Trauma is a word that gets thrown around a lot, but what does it really mean? Trauma is defined as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. When someone experiences trauma, it can have lasting effects on their mental and emotional well-being. In this blog post, we're going to explore the top 5 psychological effects of trauma.
Flashbacks
One of the most common psychological effects of trauma is flashbacks. A flashback is an intrusive, often distressing memory of a previous traumatic event. Flashbacks can occur spontaneously or be triggered by something in the present (such as a certain smell or sound). People who experience flashbacks may feel like they're reliving the original trauma.
Nightmares
Nightmares are another common symptom of trauma. People who have experienced trauma may have trouble sleeping or may wake up from sleep feeling scared or agitated. They may also have recurrent nightmares in which they relive the original traumatic event.
Intrusive Thoughts
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, persistent thoughts that invade a person's mind. For people who have experienced trauma, these thoughts can be about the traumatic event itself. Intrusive thoughts can be very distressing and can lead to anxiety and avoidance behaviors.
Emotional Numbing
Emotional numbing is a common defense mechanism that people use to protect themselves from painful emotions. When someone numbs their emotions, they may feel disconnected from others or disengaged from activities that they used to enjoy. This can lead to social isolation and difficulty forming close relationships.
Survivor's Guilt
Survivors’ guilt is a common psychological effect of trauma, especially when the person has witnessed others being harmed or killed during the traumatic event. Survivors’ guilt can lead to feelings of shame, self-blame, and worthlessness. It's important to seek professional help if you're struggling with survivor's guilt so that you can learn healthy coping mechanisms.
The psychological effects of trauma can be wide-ranging and long-lasting. If you or someone you know is struggling with any of the symptoms we've discussed in this blog post, please reach out for help.
Recovery is possible!
Comments