Traumatic experiences can take on a variety of forms and have diverse effects on us. Due to unique differences in how we respond to specific life experiences, we all experience the signs and feelings of trauma in various ways. We wanted to go through some of the key signs to watch out for before they have a more noticeable impact on you. It’s crucial to understand that while many of these behaviors are usual in the early aftermath of a crisis if they persist months later or we feel trapped by them, it may be time to reconsider how the trauma affected us. Continue reading the article to find out the answer to “Do I have trauma?”
8 Signs Or Symptoms Of Trauma Identified By A Therapist
How to know if you are traumatized? Well, look at the few signs you’re traumatized.
Trauma is one of the psychological events for which rehabilitation is one of the most difficult. It might occur following a very traumatic or stressful event. Contrary to popular belief, traumatic events may not necessarily result in the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder and its accompanying symptoms. According to our specialists, untreated trauma symptoms increase the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder.
A traumatized client is unlikely to discuss their experience with anybody else. It is therefore best to wait for an expert to confirm a correct diagnosis. If we are not conscious of our trauma symptoms or if we know of someone who may have trauma, how can we help?
Here are some crucial red flags to look out for in your concern of “Do I have trauma”:
Nightmares and Changes in Sleep Patterns
Nightmares or insomnia brought on by trauma can commonly disrupt regular sleep patterns. If you have these types of ongoing sleep issues, it could be challenging to fall and stay asleep. The therapist claims that if these sleep abnormalities happen frequently, a person may have more daytime exhaustion, which may result in more severe physical and mental health issues.
Intrusive Memories
Any visual cues, auditory cues, olfactory cues, or memories may trigger unsettling and painful memories of the traumatic occurrences. Without the skilled help of a therapist, they might not be able to stop the memories from playing in their minds. As a result, it could be challenging to focus on routine everyday tasks.
Physical Symptoms
There are many different bodily signs that follow a traumatic incident. A person may experience physical pain from most of these symptoms, while some may make it challenging to go about regular activities.
Significant Changes in Appetite and Digestive Problems
Expert therapists claim that changes in appetite and stomach issues are additional indications of trauma. Depending on the trauma they have experienced, a person’s appetite might change in a variety of ways. They might overindulge or stop caring about eating, respectively. One of the symptoms of trauma is stomach unrest. The client’s nausea and diarrhea could take the most extreme manifestations.
Extremely Negative Emotions
Therapists frequently witness the patients’ extreme emotional mood changes. Because of their intense worry, shame, and embarrassment, they could feel hopeless, helpless, and disinterested in everything. People typically blame themselves for the trauma’s occurrence, which exacerbates their overall feelings.
Isolation
Trauma can cause someone to feel guilty and ashamed about what has happened to them. As a result, therapists have the difficult task of helping clients understand that isolation limits their ability to develop fully. The enormous pain and helplessness, as well as the feeling of being cut off from and apathetic toward others, make it very easy to separate oneself from others. especially when anxieties and anxiety have a strong tendency to cause social disengagement.
Behavior Changes
Trauma patients frequently exhibit significant behavioral changes, such as becoming aggressive or easily agitated. In order to avoid dealing with the underlying emotions and turmoil brought on by the traumatic experience, therapists take advantage of the nervousness and agitation.
Heightened Sensitivity
Clients with traumatic experiences have reported to therapists that they are more conscious of their surroundings. This hypervigilance is described as a panic-like state of extreme worry brought on by impending calamity. It is challenging to relax and feel safe in circumstances that bring back recollections of the trauma incident when you have chronic anxiety.
Treatment Of Trauma
Numerous treatments that can improve a person’s quality of life and help them manage their symptoms are beneficial for those who have experienced trauma.
Therapy
Working with a therapist who is trauma-informed or trauma-focused is preferable.
The following therapies may be helpful for someone who has experienced trauma:
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), patients can alter their thought patterns, which in turn affects their emotions and behavior. Source states that CBT is the most effective treatment for PTSD.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
A popular trauma therapy is EMDR, commonly referred to as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. In EMDR, patients are directed by their therapist’s eye movements as they briefly recall certain traumatic events. Traumatic memories are processed and integrated with the use of EMDR.
Somatic therapies
Some therapists use somatic or body-based therapies to aid the mind and body in processing trauma. These therapies include:
- Somatic experiencing
- Sensorimotor psychotherapy
- Acupoint stimulation
- Touch therapies
Medications
Even if PTSD and trauma cannot be addressed, medication can help a person manage their symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and sleep issues. A patient should talk to their doctor about their options.
These are some changes that you think “Do I have trauma” or no.
The Bottom Line
A challenging situation will almost certainly occur to everyone at some point in their lives. While some people might feel shocked and anxious, most people will recover quickly. A very small percentage of persons may suffer from PTSD or other long-lasting trauma-related issues. With the help of treatment and self-care, those who have persistent trauma symptoms can control these symptoms and improve their quality of life.
FAQs
How to know you have trauma
If you feel changes in physical and emotional reactions like:
- Destructive behaviors such as speeding or binge drinking.
- Becoming startled or afraid suddenly.
- Inability to sleep
- Being extremely vigilant regarding danger.
Is flinching a sign of trauma
An indication of trauma is flinching. It’s just as crucial to be aware of these as it is of physical symptoms.