, and cognitive processing begins to shut down. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for logical thinking, becomes less active as the limbic system—the brain’s emotional center—takes control. This emotional overload can lead to confusion, memory loss, and an inability to think clearly, further intensifying feelings of helplessness and disorientation.
When a person encounters a traumatic event, cognitive dissonance and overload often follow the initial shock. Cognitive dissonance occurs when the traumatic experience contradicts the person’s pre-existing beliefs, values, or understanding of reality, creating psychological tension. For instance, in a scam, a victim may struggle to reconcile how they, as a cautious person, could have been deceived. This inner conflict forces the brain to work hard to adjust these inconsistencies, often causing distress, confusion, or emotional paralysis.
During cognitive dissonance and overload, several parts of the brain are heavily engaged. The amygdala continues to be hyperactive, further stimulating the stress response and keeping the person in a heightened state of alert. Simultaneously, the prefrontal cortex—the brain’s center for reasoning, planning, and decision-making—faces an increased load as it tries to reconcile conflicting thoughts and feelings. However, its ability to function is compromised due to the elevated stress hormones, especially cortisol, released during the shock phase. The hippocampus, which is responsible for memory formation, also becomes impaired. As a result, memory retrieval or clear thinking can be difficult, contributing to mental fog or confusion.
Cognitive overload occurs when the brain cannot process all the incoming information and emotions at once. In traumatic situations, the mind is flooded with too much sensory input, leading to an overwhelming sense of helplessness. This often results in a mental shutdown, where the brain temporarily stops trying to make sense of the situation as a protective measure. The prefrontal cortex’s ability to rationalize or cope with the event is overwhelmed, and the person may feel paralyzed or unable to respond effectively.
The transition from cognitive dissonance and overload to the onset of psychological trauma happens when the brain fails to properly process or resolve the overwhelming emotions and experiences. This unresolved stress leads to a “stuck” response in the amygdala, which keeps the individual in a state of hypervigilance and heightened stress even after the traumatic event has passed. The hippocampus also plays a role, as its diminished capacity to process the traumatic memory results in fragmented or intrusive thoughts. Over time, this creates a loop of reliving the event, preventing the individual from moving forward, and leading to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other trauma-related symptoms.
Shutdown
As cognitive overload continues, the brain may enter a state of psychological shutdown, also known as dissociation. This happens when the mind can no longer handle the emotional and mental intensity of the traumatic experience, so it essentially “shuts off” to protect itself. This state of shutdown can manifest as emotional numbness, a sense of detachment from one’s own body, or even temporary amnesia regarding the traumatic event.
In some cases, individuals may become paralyzed by fear or feel disconnected from reality, as though they are in a dream. They might struggle to feel emotions, even in situations that would typically elicit strong emotional responses. This lack of emotional connection can make it difficult for the individual to process the traumatic event in real-time.
Physiologically, the dorsal vagal complex, part of the parasympathetic nervous system, is triggered during this shutdown phase. This complex is responsible for the body’s “freeze” response, where, rather than fighting or fleeing, the person becomes immobilized. Blood pressure drops, breathing slows, and the body conserves energy, which can sometimes lead to a state of collapse. Although this response is meant to be protective, prolonged dissociation and emotional numbing can prevent individuals from processing the trauma, leading to long-term psychological consequences.
When the brain becomes overwhelmed by trauma, it may enter a “shutdown” phase, where the individual experiences emotional and physical numbness. This shutdown is a defense mechanism triggered when cognitive dissonance and overload exceed the brain’s ability to cope. The parasympathetic nervous system, specifically the dorsal vagal complex, activates to reduce stress and create a sense of immobilization or dissociation. During this state, the person may feel detached from reality or their emotions, as if they are observing events from a distance.
Key parts of the brain involved in this shutdown are the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. The amygdala remains hyperactive, signaling danger even after the trauma has passed, leading to prolonged stress. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for reasoning and decision-making, is inhibited, making it difficult for the person to think clearly or take action. The hippocampus, crucial for forming coherent memories, is impaired, resulting in fragmented, disjointed memories of the traumatic event.
This shutdown response can evolve into psychological trauma when the individual is unable to process the experience or reintegrate it into their normal life narrative. The brain’s failure to properly categorize the trauma leads to a loop of reliving or avoiding the event. Over time, this creates a lasting impact on mental health, manifesting in symptoms such as hypervigilance, dissociation, and emotional numbness—hallmarks of trauma-related conditions like PTSD.
