Experiencing trauma is a lot more common than most people think. Situations like being in a severe car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, exposure to violent criminal acts or violence of war, & natural disasters are all considered traumatic experiences.
While some people may heal rather quickly after traumatic experiences, others may continue to experience lasting effects of their trauma, which can create live a sense of deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or posttraumatic stress far after the event has passed. Those who continue to experience the lasting effects of trauma live in discomfort, think the things they’re experiencing is weird, often feel embarrassed because they can’t seem to control what’s happening, and are more likely to keep these issues to themselves.
If you find yourself having similar thoughts, please know that you are not broken & the experiences you’re having don’t have to be a permanent aspect of your life.
Therapy can help give you a different understanding of why you’re experiencing such symptoms, & tools to help you cope through what’s been going on. Most importantly, therapy can allow you to move past the trauma as an experience that you’ve survived rather than a permanent burden you must carry.
Trauma Symptoms
According to the four types of symptoms listed in the DSM-5
Avoidance Symptoms
- Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event
- Anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt
Re-experiencing Symptoms
- Intrusive thoughts, nightmares or flashbacks
Hyperarousal Symptoms
- Anger, irritability and hypervigilance
- Aggressive, reckless behavior, including self-harm
- Sleep disturbances
Negative Mood and Cognition Symptoms
- Loss of interest in activities that were once considered enjoyable
- Difficulty remembering details of the distressing event
- Change in habits or behavior since the trauma
How much is trauma impacting your life? Click here to take a PTSD self-test
If you or someone you know is experiencing the trauma symptoms listed above, you no longer have to struggle in silence. Contact me to begin healing from your trauma.