What does it mean to survive trauma? Before the occurrence of a traumatic event or events, life tends to be guided by a few, general basic assumptions. You may have a kind, positive perspective of the world; you may also feel that there’s a bigger meaning to your life. However, when trauma strikes, it can feel as though you are no longer in control of what’s happening around you or to you. The world may no longer feel safe and secure.
A traumatic event can impact your life in a multitude of ways. It can affect your feelings, thoughts, relationships, behaviors, attitude, dreams, and hopes. However, it can also be the turning point that leads you to find a new direction and purpose in life.
The word “trauma” is more familiar to us now more than ever. You may have heard it on TV, in the news, and in conversations. It may be used to describe the effects of a world event, such as a massive earthquake that has killed thousands; it may also refer to a personal event, such as an expected death of a loved one or a horrible car accident. What was once thought of as something only soldiers or veterans experienced, now trauma represents a physical, emotional, or psychological injury that could happen to anyone.
What Are Other Types of Traumatic Events?
Trauma arises in various shapes and forms, but there are some well-known, more often experienced traumatic scenarios. Common types of traumatic events that someone may encounter include:
- Abuse or neglect
- Sexual or physical assault
- Divorce
- Family or parental abandonment
- Incarceration
- Job loss
- Natural disasters
- Physical injury
- Serious illness
- Terrorism
- Violence
- Witnessing a crime, accident, or death
Some traumas, such as accidents or natural disasters, are one-time incidents. Other traumas are long-lasting and continuous, such as coping with a prolonged, chronic illness or recurring childhood abuse. Some types of trauma are often overlooked, such as trauma that occurs during childbirth or surgery.
What Are the Signs of Trauma?
Regardless of the event, exposure to trauma can impact you directly and significantly. Nevertheless, not everyone will manifest post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a traumatic event. Although someone might not develop PTSD, they may still experience some symptoms of PTSD soon after a traumatizing situation.
Several of these symptoms are actually normal reactions to a traumatic event.
There isn’t a symptom that would be considered “normal” versus an “abnormal,” as everyone’s response to a traumatic event is different.
There are, however, some familiar symptoms that may be expected to occur after a traumatic event. The following are some typical reactions to trauma.
Intrusive thoughts and memories:
After a traumatic incident, it is natural to experience intrusive thoughts and memories. This is even more likely to happen when you face a reminder of the traumatic event, such as a person, smell, sound, or image. They may appear as:
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- Recurring, stressful dreams
- Flashbacks
- Recurring, involuntary, distressing memories of an event
Arousal and reactivity:
It is also very reasonable to feel more on-guard and conscious of your environment after a traumatic event. You may become more self-protective, and as a result your body tries to keep you safe by alerting you of possible threats and vulnerabilities. Fear and anxiety inform us that there is danger present. All the bodily sensations that you experience when fearful or anxious are primarily designed to respond to that danger. These natural defense tools are more sensitive following a traumatic event and may look like:
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- Irritable behavior or angry outbursts
- Reckless or self-destructive behaviors
- Exaggerated startle response
- Problems with concentration
- Difficulty falling asleep
Feeling unsafe:
After a traumatic event, our theories about the world being a trustworthy and safe place are understandably shattered. Consequently, you may feel as though any circumstance or situation is possibly unsafe. Places or situations you once considered safe may now feel intimidating or anxiety-provoking. This is more likely to occur in situations or places that remind you of the traumatic event.
Depersonalization:
After a traumatic event, you may experience a feeling of being detached from or outside yourself, observing your thoughts or body like you’re in a dream. You may feel emotionally or physically numb or a sense that your world or environment is not real. Additionally, you may have an altered perception of yourself.
Derealization:
These feelings include a detachment from the world or a lack of familiarity; you may feel as if you are in a fog or like there is a glass wall between you and the world around you. The world itself may seem to be artificial or lifeless. Derealization may also include visual distortions, such as wider or narrower visual fields or blurriness.
Any of these symptoms can disrupt your relationships with others and/or interfere with school, work, and daily living activities. Oftentimes, people feel very alone or isolated in their traumatic experiences, but it’s important to recognize that these reactions and symptoms are common and normal.
How is Trauma Diagnosed?
If you are experiencing symptoms of trauma, you may be diagnosed with PTSD. However, not all traumatic experiences will point to a diagnosis of a trauma-related condition. When you talk to a mental health professional, they will make an assessment by asking questions about your symptoms, how long you’ve been experiencing them, and how long ago the trauma occurred.
If you still have symptoms for some time after the traumatic event and they play a significant role in your daily life, you may be assessed for trauma or stress-related disorder, depending on the nature of your symptoms.
What Are the Treatment Options for Addressing Trauma?
If you can relate to any of the described symptoms, it may help to consult with a mental health professional. Ask your doctor or a loved one for a recommendation; there are also several websites available to help you find appropriate providers in your area. A therapist can provide support and help you understand the impact of trauma and the symptoms you are experiencing.
Treatment will depend on these symptoms and may include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Remember, you are not going crazy. Many other people have experienced similar events and have similar symptoms, although they may look different than yours. Your reactions are normal, and healing from trauma is possible.
Individual Online Therapy in Florida, Idaho, South Carolina, and Utah
At Calming Transformations Counseling, our therapists understand life can be hard and can affect our emotional and mental health. We also serve those with anxiety, stress, depression, or relationship issues, who may be religious. Sessions can be held through online therapy in the states of Florida, Idaho, South Carolina or Utah, or walk and talk therapy in Hillsborough County, Florida. Book an appointment or contact us today to schedule a session and take the first step toward a more peaceful life.
