what trauma might look like for you
How do you know if you have symptoms of trauma?
If you have ever experienced an event in your life that was significantly and emotionally overwhelming, or any kind of physical injury, it would be considered trauma.
Though a majority of people who have experienced such a distressing event may not go on to have a diagnosable mental health condition, that does not mean they do not experience traumatic symptoms. AND trauma symptoms are not a one size fits all, though there are a handful of similarities that you should be on the lookout for:
Some symptoms of trauma may include:
constant anxiety
quick to fight with your family, friends, coworkers
abandoning your relationships
disassociating from the “most simple” of tasks
never being able to relax
sleep issues and disturbances
So then begs the question: “what do I do if I am experiencing these symptoms?”
Well, first, know that you aren’t alone. According to the National Council on Mental Wellbeing,
“70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives. That's 223.4 million people.”
223.4 Million people. Which is no wonder the state of the nation is the way it is at the present moment.
While it may be comforting to hear that, to some degree, it doesn’t change the fact that YOU are being impacted in such a way that doesn’t allow you to truly live your life the way you want.
Having symptoms, like the ones above, can be debilitating. You can often feel isolated in your experience, feeling as if no one in your inner circle gets it.
This is where engaging in therapy, consistently, will be of the greatest benefit to you.
When I work with my clients and their trauma, we often don’t talk details of their trauma until we each (sometimes all, if a couple), are aware of the mindfulness, and body tools that they have to really and truly regulate their nervous systems.
Often times, clients of mine that have experienced trauma, have little to no relationship with their body and therefore, need tools to get reacquainted with their own body’s qeus- re-learning “is my body thirsty…. am I holding tension anywhere in my body?… does my body need rest?… does my body need movement?”
I teach my clients how to recognize their body separate from their trauma. Because if left untreated, trauma can cause the above mentioned symptoms and others, to become exacerbated. When trauma isn’t addressed it becomes stuck in the body, where you are unable to metabolize it in a way that will benefit you. This can lead to more physical symptoms such as:
gastrointestinal issues,
headaches and migraines
extreme fatigue
racing heart
brain fog and poor concentration
Symptoms like these above, keep you from having the quality of life that you deserve, let alone, do not allow you to show up as the best version of yourself. Often, causing you to feel disconnected from your community and unable to connect with someone else’s perspective. Which is why body movements (like somatic-based practices) are such a key feature to my style of therapy with my clients.
Dealing with trauma is a complex and deeply personal journey, but there are a few universal strategies that can help individuals navigate through the healing process.
First and foremost, it is crucial to create:
a safe and supportive environment. This can involve seeking professional help from therapists specializing in trauma, joining support groups, or confiding in trusted friends and family members.
engaging in self-care practices, such as exercise, mindfulness, and adequate sleep, can also assist in managing the emotional and physical aspects of trauma.
practicing self-compassion and allowing oneself to grieve, express emotions, and set boundaries are essential steps in the healing process.
exploring healing modalities like journaling, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, somatic therapy practices can provide alternative avenues for processing trauma.
If you are struggling with these symptoms and want to begin to find your way out, to find a way to live your life free of hypervigilence, chronic sleep issues, reduce your anxiety, depression and more, reach out to me today to schedule your free consultation here.