In this state, individuals may struggle to engage with their surroundings, relationships, or daily activities, as the brain continues to prioritize survival over normal functioning. This enduring state of paralysis in the brain’s emotional and decision-making centers can make it challenging for the individual to recover from the traumatic event without professional intervention and coping strategies.
The Onset of Trauma
If the trauma is not properly addressed after the initial shock, cognitive overload, and shutdown, the individual may develop lasting psychological trauma. Trauma occurs when the brain is unable to process and integrate the traumatic experience, causing the emotions, memories, and physical sensations associated with the event to remain unresolved. This unresolved trauma may resurface repeatedly in the form of flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts, commonly seen in conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The hippocampus, which is responsible for forming and organizing memories, can become impaired due to the high levels of stress hormones released during trauma. As a result, traumatic memories are often stored in fragmented, disorganized ways. These memories may not follow a logical timeline, causing individuals to relive traumatic moments without a sense of coherence or resolution.
Additionally, the brain’s natural ability to regulate emotions becomes compromised. The prefrontal cortex, which helps manage emotional responses and decision-making, may remain underactive, leaving the individual unable to fully control their emotional reactions to trauma-related triggers. This can lead to hyperarousal (constant feeling of being on edge), irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
The onset of trauma is a complex psychological process triggered when a person experiences an overwhelming event that exceeds their ability to cope. When a traumatic event occurs, the brain activates its survival mechanisms, and different areas of the brain, including the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus, become involved.
The amygdala, which regulates emotions like fear and anxiety, becomes hyperactive, signaling danger and pushing the body into a state of high alert. This triggers the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare the body for a “fight or flight” response. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational thinking and decision-making, begins to lose its regulatory control as the brain prioritizes immediate survival over thoughtful responses. This imbalance leads to an emotional takeover, where rational thinking becomes clouded by fear and confusion.
The hippocampus, which manages memory formation, becomes impaired during trauma, resulting in fragmented memories of the event. The person may struggle to recall the order of events or feel that the experience is hazy or surreal. These disjointed memories can make it difficult for the individual to make sense of what happened, contributing to the lingering emotional impact of the trauma.
As the brain struggles to process the intensity of the experience, trauma may take root if the event is not adequately addressed. The trauma imprints itself on the individual’s brain, leading to long-term psychological effects. These effects can include hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, emotional dysregulation, and the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What makes trauma particularly challenging to overcome is the brain’s tendency to remain in survival mode even after the threat has passed. The amygdala continues to overreact, sending signals of danger that keep the individual stuck in a state of fear or hyperarousal. This impairs their ability to feel safe or at ease, and they may experience flashbacks or extreme emotional responses triggered by reminders of the trauma. At the same time, the prefrontal cortex struggles to regain control, further hindering the ability to think rationally or self-regulate emotions.
To cope with the onset of psychological trauma, it’s essential for individuals to seek support and interventions that help reprocess traumatic memories and restore balance to the brain’s emotional and rational centers.
The Victim’s Mind During Trauma
For the victim, trauma manifests as a deeply disorienting experience. They may feel constantly on high alert, unable to relax or experience joy in situations that would normally bring pleasure. Their relationships can suffer, as they may withdraw from loved ones or struggle to trust others. A sense of helplessness and guilt often accompanies trauma, with victims blaming themselves for the event or feeling shame for their emotional reactions to it.
Trauma can also significantly impact an individual’s worldview. They may begin to see the world as an inherently dangerous place, where trust and safety are illusions. This perspective can cause profound shifts in how they interact with others and approach daily life. Victims often feel stuck, unable to move forward as they grapple with intense emotions and the weight of the unresolved event.
During trauma, the victim’s mind enters a heightened state of emotional and cognitive overload as the brain struggles to process the intensity of the event. The key areas of the brain involved in this process are the amygdala, the hippocampus, and the prefrontal cortex, each contributing to how the mind interprets and reacts to the trauma.
The amygdala, the brain’s fear center, goes into overdrive, continuously signaling danger to the body. This region is responsible for processing emotions like fear and anger, so when a traumatic event occurs, the amygdala becomes hyperactive, amplifying emotional responses. This leaves the victim in a heightened state of alertness, often leading to feelings of panic, dread, or a constant state of anxiety. The amygdala’s heightened activity can cause the victim to experience a range of intense emotions, from fear and helplessness to confusion and disassociation.
