Articles on Trauma

By Dr. Lynn Margolies
In This Category:
PTSDTeenage SuicideTrauma

Coping With Trauma & Avoiding Misconceptions

Most of us function by maintaining an illusion of control over life with only dim awareness of possible catastrophe. A basic sense of security runs in the background of our psyche – like a computer operating system – imperceptible until it crashes. When our security is ripped away by trauma, we’re shocked and catapulted into a different reality. Suddenly the threat of danger and loss looms large, making us acutely aware that life is fragile.
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Dr. Lynn Margolies
Approaching Difficult TopicsGetting Teens to Talk (and Listen)Parenting ChallengesRisk, Danger, & Self-Destructive BehaviorTeens & Young AdultsUnderstanding the Teenage MindsetPTSDTeenage SuicideTraumaFamily IssuesShame, Guilt, & Compulsive Behaviors

How Parents & Teachers Can Help Prevent Suicide in Teens

Although we don’t usually think of suicide as contagious, one of the strongest predictors of suicide in youth is the suicide or suicide attempt of a friend or family member.
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Dr. Lynn Margolies
Approaching Difficult TopicsGetting Teens to Talk (and Listen)Parenting ChallengesRisk, Danger, & Self-Destructive BehaviorTeens & Young AdultsUnderstanding the Teenage MindsetPTSDTeenage SuicideTraumaFamily Issues

Preventing the Spread of Suicide in Teens

Teens don’t feel safe talking to adults about suicide. Some suicidal teens may be good actors – showing us what we want to see. Learn how to make it safe for your teen to talk to you and trust you, and what not to do. This article offers practical advice about how to recognize vulneralbe teens, the warning signs that they may be at risk, and how to help.
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Dr. Lynn Margolies
Childhood TraumaPTSDTeenage SuicideTraumaPsychology NewsTrauma

The Long-Term Impact of Childhood Maltreatment

This blog discusses recent findings on the long-term effects of childhood emotional neglect and abuse. Other topics: how binge drinking in adolescents affects gene expression in adulthood, and recent finding on marijuana use in people with bipolar disorder.
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Dr. Lynn Margolies
TraumaAssertiveness & Boundaries

The Psychology of How We React to Witnessing Violence

Have people lost their humanity? It’s hard to feel otherwise reading about the death on New York’s subway. But other explanations may help restore hope.
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Dr. Lynn Margolies
TraumaChildhood TraumaPTSDUnlocking PotentialPsychology NewsGood News

The Surprising Power of Support: Research on How Love and Support Impacts Trauma Recovery and Buffers Pain

This blog discusses interesting new research on the positive biological effects of love and support.
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Dr. Lynn Margolies
Childhood TraumaPTSDTrauma

Understanding the Effects of Trauma: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Many people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder fail to seek treatment because of not having correctly identified or recognized their symptoms as trauma-related, and/or not knowing their symptoms are treatable. Also, the inherent avoidance, withdrawal, memory disruption, fear, guilt, shame, and mistrust associated with PTSD, can make it difficult to come forward and seek help. The process of integration allows the trauma to become a part of normal memory rather than something to be perpetually feared and avoided, interfering with normal life, and frozen in time.
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Dr. Lynn Margolies
TraumaDifficult Conversations

Why We Hold Grudges: The Psychology of Whether to Forgive

The holiday season ramps up pressure to forgive family members who have hurt us.
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Dr. Lynn Margolies
TraumaTeenage SuicideAssertiveness & BoundariesDifficult Conversations

You Should Be So Lucky: Dealing With Tragedy

People often avoid and isolate those who are grieving or have terminal illnesses, either literally or emotionally – inadvertently isolating the person in their lives who is suffering. They are uncomfortable, don’t know what to say or how to act – staying far enough away to preclude being able to really relate. They change the topic to the luck of it all or steer clear of talking about the elephant in the room. Why do people act this way.
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Dr. Lynn Margolies