The phrase “I was traumatized’ gets tossed around casually to describe moments that really shook us or made us feel upset. But true psychological trauma is a whole different ballgame. It refers to experiences that completely overwhelms your ability to cope, leaving a lasting emotional mark, often in situations where you has little or no control. Sometimes, your usual ways of handling stress just aren’t enough to process what happened.
Traumatic events can stir up painful and often conflicting emotions, leading to changes in behavior or even distorting how you see reality. If these feelings go unaddressed, they can develop into posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)- a condition where the emotional and physical effects of trauma linger and affect nearly every aspect of your daily life. PTSD can disrupt relationships, impact self-esteem, and take a toll on your overall mental and physical health.
Recognizing the signs of trauma and understanding support is available are the first steps toward healing.
Here’s a quick rundown of common types of trauma and their symptoms:
Types of trauma
- Acute trauma: This comes from a single stressful or dangerous event.
- Chronic trauma: This is caused by prolonged or repeated exposure distressing situations, like child abuse or domestic violence.
- Complex trauma: This arises from experiencing multiple traumatic event. Often over an extended period.
- Secondary/Vicarious trauma: This is felt by those close to someone who has experienced trauma, such as caregivers or first responders.
Common symptoms of trauma
- Emotional responses
- Anger, Fear, Shame, Guilt, Sadness
- Emotional outbursts
- Psychological Responses
- Denial, Confusion, Despair, Anxiety, Depression, Loneliness, Flashbacks, Nightmares
- Physical reactions
- Headaches, Digestive Issues, Fatigue, Insomnia, Sweating, Hypervigilance (feeling constantly on edge), Rapid Heart Rate
- Risk of Substance Misuse
How Therapy Can Help
If you’re finding that these symptoms are disrupting your daily life or stealing your peace of mind, therapy can be a beacon of hope and clarity. A licensed therapist creates a safe and supportive environment where you can:
- Work through your traumatic experiences
- Discover tools for managing your emotions and building resilience
- Gain insights through psychoeducation to better grasp trauma and its impacts
- Develop coping strategies to tackle everyday challenges
- Reclaim your sense of control, stability, and self-worth
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
Healing from trauma is a journey that requires time, compassion, and the right support. Therapy can walk alongside you through this process, offering care, expertise, and empathy.
Why not take that first step toward recovery? Schedule a session today and embark on your path to emotional peace.