How Do I Know If I Have Trauma?

By Brynn Barry, LPC

How do you know if you are traumatized by what you have experienced? This question can be complex, as trauma is a deeply personal and subjective experience. Trauma can arise from a wide range of events, including but not limited to physical or emotional abuse, loss of a loved one, accidents, natural disasters, or witnessing violence. Each individual may respond to these events in unique ways, influenced by their personal history, coping mechanisms, and the support system they have in place.

Two people can experience the same traumatic event(s) and show different symptomology.

What is Trauma?

Based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, trauma and other distressing experiences can cause memories to be improperly stored in the brain. These unprocessed memories contain disturbing emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations that become reactivated. This is the basis for the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

There are many people who have experienced trauma who don't qualify for PTSD. Other symptoms of trauma include:

Emotional and Psychological Symptoms:

• Confusion and difficulty concentrating

• Denial or shock

• Anger, irritability, and mood swings

• Fear and anxiety

• Feelings of sadness or hopelessness

• Withdrawal from people and activities

  
  

Physical Symptoms:

• Insomnia or trouble sleeping

• Fatigue and exhaustion

• Nightmares or disturbing dreams

• Racing heartbeat or increased heart rate

• Muscle tension and aches

• Being easily startled or frightened

  
  

Long-term Effects:

• Persistent feelings of distress or agitation

• Dissociation or feeling disconnected from the event

• Intense memories or flashbacks of the event

• Avoidance of activities or places that remind you of the trauma

• Negative changes in thinking and mood

Trauma: Unprocessed Distressing Experiences

If you haven't fully processed a traumatic event, you may feel detached or numb to the emotions associated with it. It may also activate highly distressing emotions that feel overwhelming. Both reactions suggest a lack of integration, resulting in trauma symptoms. Due to the intensity of these kinds of events, we often avoid thinking about them. This frequently necessitates the help of a professional to ensure the safety and guidance required to thoroughly process the experience.

If you haven't fully processed an event, you may feel detached or numb to the emotions associated with it. It may also activate highly distressing emotions that feel overwhelming.

A licensed therapist can use EMDR therapy to rapidly reprocess traumatic memories. Based on the severity of the trauma, it could take years or decades to accomplish the same results without assistance. After completing treatment you will be able to recall the memories without becoming flooded or detached from emotion, and you will develop healthier thoughts and beliefs.

Once the trauma is over, we often reexperience it in new ways in our life. This is our brain's attempt at working through it, however the affects can be debilitating.

Healthy Processing of Events

When something is not traumatic, the brain typically processes events much differently. Consider having a disagreement with your partner. At first, you might feel angry or frustrated, but as you think about it further, your emotions become less intense, and the matter becomes easier to communicate. You are not overburdened by emotions for long periods or unhealthily detached.

A fully processed event has successfully integrated information from both sides of the brain (emotion and logic). The emotions from the experience can be filed away as a part of a coherent story. You will have made sense of how something has made you feel, as well as the rationality behind why it elicited those emotions.

Emotions are a “sticky note” to signal your brain to pay attention. Often, the more intense they are, the more time and effort is needed to process or reflect on the experience. Processing something in a healthy way means dealing with emotions, thoughts, and experiences constructively.

Here are some key aspects to healthily processing your experiences:

1. Acknowledgment: Recognize and accept your feelings without judgment. Suppressing emotions can lead to long-term issues. Questioning the validity of your emotions is counterproductive, but making sense of them is not.

2. Expression: Find a safe and healthy way to express your emotions. This could be talking to someone you trust, journaling, or engaging in creative outlets like art or music.

3. Reflection: Take time to understand why you feel the way you do. Reflect on the root causes of your emotions and how they impact you.

4. Coping Strategies: Develop and use healthy coping mechanisms. This could include mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, physical activity, or hobbies.

5. Seeking Support: Don't hesitate to reach out for help if needed. Talking to a mental health professional can provide valuable insights and guidance.

6. Self-care: Prioritize self-care activities that help you relax and recharge. This could be anything from taking a walk in nature to enjoying a warm bath.

I Am Struggling with Trauma. What Now?

If you think you may have experienced trauma, seeking support from a mental health professional can be beneficial for your overall well-being and recovery journey. Trauma can manifest in various forms, including emotional, psychological, and physical responses to distressing events. These experiences can leave lasting effects that may interfere with daily life, relationships, and sense of self. A mental health professional possesses the training and expertise to help you navigate the complexities of your trauma.

Engaging in therapy provides a safe and confidential environment where you can openly discuss your feelings, thoughts, and experiences without fear of judgment. A skilled therapist can help you unpack the layers of your trauma, allowing you to gain a clearer understanding of how it has impacted you. They may employ various therapeutic approaches tailored to your specific needs, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), or trauma-focused therapy, each designed to facilitate healing and coping strategies.

In addition to helping you process your experiences, a mental health professional can guide you toward developing effective coping mechanisms. They can teach you techniques to manage anxiety, depression, and other symptoms that may arise as a result of your trauma. This guidance can empower you to regain control over your life and foster resilience in the face of adversity.

Furthermore, therapy can also provide you with tools to improve your relationships and communication skills. Trauma often creates barriers in interpersonal connections, leading to feelings of isolation or misunderstanding. A therapist can assist you in rebuilding trust and intimacy with others, which is an essential part of the healing process.

Ultimately, seeking support from a mental health professional is not just about addressing the immediate effects of trauma; it is also about embarking on a journey toward long-term healing and personal growth. By investing in this process, you are taking a significant step toward reclaiming your life, fostering self-compassion, and nurturing a sense of hope for the future. Remember, you do not have to face this journey alone; professional support can be a vital component in your path to recovery.

Schedule an appointment with one of our compassionate counselors:

Desert Oak Counseling, LLC

3420 E Shea Blvd, Ste 167

Phoenix, AZ 85028

602-726-9997

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