December 18, 2023

What are the Symptoms of Trauma?

Trauma can have a wide range of symptoms that can impact a person's emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. These symptoms can vary in severity and can differ from person to person. Here are some of the most common symptoms of trauma:

Anxiety: Trauma can cause a person to feel anxious and on edge. They may feel jumpy or easily startled, have difficulty sleeping, or have racing thoughts.

Depression: Trauma can also lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. A person may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed or withdraw from social interaction.

Flashbacks: A person who has experienced trauma may have flashbacks or intrusive memories of the traumatic event. These can be triggered by certain sounds, smells, or other sensory stimuli and can be very distressing.

Avoidance: Some people may try to avoid anything that reminds them of the traumatic event. They may avoid certain people, places, or situations that trigger their symptoms.

Emotional numbness: Trauma can cause a person to feel emotionally numb or detached from others. They may feel like they are living in a fog or have difficulty experiencing emotions.

Hypervigilance: Trauma can cause a person to feel constantly on edge and hyperaware of their surroundings. They may be easily startled or have an exaggerated startle response.

Physical symptoms: Trauma can also cause physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, and muscle tension.

It's important to note that not everyone who experiences trauma will develop symptoms. However, if you have experienced a traumatic event and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it's important to seek help from a mental health professional. They can help you to process your trauma and develop coping strategies to manage your symptoms. Treatment for trauma can include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Remember that healing from trauma is possible, and there is no shame in seeking help.

If you are in crisis please call 911 or Canada Suicide Prevention Service (1-833-456-4566) or Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) or go to your local hospital emergency room.