How does trauma affect me?
Trauma is anything that happens too fast, too soon, or is too much for our nervous system. Trauma is a physical or emotional injury or wound. In the context of mental health, trauma refers to a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope, causing feelings of helplessness, fear, and vulnerability.
Various events, including natural disasters, accidents, physical abuse, sexual abuse, war, or other forms of violence, can cause trauma. Trauma can also result from ongoing, chronic stress, such as living in a toxic environment or experiencing ongoing abuse or neglect.
People who have experienced trauma may have physical and emotional reactions, such as difficulty sleeping, flashbacks, anxiety, depression, and difficulty trusting others. Everyone's response and how their nervous system responds to trauma are unique. Some people may have established resilience and have access to a broad scope of resources. In contrast, others may experience small cumulative traumas that erode their resilience or lack the resources they need to overcome difficulties.
If you have experienced trauma and are struggling to cope, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional, like a therapist. They can help you work through your experiences and develop coping skills to manage your emotions and responses to trauma.
Trauma can significantly impact a person's physical and emotional well-being. Some common ways that trauma may affect an individual include:
Physical symptoms: Trauma can cause physical symptoms such as headache, fatigue, stomach problems, and muscle tension. It can also lead to changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels.
Emotional symptoms: Trauma can cause strong emotions such as fear, anxiety, guilt, and shame. It can also lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness.
Cognitive symptoms: Trauma can affect an individual's thoughts and beliefs. It may cause difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and negative thinking patterns.
Behavioral symptoms: Trauma can affect an individual's behavior, leading to changes in relationships, work, and daily activities. It may also cause avoidance of certain situations or activities that remind the individual of the traumatic event.
Interpersonal symptoms: Trauma can affect an individual's relationships with others. It may cause difficulty trusting others, difficulty with intimacy, and problems with communication.
Everyone reacts to trauma differently, and the severity and duration of the symptoms can vary. If you have experienced trauma and feel like you're struggling, getting support from a trained trauma therapist may be helpful. They can help you work through your experiences and develop coping skills to manage your emotions and reactions to trauma.
If you're ready to talk with a compassionate trauma therapist, schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Tides Center for Wellness.
