Common Symptoms of Traumatic Events

The nature of trauma means that we don’t always realise we are suffering from this mental health issue until it’s already overwhelmed our life. Symptoms can appear straight after an event or months or years later. How long it takes for you to suffer mentally and physically from these traumatic events doesn’t lessen their impact. However, the sooner you realise you are suffering from trauma, the quicker you can seek help from a mental health professional.Those suffering from trauma must realise that their reactions are common and expected. You have survived a traumatic event, and therefore shouldn’t feel like how you respond to it is inappropriate or unwarranted. Trauma for many develops into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can be horrible to live with. Keep reading for more information on the symptoms of trauma so you can decide whether you need to look for outside support.

Psychological Symptoms

Trauma can have a significant impact on the way we think and feel. Our mental health can be affected by a singular traumatic event for the rest of our lives if we don’t seek appropriate help. And ongoing trauma can be detrimental to our health and happiness.Some of the psychological symptoms of trauma include:

• Confusion and difficulty concentrating
• Shock, denial or disbelief
• Anger and mood swings
• Constant anxiety and fear
• Feelings of guilt, shame and self-blame
• Feeling sad and hopeless
• Feeling disconnected and numb
• Vivid flashbacks of the event (like the trauma is happening again)
• Invasive and disturbing thoughts or images
• Nightmares
• Intense distress at real or symbolic reminders of the trauma

Physical Symptoms

Trauma doesn’t just affect our mental health, but our physical health and behaviour too. Common physical symptoms of trauma (which can appear straight after a traumatic event or be delayed) include:

• Isolation and withdrawal from others
• Physical sensations such as pain, sweating, nausea or trembling
• Avoidance of activities, places or events which trigger memories
• Lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed
• Can be easily startled and scared
• Can suffer from insomnia
• Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
• Always alert and on the lookout for danger

EMDR Therapy for Trauma

Overcoming trauma and controlling the overwhelming symptoms is no easy task. However, EMDR therapy is an innovative approach approved by both the NHS and WHO (World Health Organisation) to treat PTSD and other anxiety-related mental health issues. Research has shown that EMDR therapy can desensitise the brain’s axis and cortexes, which cause stress, through an interactive psychotherapy technique. This means you can relive and discuss traumatic events with your therapist without being overwhelmed by fear, anxiety or stress.The process of reliving disturbing events can be traumatic in itself. By working with a therapist qualified in EMDR therapy, like me, you can rebalance your emotional stability and teach your mind not to respond negatively or strongly when recalling traumatic events.Please look at my website to learn more about my services as a therapist and qualification in EMDR therapy. By taking the first step to reaching out to an expert and experienced therapist like myself, you are putting yourself on the right track to a happier and healthier future.