Simultaneously, the hippocampus, which manages memory formation and spatial awareness, begins to malfunction due to the high levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. This interference leads to fragmented, distorted, or incomplete memories of the traumatic event. Victims may feel disconnected from their own memories or struggle to recall the event in a coherent manner, which contributes to the psychological confusion that accompanies trauma. This is why many trauma survivors report feeling as if they are reliving the event in vivid but disjointed flashbacks, adding to their psychological distress.
The prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational thinking, decision-making, and emotional regulation, is another area heavily affected by trauma. As the brain prioritizes survival, the prefrontal cortex’s regulatory control diminishes, causing the victim to lose their ability to think logically or assess the situation calmly. The prefrontal cortex is essentially overridden by the amygdala, making it harder for the victim to process information clearly. This can result in erratic or irrational behavior, emotional outbursts, or the inability to make decisions in the moment.
In the midst of trauma, the victim’s mind is bombarded with these conflicting signals, leading to an overwhelming sense of chaos. The heightened state of fear, fragmented memory, and impaired cognitive processing create an environment where the victim feels out of control. This experience of mental chaos is compounded by the physical symptoms of the body’s fight-or-flight response—such as rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, and muscle tension—further solidifying the traumatic impact.
As a result, victims of trauma often find themselves trapped in a cycle of emotional reactivity, unable to process the event clearly or rationally. The brain’s systems designed for survival continue to dominate, leaving the victim in a persistent state of hyperarousal, hypervigilance, or even emotional numbing as a protective measure.
Understanding what happens in the brain during trauma is crucial to developing effective strategies for intervention. The first step in recovery is often to calm the amygdala’s response, helping the prefrontal cortex regain its ability to process events rationally and restore the hippocampus’ memory functions. This neurobiological understanding of trauma is essential for guiding therapeutic interventions aimed at healing the mind and helping victims recover from their psychological distress.
Awareness and Memory Formation During the Onset of Trauma
During the onset of trauma, awareness and memory formation are significantly impacted as the brain enters a heightened state of survival. The amygdala, responsible for processing fear and threats, becomes hyperactive, sending signals to the hippocampus, which controls memory consolidation. In traumatic situations, the hippocampus often becomes impaired, leading to fragmented, distorted, or incomplete memories of the event. Meanwhile, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for logical thinking and decision-making, is downregulated, making it harder for the individual to stay grounded or rational. This results in impaired awareness, with victims often feeling detached or dissociated from the traumatic event as it unfolds.
The brain’s focus shifts from typical cognitive functions like awareness and detailed memory processing to immediate survival. This “fight, flight, or freeze” response initiated by the amygdala overrides normal awareness, leading to sensory overload or, in extreme cases, dissociation, where victims may feel disconnected from the reality of the situation.
Fragmented memory formation occurs because the hippocampus struggles to integrate and store the traumatic experience coherently. As a result, victims may later struggle to recall the event accurately, only remembering disjointed pieces, or they may re-experience the trauma in the form of intrusive memories or flashbacks. This is a protective mechanism in some ways, as the brain avoids processing the overwhelming pain all at once, but it also complicates the healing process, as the victim may not fully understand or process what has happened to them.
The prefrontal cortex’s diminished activity also means that higher-level reasoning and rational thought are compromised, making it difficult for individuals to process the event logically or make sound decisions in the moment. This reduction in cognitive processing power leaves the victim more emotionally vulnerable and may prolong the recovery process if trauma remains unaddressed.
Overall, trauma interrupts normal memory and awareness processing as the brain prioritizes survival over comprehension. Understanding these mechanisms can help victims and therapists recognize the impact of trauma on memory and cognitive functioning, providing a foundation for therapeutic approaches aimed at processing and healing from traumatic experiences.
Physical and Somatic Effects During the Onset of Trauma
During the onset of trauma, the body’s physical response is deeply connected to the autonomic nervous system (ANS), specifically through the vagus nerve, which plays a vital role in regulating stress responses. Trauma triggers the “fight, flight, or freeze” response, causing immediate physical changes throughout the body. The vagus nerve, which links the brain to various organs, plays a pivotal role in this process, particularly through its two branches: the sympathetic (activating fight/flight) and parasympathetic (freeze or shutdown) systems.
When the sympathetic nervous system is activated, the body prepares to confront or escape the threat. The heart rate increases, breathing becomes shallow, and blood flow is directed toward the muscles, readying the body for action. This state of hyperarousal can lead to physical sensations such as a racing heart, rapid breathing, muscle tension, and sweating. The adrenal glands release cortisol and adrenaline, heightening awareness and boosting energy for immediate survival efforts.
