What is trauma?
The definition of trauma is “a deeply distressing or disturbing experience” and “physical injury”. The first would be considered an emotional trauma and the second a trauma to the body.
An emotional or psychological trauma is the response to overly stressful life experiences. Examples of those experiences could be: experiencing a natural disaster, a school shooting, or being assaulted. Another form of psychological trauma could be abuse during childhood.
First and foremost symptoms of trauma can vary. Some people can have a mild reaction and some severe. There are different factors that play into that.
Do I have emotional trauma?
The response to trauma has different stages and layers as well. Some people may have emotional responses, like anger, sadness, denial, etc. Others experience physical responses, such as headaches, fatigue, racing heart, etc.
It’s helpful to figure out what type of trauma you’re struggling with.
The different trauma types:
It’s important to note that you don’t need to experience all of the listed symptoms to qualify for a diagnosis.
Acute Stress Disorder Symptoms include:
- having flashbacks (re-experiencing the traumatic event).
- feeling emotional when being reminded of the event.
- feeling distant or detached from your body, or your surroundings.
- avoidant of situations/sensations that could remind you of the event.
- overly alert and on guard.
- being easily startled.
- feeling extremely irritable (having emotional outbursts).
In addition, the onset of Acute Stress Disorder is usually immediately after the event and lasts for at least 3 days up to a month. If the symptoms persist past 30 days you might have developed PTSD.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms include:
- having flashbacks (re-experiencing the traumatic event).
- feeling emotional when being reminded of the event.
- being avoidant of situations/sensations that could remind you of the event.
- feeling that the event happened because you did something wrong.
- experiencing negative emotions (anger, guilt, fear, shame) after a stressful situations.
- having nightmares, difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- experiencing hyperarousal (being constantly on high-alert).
- being easily startled.
- feeling extremely irritable (having emotional outbursts).
Complex trauma symptoms include:
- emotional flashbacks (these can range in intensity, activation of the fight/flight response).
- toxic shame (overwhelming self-disdain).
- self-abandonment (when you have a desire but ignore it).
- social anxiety.
- fragile self-esteem.
- relationship difficulties.
- oversensitivity to stressful situations.
- suicidal ideation.
Often individuals who have experienced trauma will develop depression, anxiety, substance use or panic attacks.
I think I’ve experienced emotional trauma, what now?
The good news is that there is treatment for trauma! Many therapists specialize in treating trauma and there are many different treatment modalities as well.
If you reside in Oregon or Florida state and are interested in working with a trauma specialist, schedule your free 15 minute consultation with me, to see if we are a good fit.
Sources:
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition: DSM-5 (DSM-5)
Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Pete Walker
