retraumatizes
Reopens old wounds
Retraumatizes means to cause someone to experience trauma again, typically by exposing them to reminders of an original traumatic event.
The term appears often in discussions of therapy, legal proceedings, or media coverage: Forcing victims to testify can retraumatize them.
Something that retraumatizes doesn't create new trauma but reopens old wounds.
Involuntary vivid memory episodes
- nightmaresTerrifying sleep experiences
- panic attacksAcute fear episodes
- hypervigilanceHeightened threat sensitivity
- dissociationMental separation from surroundings
intrusive thoughts · avoidance · numbness · hyperarousal · startle response · emotional dysregulation · trust issues · anxiety
Intense mental suffering
- distressSevere anxiety or suffering
- griefIntense sorrow from loss
- despairTotal absence of hope
- tormentSevere prolonged suffering
agony · suffering · wounded · scarred · overwhelm · devastation · helplessness · shame
Chronic reaction to horrific events
- reactivationRestoring to function
- decompensationFailure of compensatory mechanisms
- crisisDecisive dangerous moment
- destabilizationCausing loss of stability
Memory aid
- memoryMind's retention capacity
- stimulusWhat prompts a reaction
- incidentA distinct event
- associationGroup with shared aim
anniversary · situation · environment · relationship · news coverage · testimony · confrontation · disclosure
Curative mental treatment
- counselingProfessional guidance for problems
- psychotherapyTreatment through guided conversation
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
- treatmentCare for an ailment
support · intervention · stabilization · grounding · safety · resilience · coping · self-care
flashbacks
Involuntary vivid memory episodes
- nightmaresTerrifying sleep experiences
- panic attacksAcute fear episodes
- hypervigilanceHeightened threat sensitivity
dissociation · intrusive thoughts · avoidance · numbness · hyperarousal · startle response · emotional dysregulation · trust issues · anxiety · fear
anguish
Intense mental suffering
torment · agony · suffering · wounded · scarred · overwhelm · devastation · helplessness · shame · terror
PTSD
Chronic reaction to horrific events
- reactivationRestoring to function
- decompensationFailure of compensatory mechanisms
- crisisDecisive dangerous moment
destabilization · regression · setback · relapse · deterioration
reminder
Memory aid
association · anniversary · situation · environment · relationship · news coverage · testimony · confrontation · disclosure · reexposure
therapy
Curative mental treatment
- counselingProfessional guidance for problems
- psychotherapyTreatment through guided conversation
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
treatment · support · intervention · stabilization · grounding · safety · resilience · coping · self-care · boundaries
retraumatizesheals
Restores to wellness
soothes · comforts · calms · reassures · stabilizes
retraumatizesrehabilitates
Returns to good condition
cures · treats · processes · integrates · resolves
retraumatization, retraumatized, retraumatize, retraumatizing