Contrary to what many think, soldiers and victims of war aren’t the only people who experience emotional trauma. Something as shocking as witnessing an accident can leave deep-rooted memories that go on to affect your physical, emotional and mental well-being.
Sadly, the majority of sufferers don’t realize that they’re undergoing emotional trauma until it’s too late. To avoid this, I’ll be highlighting the most common symptoms that relate to this condition. This way, you can identify them early and seek appropriate help.
What Is Emotional Trauma?
Before I dive into the signs, it’s important to understand what emotional trauma is all about. Well, this can be defined as any outcome that stems from a negative experience or event, leaving a long-lasting impact on one’s feelings, actions or beliefs.
Sometimes, emotional trauma isn’t caused by just one thing but by a series of events that occur over a prolonged period.
Based on this, the condition is classified into “big T” and “little t” traumas. Big T refers to one intense and abrupt traumatic experience, while the latter refers to multiple unpleasant events.
Examples of small traumas are:
- Teasing and bullying
- Frequent relocation
- Loss of friendship(s) or other important interactions
- Health-related procedures leading to constant hospitalization
Examples of big traumas are:
- Experiencing violent crimes
- Natural calamities
- Being involved in a grisly car accident
- Sexual assault
Signs of Emotional Trauma
Now that you know what emotional trauma is, here are 4 early signs you should watch out for:
- The Cognitive Effect
These are symptoms that either affect or impair your cognitive functioning. For instance, you might start having nightmares, intrusive ideas and flashbacks of the experience you went through. You may also struggle to maintain focus or recall things.
Another popular cognitive change entails frequent mood swings. If you’re experiencing a rapid fluctuation in your emotions due to a recent event, you’re likely suffering from emotional trauma.
2. Psychological Distress
These symptoms affect how you feel and respond to day-to-day challenges. You may find yourself getting easily irritated by a minor issue.
You may also experience emotional numbness, panic attacks and feelings of shame and guilt. Such emotions are particularly common among victims who survive an incident that others didn’t.
3. Behavioral Changes
As the name implies, these symptoms have to do with your behavior.
Most people who go through trauma start distancing themselves from friends and family. Others lose interest in activities that they once relished. Still, some respond by avoiding the people and/or place that reminds them of the unpleasant event.
4. Physical Issues
In this case, the symptoms affect your physical well-being. You may have trouble falling asleep or start sleeping for fewer hours than you used to. Other times, you’ll experience unusual pains and aches that aren’t necessarily rooted in a particular health condition. Another likely sign is loss of appetite and unexplainable fatigue.
The Bottom Line
The truth is that emotional trauma manifests itself differently in different people. While some people start isolating themselves, others experience nightmares or lose interest in day-to-day activities. If you’re experiencing one or more of these signs following a disturbing event, ensure you seek professional help.
