The Symptoms of Trauma

*Numbness/Shock

After an acute trauma, it’s normal to feel a sense of apathy or numbness. These feelings often indicate being in a state of shock. You may not be able to process the events that happened to you fully. In some ways, shock serves as a protective measure. It helps you from feeling absolutely flooded by the trauma.

*Denial

In some cases, people may deny the severity of the event that happened to them. Denial can sound like, It really wasn’t that big of a deal. Other people have it so much worse. It can also sound like, I don’t even think about it that much. What’s done is done. It’s in the past. Denial isn’t the same as lying. It’s usually a way to try to convince yourself that the reality wasn’t so terrible (even if it was).

*Confusion

Confusion may persist after feelings of numbness or shock. The confusion can be related to feeling unclear about the events that happened to you or why they happened. You might also feel somewhat disorientated. For instance, days may blend into each other. You might find yourself walking into a room and forget why you’re there. In extreme cases, confusion can lead to memory problems and complete forgetfulness.

*Paranoia

You may feel paranoid after a traumatic event. This paranoia often emerges from the fear that somebody or something will harm you again. As a result, you may be hypervigilant to the people around you. You might avoid certain triggers that remind you of the trauma.

*Flashbacks

Flashbacks refer to involuntarily reexperiencing trauma after the event has happened. In some cases, flashbacks can feel incredibly debilitating. Even though you know the trauma is in the past, it feels like you’re right back in the chaos. These flashbacks often exacerbate feelings of anxiety, depression, and panic.

*Intellectualization

Intellectualization happens when you try to make sense of what happened using logic and facts. This coping style isn’t always bad- it’s a way of trying to understand and move on. But people who intellectualize their feelings often deny their emotions. They may suppress them altogether. Over time, these feelings may emerge in different ways, which can stunt the healing process.

*Depression

Many people feel depressed after experiencing a trauma. Depression symptoms can range from sadness to irritation to feeling worthless. Some people will obsess over the details of what happened, causing them to feel even more upset. Their depression might impact them from feeling motivated to move forward. Suicidal thoughts may also emerge during this time.

-Learning how to manage, treat, and cope with depressive symptoms is important.

*Self-Harm

Self-harm refers to any intentional act of hurting yourself. These acts may include cutting, burning, hitting, or inserting dangerous objects into oneself. Most of the time, someone’s self-injurious actions aren’t meant to be life-threatening, but they pose serious risks. Over time, the repeated behavior can become compulsive, and the person may find it challenging to stop.

*Anger

Anger is a common emotion experienced after a trauma. Survivors often feel angry about the circumstances they endured. They may also experience a deep resentment towards the perpetrator in the event of violence or assault. This anger may result in the person projecting anger onto others by lashing out physically or emotionally.

*Shame

Shame can be one of the most insidious symptoms that result from trauma. Guilt happens when someone believes they did something bad. Shame occurs when someone believes they are bad. Shame can occur after a trauma, especially if they believe they somehow deserved what happened to them.

*Increased Substance Use

Research shows that trauma and substance use are closely connected. An overwhelming number of individuals seeking substance use disorder treatment report having histories of trauma. Many times, people use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate their feelings of sadness, anger, or helplessness. Over time, this pattern can lead to an addiction.

*Relationship Problems

After a trauma, people may withdraw, isolate, or lash out at their loved ones. These actions are rarely intentional, but they can create tension within the dynamic. Even if both people endured the trauma together, everyone copes differently. If the coping styles appear to clash, problems may ensue.

*Dissociation

Dissociation is a psychological symptom that refers to feeling detached or disconnected from your body. In a dissociative state, people often report watching themselves as if they exist outside of themselves. It can resemble a dream or a hypnotic trance. In extreme cases, someone may lose the memories of the trauma or lose connection with parts of themselves.

You may benefit from therapy if you are experiencing:

• Persistent sadness that doesn’t seem to be improving (or is continuing to worsen)

• Ongoing anxiety symptoms and panic attacks

• Distressing relationship problems

• Increased substance use

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

• Feeling a sense of hopelessness or dread throughout the day

• Extreme anger towards oneself or others

Follow for more, and reach out for more information:

therootedheart.ca

or call +1 (705) 493-2950

No two people respond to trauma in the same ways.

It’s important to be open-minded, sensitive, and compassionate when supporting a loved one. If you’re the one struggling, remember that your feelings are real. It’s okay to have good days and bad days- this is a normal part of the recovery process.