The Hidden Wounds of the Mind: Understanding Psychological Trauma

Trauma can quietly reshape how we see ourselves and the world. It changes how we think, feel, and connect with others. Whether caused by a single event or ongoing stress, understanding trauma helps us make sense of our pain and begin the process of healing.

Psychological trauma usually results from a deeply upsetting event or a series of prolonged stressful experiences. It can impact your mental well-being, causing feelings of insecurity and heightened alertness.

Trauma can vary in severity; some symptoms are mild and may fade over time, while others, such as PTSD, can be more intense and necessitate professional support. It's important to seek help as soon as possible to facilitate healing.

Experiencing trauma or witnessing distressing events can significantly affect our psychological and emotional well-being. If you've ever felt that your life or safety was in danger, it can deeply undermine your sense of security.

It's important to remember that trauma can arise from many different situations. What makes an event traumatic isn't just the event itself, but how you emotionally respond to it. Trauma affects people in unique ways, and for some, symptoms may not appear until weeks, months, or even years later.

Regardless of the cause, emotional trauma typically involves three key elements:

1. It was unexpected
2. The person was unprepared
3. There was nothing the person could do to prevent it

What is Psychological Trauma?

Psychological trauma often arises after a particularly distressing event or a series of challenging experiences. As a result, you may feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. These events can be so outside our expectations or beliefs that our reactions might seem unusual or even unsettling. However, such reactions are normal and to be expected in the aftermath of trauma.

The term most used to describe the symptoms of psychological trauma is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Classified as an anxiety disorder, PTSD occurs following a traumatic event and involves persistent, severe symptoms like flashbacks and insomnia. It's important to note that not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD.

Trauma symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, depending on the intensity of the event. These symptoms may surface immediately or take time to appear, sometimes emerging weeks, months, or even years after the experience. Without proper treatment, they can persist for long periods, ranging from a few days to many years.

It’s important to recognize that the longer trauma symptoms are left untreated, the more they can impact your mental health. Seeking professional help when needed is crucial in minimizing the psychological effects.

Some common psychological trauma symptoms include:

• Flashbacks: Reliving the traumatic event, either mentally or physically.
• Insomnia: Struggling to sleep due to nightmares or constantly replaying the event in your mind.
• Anxiety: Persistent feelings of worry or fear that may escalate into disorders like PTSD or panic attacks.
• Stress: Even if you previously handled stress well, after trauma, it may become more difficult to manage.
• Anger: Intense anger directed at the person responsible, the event itself, or even the world, leading to emotional outbursts.
• Depression: A deep sense of sadness and confusion about why the trauma happened, sometimes resulting in suicidal thoughts.
• Loss of Self-esteem: Experiencing doubt about your worth and questioning your identity or place in the world.
• Self-medication: Turning to substances like alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism, which can isolate you from loved ones and worsen the situation.
• Emotional Detachment: Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected, often avoiding difficult emotions or appearing cold and distant.
• Hypervigilance: Being overly alert for potential danger, with increased reactions to sounds, a racing heart, or high blood pressure. This can lead to heightened anxiety and unhelpful behaviours.

When to seek help

Regardless of whether you view your experience as big or small, professional help can still be beneficial. Everyone reacts to traumatic events differently, so it’s essential not to compare your response to others, even if they went through a similar experience. Seeking support early on gives you the best opportunity to address any challenges and move forward. If you notice any of the symptoms listed here and they last for weeks or months, it's important to get help.

It’s particularly important to reach out for support if you’re experiencing:

• Difficulty managing everyday tasks or responsibilities.
• Trouble forming or maintaining relationships.
• Relying on drugs and/or alcohol to cope.
• Intense or persistent flashbacks.
• A sense of emotional numbness.
• Anxiety or stress disorders triggered by the trauma.

If professional support is needed, you can schedule a free 10-minute consultation to learn how Mindscape clinicians can help. Alternatively, you can fill out the form with your preferred call time and contact number, and a team member will contact you within 48 hours.