Can exposure therapy help to overcome stress reactions?

Question

Hello doctor,

About five days ago, I became traumatized by reading a short story. If my understanding is correct, I am currently experiencing acute stress reactions from the feeling disconnected, intrusive memories of the story, and frequent volatile emotions. I have only been able to find examples of people getting trauma from events that happened to them, such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters. I want to know what type of trauma it is and what I should do to deal with those differences properly. For exposure therapy, should I re-read the story? Or should I think about all the things from the story? What should I do in my specific case?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

This could be due to stress because of heightened anxiety. Increased anxiety results in intrusive, unwanted thoughts sometimes. You have no history of such symptoms in the past, so I do not think there is a need for acute intervention. Exposure therapy is one option that you can go with. In exposure therapy, you should reread the story and when you develop anxiety, try to relax with relaxation exercises. Once your anxiety is controlled, you will be alright. Another option is to talk with your mother, if possible, about the symptoms you have developed. She will talk with you and will help in reducing the anxiety.

Thank you.