Wednesday, April 1, 2009 . 8:40 PM
Symptoms & Effects of Emotional TraumaFollowing a traumatic event, most people experience a wide range of physical and emotional reactions. These are NORMAL reactions to ABNORMAL events. The symptoms may last for days, weeks, or even months after the trauma ended.
Emotional symptoms of trauma:
1.) Shock, denial, or disbelief
2.) Anger, irritability, mood swings
3.) Guilt, shame, self-blame
4.) Feeling sad or hopeless
5.) Confusion, difficulty concentrating
6.) Anxiety and fear
7.) Withdrawing from others
8.) Feeling disconnected or numb
9.) Physical symptoms of trauma:
10.) Insomnia or nightmares
11.) Being startled easily
12.) Racing heartbeat
13.) Aches and pains
14.) Fatigue
15.) Difficulty concentrating
16.) Edginess and agitation
17.) Muscle tension
These symptoms and feelings typically last from a few days to a few months, gradually fading as you process the trauma. But even when you’re feeling better, you may be troubled from time to time by painful memories or emotions—especially in response to triggers such as an anniversary of the event or an image, sound, or situation that reminds you of the traumatic experience.
Effects
1.) Having trouble functioning at home or work
2.) Suffering from severe fear, anxiety, or depression
3.) Unable to form close, satisfying relationships
4.) Experiencing terrifying memories, nightmares, or flashbacks
5.) Avoiding more and more things that remind you of the trauma
6.) Emotionally numb and disconnected from others
7.) Using alcohol or drugs to feel better
***Grieving is normal following a traumatic event
Whether or not a traumatic event involves death, survivors must cope with the loss, at least temporarily, of their sense of safety and security. The natural reaction to this loss is grief. Like people who have lost a loved one, trauma survivors go through a grieving process. This process, while inherently painful, is easier if you turn to others for support, take care of yourself, and talk about how you feel.
Credits to: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/emotional_psychological_trauma.htm
Done by: Malorie Tan