If the threat seems too overwhelming or escape is not possible, the parasympathetic nervous system, via the dorsal vagal complex, takes over, leading to a freeze or shutdown response. This results in a numbing effect, with decreased heart rate, reduced muscle tone, and slower breathing. The person may feel disconnected from their surroundings, emotionally numb, or even experience faintness, all as protective mechanisms. This is sometimes referred to as “dissociation” or “shutdown,” where the body essentially “freezes” to conserve energy and avoid further harm.
The vagus nerve also plays a role in other physical symptoms that may manifest during trauma, such as gastrointestinal issues. Trauma can disrupt digestion, leading to nausea, stomach cramps, or a feeling of butterflies in the stomach, as blood is diverted from non-essential functions like digestion to prepare for survival.
Other parts of the body are also affected. Muscles tighten, especially in areas like the neck, shoulders, and jaw, as the body braces for impact or prepares to act. The skin might feel cold or clammy, a response driven by changes in circulation as blood is directed toward the core of the body for protection.
These physical and somatic effects, governed by the interaction between the vagus nerve and the autonomic nervous system, reflect the body’s natural, automatic attempts to survive a traumatic event. While they serve an adaptive purpose during the immediate trauma, they can leave lasting imprints on the body, contributing to chronic conditions such as muscle tension, fatigue, or digestive issues if the trauma is not properly addressed and resolved.
Understanding these somatic responses is vital for trauma survivors, as physical symptoms often persist beyond the traumatic event, manifesting as chronic pain, tension, anxiety, or even autoimmune disorders. Recognizing these patterns in the body allows for targeted interventions, such as somatic therapy, which can help individuals reconnect with their physical sensations and gradually release the built-up tension stored in the body.
Recognizing and Addressing Trauma
Recognizing the signs of trauma—such as flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, or heightened anxiety—is essential for beginning the healing process. Addressing trauma involves acknowledging that it’s a natural response to an abnormal, overwhelming event. This acknowledgment helps individuals take the first step toward healing, as it validates their emotional reactions and encourages them to seek help.
Professional therapy, such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help victims work through their experiences and reorganize traumatic memories. Grounding techniques and mindfulness exercises can also aid in managing the overwhelming emotions that often accompany trauma, allowing individuals to reconnect with the present and regain a sense of control over their lives.
Recognizing trauma is vital for early intervention, and understanding its onset is essential for guiding treatment. When trauma occurs, the brain undergoes a series of disruptions. The amygdala, responsible for fear responses, becomes hyperactive, triggering persistent feelings of anxiety or fear. The hippocampus, involved in memory processing, may malfunction, leading to fragmented or distorted recollections of the event. Simultaneously, the prefrontal cortex, which governs rational thinking, struggles to regulate emotional responses, making it hard for victims to assess situations logically.
The process of addressing trauma involves calming these brain regions and restoring balance. Therapeutic methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques are often employed to help victims regain control over their emotional responses. The goal is to gradually allow the prefrontal cortex to resume its function, enabling victims to process their experiences rationally and reduce the amygdala’s overreaction to perceived threats. Additionally, grounding techniques and memory-processing therapies can aid the hippocampus in reconstructing coherent memories, helping victims understand and integrate their trauma.
Over time, through intervention and therapy, the brain can relearn how to manage stress, fear, and emotional responses. This recovery process involves retraining the neural pathways that have been disrupted by trauma, enabling victims to regain a sense of safety and normalcy in their lives. Recognizing trauma early, followed by targeted intervention, is crucial to facilitating this healing process and preventing the long-term effects of psychological distress.
Summary
The onset of psychological trauma is a complex process involving significant disruptions in brain function. When a traumatic event occurs, the amygdala (which processes fear), hippocampus (involved in memory), and prefrontal cortex (responsible for rational thinking) become dysregulated. This dysregulation leads to heightened emotional responses, difficulty processing memories, and an impaired ability to assess threats. Recognizing trauma early and intervening through therapy helps rewire these neural pathways, fostering healing and preventing long-term damage. Understanding this process is essential for addressing trauma effectively and supporting recovery.
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Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology, neurology, and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in these articles is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also, please read our SCARS Institute Statement About Professional Care for Scam Victims – here
If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and to not blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and to help victims avoid scams in the future. At times this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims, we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology, neurology, and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in these articles is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also, please read our SCARS Institute Statement About Professional Care for Scam Victims – here
If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.
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