Emotional support can range from physical comfort to listening and empathising. If you’re experiencing trauma, domestic abuse or have lost a loved one, we can provide support via local counselling services, or you can book an appointment with one of our support workers.
Trauma can be an emotional and or physical response to a life-altering event like a car accident, miscarriage or returning from conflict. It’s normal to be in shock and denial immediately after the event, but the longer-term reactions can be distressful for an individual.
These reactions could be unpredictable emotions, flashbacks and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea. Traumatic events can happen at any age and cause long-lasting harm. Everyone has a different reaction to trauma.
When something traumatic happens, it can take a while to get over the pain and feel safe again. We all react to trauma in different ways, whether that is a physical or emotional reaction. We may feel disbelief, confusion, irritability, guilt, shame and even withdraw from others but this is a normal response.
There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to respond, your responses are normal reactions to abnormal events. Trauma symptoms usually last from a few days to a few months, gradually fading as you process the unsettling event. However, sometimes there may be triggers such as an anniversary of the event that brings back painful memories and emotions.
If your symptoms become worse, you may be experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). You should visit your GP if you are still having problems 4 weeks after the traumatic experience. Your GP will then discuss your symptoms and refer you to the most suitable mental health specialist for treatment.
Domestic abuse can be defined as a pattern of behaviour in any relationship that is used to gain and maintain power and control over an intimate partner.
The abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological actions or threats. Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, faith or class.
There is no such thing as a ‘normal’ relationship. However, if you find that your partner/former partner belittles you, blames you for the arguments, denies or plays down the abuse, then this is a form of domestic abuse.
If your partner isolates you from family/friends, stops you from going to college or work or accuses you of flirting and having affairs, this is all domestic abuse.
If you’re worried someone might see you have visited this page, the Women’s Aid website tells you how to cover your tracks online.
At the Croydon Health & Wellbeing Space, our priority is getting and keeping the person safe from domestic abuse. We have a team that will support and provide the appropriate resources that will empower the person suffering from domestic abuse.
Law against domestic abuse is essential in the effort to protect the person from their abuser. Criminal law is aimed at punishing the offender. The police together with the Crown Prosecution Service can initiate this process.
The FJC provide support and a safety plan for people experiencing domestic abuse. They also facilitate weekly MARAC meetings. Referrals can be made by the person requiring support by attending a drop-in centre, which is arranged by calling or emailing the FJC. A professional acting on behalf of a client can also complete a referral form, which is available on their website.
Out of hours support can be provided by the 24-hour National Domestic Violence free helpline: 0808 2000 247.
BCWA offer advice and signposting to LGBTQ+ victims of domestic abuse. They listen to the person’s needs and talk them through their options.
Galop supports LGBTQ+ people who have experienced abuse and violence. They run the LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline.
When you experience the death of a loved one, even if it is expected, it can leave you feeling stunned. Your ability to function can be seriously impaired, and you may be left feeling anxious and like life feels unrecognisable.
We all feel lonely at times – it’s a normal human emotion. We’re wired for social contact, and loneliness is often the signal that we need more. You don’t have to be on your own to feel lonely – you might feel lonely in a relationship. This mainly happens when you don’t feel understood by the people around you.
Reactions to loss can be physical and psychological. This can lead to experiencing feelings of intense distress. There are different types of grief: normal grief is marked by a movement towards acceptance of the loss and gradual alleviation of the symptoms, as well as the ability to continue to engage in basic daily activities. There is also traumatic grief which is a result of a loved one dying in a way perceived to be frightening or unexpected.
Do you have difficulties adjusting or getting used to life following a recent stressful event/significant change? Stress is commonly used when people are describing how the demands of their life seem to be increasingly difficult for them to cope with.
This can lead to stress and adjustment disorder; people tend to develop this during times of typical transition. It can be managed with guided self-help. For example, groups and sessions where you can learn strategies for managing stress.
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