Trauma & PTSD
Trauma is an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event, such as abuse, an accident, natural disasters, or the sudden loss of a loved one. While everyone experiences trauma differently, for some, the effects can persist and interfere with daily life. This condition is often referred to as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PTSD occurs when the brain struggles to process the trauma, leading to lasting symptoms that can disrupt your sense of safety, self, and connection to others. Understanding trauma and PTSD is an essential step toward finding healing and reclaiming your life.
Causes of Trauma/PTSD
- Single Incidents:
- Car accidents, natural disasters, or medical emergencies.
- Ongoing Stress:
- Chronic abuse, neglect, or bullying.
- Living in unsafe environments.
- Loss and Separation:
- Death of a loved one or significant relationship loss.
- Witnessing Traumatic Events:
- Observing violence, accidents, or harm to others.
When to Seek Help
If you’re struggling to move past a traumatic event or your symptoms are disrupting your daily life, it may be time to seek professional support. Signs that you should reach out include:
- Persistent flashbacks or nightmares that interfere with your sleep or focus.
- Avoiding reminders of the trauma to the point where it limits your life.
- Feeling emotionally numb or detached from others.
- Frequent outbursts of anger, irritability, or anxiety.
- Engaging in self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse.
- Experiencing thoughts of self-harm or hopelessness.
Common Symptoms of Trauma/PTSD
- Emotional Symptoms:
- Intense feelings of fear, sadness, anger, or shame.
- Numbness or difficulty feeling emotions.
- Frequent mood swings or irritability.
- Cognitive Symptoms:
- Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks of the traumatic event.
- Nightmares or disturbing dreams.
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering details unrelated to the trauma.
- Behavioral Symptoms:
- Avoidance of places, people, or situations that remind you of the trauma.
- Hypervigilance or being easily startled.
- Withdrawal from social connections or loss of interest in activities.
- Physical Symptoms:
- Trouble sleeping or insomnia.
- Chronic pain, headaches, or digestive issues.
- Fatigue or feeling physically drained.
What Trauma can look like
- A colleague who seems distracted or frequently calls out of work.
- A friend who avoids certain places or topics and seems withdrawn.
- A family member who experiences sudden mood swings or irritability.
- Someone who appears fine outwardly but struggles with intrusive memories or overwhelming anxiety internally.