Trauma

Signs of Trauma

Cognitive

  • Intrusive thoughts of the event that may occur out of the blue

  • *Nightmares

  • *Flashbacks

  • Visual images of the event

  • Loss of memory and concentration abilities

  • Disorientation

  • Confusion

  • Mood swings

Physical

• Easily startled

• Tremendous fatigue and exhaustion

• *Tachycardia/ Heart Palpitations

• Edginess

• Chronic muscle patterns

• Sexual dysfunction

• Changes in sleeping and eating patterns

• *Vague complaints of aches and pains throughout the body

• *Extreme alertness; always on the lookout for warnings of potential danger

Behavioral

  • *Avoidance of activities or places that trigger memories of the event

  • Social isolation and withdrawal

  • Lack of interest in previously-enjoyable activities

Psychological/Emotional

  • Overwhelming fear

  • Obsessive and compulsive behaviors

  • Detachment from other people and emotions

  • Emotional numbing

  • Depression

  • Guilt – especially if one lived while others perished

  • Shame

  • Emotional shock

  • Disbelief

  • Irritability

  • Anger

  • Anxiety

  • Panic attacks

    *Associated with race-based trauma (Comas-Díaz et al., 2019)

    (Cascade Behavioral Health, 2020, “Signs and Symptoms of Psychological Trauma”)

Find Recovery

  • Learn how to regulate or soothe difficult emotions that arise day-to-day

  • Notice the ways your coping mechanisms have been limiting or harming you and find ways to acknowledge your needs

  • Learn to establish safety in your body

  • Learn to establish healthy relationships in which you can reach out for help and support rather than isolating

  • Deepen your reflection and understanding of yourself rather than turning against yourself when your body becomes overwhelmed

  • Process feelings of grief and loss from past experiences and develop compassion for yourself in the process.