How You Might Be Unconsciously Responding to Trauma
It's probable that you've experienced a form of trauma at least once in your life. It could have been a car accident, robbery, death, getting fired or laid off from your job, assault, abuse, or the COVID-19 pandemic.
No matter where the trauma came from, it's hard to process it, especially on your own. Even if two people are dealing with the same trauma, like a death of a loved one, their response to it will be unique to them and their ability to process emotions.
Even though each person can have their own individual response to trauma, there are some common reactions. Knowing and recognizing them may assist in your own healing process.
Here are some ways you might be unconsciously responding to trauma.
You Constantly Replay the Trauma in Your Mind
Replaying memories in your head, nightmares, and flashbacks. These are all things that cause you to re-experience the trauma you faced, even if you may not want to.
Reliving the experience and bringing back the memories and emotions tied to the trauma can be very upsetting and difficult to handle.
You're Experiencing Different Emotions
Trauma is often linked to a rollercoaster of different emotions, like the following:
Anger
Anxiety
Fear
Guilt
Numbness
Sadness
Keep in mind that an emotional response is completely normal. Responding emotionally is a great way to let you know that your body is functioning properly.
You're Avoiding Things That Remind You of the Trauma
You may be trying to avoid certain things that remind you of the trauma you experienced. Memories can be triggering and may be difficult to keep it out of your head.
In addition to not wanting to think about the trauma, you may be avoiding things that are related to it. You may start to avoid people, places, and even TV shows that may remind you of your trauma, even if the trauma wasn't caused by a specific person or place.
Your Views Have Changed
Trauma can cause your views on yourself, others, and the world to change. You may have a difficult time trusting people as a way to try to protect yourself. Maybe you think the world is a lot less safe than you did prior to your trauma. You may even start to have negative reactions towards yourself.
You may see yourself as weak. Maybe you play the blame game and start blaming yourself. You may even start criticizing yourself for how you're handling the trauma.
You Have a Hyperactive Nervous System
Trauma can put your nervous system into overdrive. After a traumatic event, it can take some time before your nervous system is able to calm down. These are some signs of a hyperactive nervous system in response to trauma:
Being Easily Startled
Constantly on Guard
Difficulty Sleeping or Staying Asleep
Low Sex Drive
Seeing Danger Everywhere
If you feel like you're having a difficult time recovering from your trauma, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional for help. Confiding in someone with your thoughts and feelings can bring you one step closer to processing and overcoming the trauma that you may be experiencing.
It may feel like you’re holding onto the most upsetting and frightening memories from your past—unable to be present or feel in control of your life. If the past is causing problems in your present, therapy can allow you to create a healthy distance from that trauma.
Constructive Empathy, PLLC will collaborate on a treatment plan that will draw from various evidence-based methods that are particularly effective in addressing trauma.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free 15 minute consultation, please contact me via phone (248) 821-9130 or send me a message using the contact form.
