Ph.D. Psychologist
Newton, MA
Articles on Trauma
By Dr. Lynn Margolies
In This Section
The characters from the vignettes in Dr. Margolies’ articles are fictitious and designed to be relatable to many people and common themes. They are not based on any patient’s individual situation or disclosure but were derived from a composite of people and events for the purpose of representing real-life situations and psychological dilemmas. Terms of Use.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why We Hold Grudges: The Psychology of Whether to Forgive
The holiday season ramps up pressure to forgive family members who have hurt us.
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.
