Introduction
Trauma is a very personal experience. What one person might consider traumatic, another person might not. Traumatic events can be physical, emotional, or both, and they can impact you in different ways throughout your life. Some people may experience symptoms of trauma immediately after a trauma-inducing event and then go on with their lives without any further complications; other people may struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for years or even a lifetime. The key thing to keep in mind when dealing with trauma symptoms is that no two people will have exactly the same experience—and that's okay! Understanding that each individual's journey through trauma is unique can help us embrace change when necessary and recognize that our experiences are always changing as well
Embrace change.
Change is a natural part of life, and it's something that we all have to deal with. Sometimes change can be scary and hard, but it's also good to embrace it because it helps us grow as people.
Be gentle with yourself.
● Be gentle with yourself.
● You are not alone. Many people experience trauma and find that their symptoms feel like they're stuck in a rut, unable to move forward or make changes. It can be overwhelming, but there are ways out of this pattern--and you are not alone in the journey!
Know that trauma symptoms can be unpredictable and out of your control.
There are some things you can count on when it comes to trauma symptoms. For example, you'll likely experience them during times of stress or when you're in a situation that reminds you of the trauma. And while some people have more control over their symptoms than others--and while there are ways to lessen those symptoms--you may not always be able to predict when they will appear or how intense they will be.
Learn to recognize your triggers.
Triggers can be anything from a smell or sound that reminds you of the traumatic experience, to specific locations where the trauma occurred. Trauma-related triggers can come from within ourselves or from our environment; either way, identifying what they are will help us avoid them (when possible) and respond more effectively when we do encounter them (if necessary).
Don't let triggers prevent you from moving forward in life, but do be mindful of them.
The key to moving forward is understanding that trauma symptoms can be unpredictable and out of your control.
● Recognize your triggers: What causes you stress? What makes you anxious or depressed? Knowing these things will help you avoid them if possible, but it's also important to realize that sometimes triggers cannot be avoided. It's okay if they happen anyway; just remember not let them prevent you from moving forward in life.
● Don't let triggers prevent you from moving forward in life, but do be mindful of them: Trauma survivors may need more time than others before deciding what activities are safe for them (such as going out with friends), but this doesn't mean they shouldn't try new things! The key here is balance--you want enough structure so that nothing bad happens during unstructured time (like having too much freedom), yet enough flexibility so that good things come along without forcing yourself into uncomfortable situations just because someone else thinks it might help somehow...
Allow yourself time to grieve after significant losses or new trauma-related information, but also try to move on when possible.
It's important to allow yourself time to grieve after significant losses or new trauma-related information, but also try to move on when possible. Grief is a normal response to loss, but it's not a linear process that moves from A to B and ends at C. Sometimes grief will feel like one thing for weeks; then suddenly you'll be hit with waves of emotion all over again--and both times are valid responses!
Trauma symptoms can look very similar from person to person, but they are unique for each person and don't have to define you or your experience with trauma.
Trauma symptoms can be unpredictable and look very similar from person to person. But they're unique for each person and don't have to define your experience with trauma, especially if you are working with a professional who understands how trauma manifests in different ways.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms of trauma, know that they can be managed:
● Anxiety (generalized fear)
● Depression (feeling sad or hopeless)
● Flashbacks/re-experiencing(sudden memories or images)
● Intrusive thoughts (irrational fears)
● Nightmares/disturbing dreams
● Physical pain without cause
Conclusion
If you would like to learn more or would like counseling support, call 443-860-6870 or use the calendar to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.