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SEND US AN EMAILThe word “trauma” literally means wound, shock, or injury. Psychological trauma is a person’s experience of emotional distress resulting from an event that overwhelms the capacity to emotionally digest it. It is typically associated with significant events such as physical or sexual assault, violence, or accidents. But it can also involve responses to repeated events, like ongoing emotional abuse or childhood neglect.
People process experiences differently, and not everyone has the same reaction to any event; what one person experiences as trauma may not cause distress for another.
Not everyone who has experienced a traumatic event will have long-lasting effects. Around 20% of people who experience a traumatic event will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The effects can be long lasting, but healing is possible.
Trauma symptoms include
- Shock
- fear
- anger
- sadness
- difficulty concentrating
- a sense of helplessness
- avoiding things that remind you of the trauma, including people, places, or objects
- hypervigilance, or being very aware of potential danger
- being easily startled or “jumpy”
- being activated by triggers that remind you of the trauma, whether consciously or subconsciously
- changes in how you see yourself, such as believing you are “bad” or feeling excess guilt or shame
How do I deal with trauma in a healthy way?
It is important to have a healthy support structure by identifying with family and friends. I can assist you by strengthening your family support structure when acknowledging the negative emotions from the traumatic event.
I can utilise Brainspotting to gather more information about the traumatic event. Brainspotting is a relatively modern psychological technique that allows clients to possibly access painful memories from the past. The approach is largely effective against several mental health concerns.
Using a pointer, I help you to redirect your eyes to tap into negative emotions due to trauma from the event. This is done to locate specific “brain spots" accessed through particular eye positioning that activate traumatic emotions.
What are the risks involved when living with unresolved trauma?
There are severe repercussions involved when trauma is unresolved. This refers to the emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical effects of trauma that the individual has not fully processed or healed from.
Trauma is instead stored in the body, and as a result, the brain’s functions change. Physical symptoms can therefore manifest from this,
Understanding unresolved trauma is essential for identifying its presence in your life or the lives of those around you.
Signs of Unresolved Trauma
Unresolved trauma often presents itself in ways that can significantly affect an individual’s emotional, physical, and social well-being.
Understanding the indicators of unresolved trauma is the first step toward recognizing its impact and seeking appropriate help.
Key signs of unprocessed trauma
- Emotional Instability
Individuals may experience intense mood swings, feeling happy one moment and overwhelmed by sadness or anger the next. They may also struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness. This emotional volatility often stems from unprocessed memories and the body’s response to perceived threats. - Flashbacks and Intrusive Thoughts
These mental images or memories can be triggered by specific sights, sounds, or even smells, pulling the person back into the traumatic experience. - Physical Symptoms
The body often reflects unresolved emotional pain through physical symptoms. Sleeplessness, chronic fatigue, headaches, and muscle tension are common, as trauma can disrupt the body’s natural stress response. - Difficulty Forming Relationships
Trauma can create barriers to building and maintaining healthy relationships. Individuals may struggle with trust, fear of rejection, or a tendency to push others away. - Hypervigilance or Feeling “On Edge”
Unresolved trauma can leave individuals feeling constantly on guard, as though danger is always present. This state of hypervigilance can lead to exhaustion and further emotional distress. A person may overanalyze situations for potential threats and have difficulty relaxing or feeling safe. - Avoidance Behaviours
To cope with unresolved trauma, many people avoid reminders of the event, including certain places, people, or activities. While avoidance may provide temporary relief, it often prolongs the healing process.
FAQ
What is PTSD?
PTSD is the result of direct or indirect exposure to a traumatic event.
Some typical symptoms can include:
- Irritable behaviour and angry outbursts
- Reckless or self-destructive behaviour
- Hypervigilance
- Exaggerated startle response
- Problems with concentration
If I don’t deal with trauma, can I become physically ill?
Unresolved trauma can lead to physical ailments such as heart disease, stroke and hypertension. But apart from the physical symptoms, mental health problems may also arise, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety.
What is post-traumatic stress?
PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, is a natural reaction to a dangerous and terrifying situation. PTSD symptoms include flashbacks of the traumatic experience, anxiety and nightmares.
