If you have experienced trauma chances are that you are going through a very difficult time. Although not all traumas are the same and the experience differs for everyone there are a few reactions or responses that you can expect.
- Re-experiencing the Trauma
• You are replaying the memory over and over in your mind. It is like a movie is playing on a constant loop.
• You have constant nightmares causing distress and difficulty sleeping.
• You are experiencing flashbacks of the event. These can be very real, and might even feel if it is happening all over again. - Emotional Reactions
• You are struggling with fear and anxiety. Is it going to happen again?
• You feel angry a lot of the time. Sometimes you might not even know who you are angry at.
• You experience feelings of sadness and constant crying.
• You experience feelings of guilt or shame. You might think that what happened was your fault.
• You might feel numb or “dead inside”. - Avoiding Things Related to the Trauma
• You try not to think about the event because it only upsets you more.
• You are avoiding anything related to the trauma.
• You are avoiding things that remind you of the trauma. - Changes in How You View the World and Yourself
• You have difficulty trusting people.
• You believe the world is extremely dangerous.
• You are blaming yourself for the trauma.
• You think you should have handled the trauma differently.
• You see yourself as weak or inadequate.
• You are criticizing yourself for reactions to the trauma. - Hyperactive Nervous System
• You are constantly on guard or hyper vigilant.
• You see danger everywhere and constantly feel afraid.
• You are easily startled.
• You have difficulty sleeping or are not sleeping at all.
• You have little or no interest in sex.
If you experience any of these reactions for more than a few weeks it is important to seek help. Untreated trauma can lead to other mental health problems for example PTSD, anxiety or depression.