TTrauma is a common feeing of distress after experiencing something traumatic. While some people might feel better after a period of time; there are other people that experience changes in their feelings, thoughts and behaviour that have significant impacts on their lives. Everyone experiences traumatic events differently, but there are certain effects that are common to everyone who has experienced a traumatic event.
Effects on mental health
A common effect of trauma that majority of people who have experience trauma have are flashbacks. Flashbacks include reliving the event or feeling as if it is happening again. Panic attacks is another response to experiencing a traumatic event. Panic attacks refer to an exaggeration of the body responses to danger or stress. During panic attacks you might experience shortness of breath, increased heart rate, trembling, nausea, etc. Another common response to trauma is dissociation. Dissociation is a coping mechanism that is used to deal with overwhelming stress, and it involves feeling numb or detached from your body. Hyperarousal is also common in people who have experience trauma. It is characterised by high levels of anxiety and constant feelings of threat and dangers. Additionally, individuals with trauma have sleeping difficulties, most common symptoms include having nightmares, difficulty falling asleep and feeling unsafe during the night.
Trauma can also affect your self-esteem; it has been noticed that people with trauma low levels of confidence. Although it might sound unusual, individuals with trauma might experience feeling of loss/grief. The reason behind it might be because they might feel that their trauma has caused them to lose out of certain things. In some situations, trauma can lead those who experienced it to suicidal feelings or suicidal thoughts. Additionally, some of them might result to self-harm as a coping mechanism or even start depending on alcohol or substances to cope with their feelings and memories.
Effects on physical health
Studies have found that trauma can significantly affect your physical health and it can even lead to chronic or long-term illnesses. The reason behind it can be due to the fact that trauma can affect both your body and mind and experiencing it for a long term can lead to serious mental health issues. Another reason might be that someone might have been physically harmed during the traumatic event. Moreover, suffering from an illness or having a disability might make it harder to cope with the traumatic experience.
Trauma can be difficult to deal with, it can cause many changes in your behaviour, thoughts, and overall daily life experiences. However, you are not alone and there are always people willing to support you to your healing journey.
ASSIST Trauma Care
assisttraumacare.org.uk
Information and specialist help for people who’ve experienced trauma or are supporting someone who has.
Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapists (ACAT)
acat.me.uk
Information about cognitive analytic therapy, including a list of accredited therapists.
Samaritans
116 123 (freephone)