The Invisible Wound: Decoding Emotional Trauma
We all undergo challenging or even nightmarish situations. Not all of these events will cause us to be traumatized but when they do, the impact will be emotional. Even when trauma arrives in the form of a physical illness, injury, or disability, our emotional life will be changed. We will see the world differently; our perceptions and behaviors will be affected. On top of that, our literal brain function can become altered.
What is particularly insidious about emotional trauma is how invisible it can seem. Outsiders may have no idea what happened and is still happening. In fact, even the trauma survivors themselves can remain unable to name their wounds.
Decoding Emotional Trauma
A giant step toward addressing emotional trauma is learning how to recognize the red flags. Every case presents some unique, personal signs but, generally speaking, there are four categories and a batch of universal symptoms to watch for.
Behavioral Changes
This collection of signs will typically involve avoidance and withdrawal. Survivors of emotional trauma often work diligently to avoid anything that brings back traumatic memories. This may even include withdrawing from those we love. As a result, emotional trauma can make it feel impossible to enjoy what once excited us.
Physical Signs
It’s more than mood or behavior. Trauma can cause physical issues that seemingly have no explanation or source, e.g.
Rapid heart rate
Body pain and tension (especially headaches)
Being on edge and easily startled
Fatigue and sleep problems (including nightmares)
Low libido and sexual dysfunction
Appetite changes in either direction
Psychological Tendencies
Trauma can leave us spiraling into fear, anxiety, panic, shock, and anger. Even as time passes, you may not be able to shake feelings like guilt, shame, emotional numbness, and anger. You think your personality has changed forever.
Cognitive Symptoms
Watch for:
Volatile mood swings
Memory problems
Inability to focus and concentrate
Intrusive thoughts and flashbacks
Confusion
How Emotional Trauma Can Affect Your Brain
Our minds and bodies are equipped with processes that keep us safe. For example, you might be driving and suddenly see someone speeding past you. Without any conscious effort, a stress response will put your body into survival mode. Once the perceived danger has passed, you will typically return to normal.
For emotional trauma survivors, “normal” looks and feels different. They are stuck in a fight-or-flight response — always on high alert and unable to discern safety from threat. Such a state is the beginning of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals caught up in this situation often fall back on unhealthy choices like:
Denial and detachment
Risky behaviors
Self-medication, e.g. drugs, alcohol, and behaviors like cell phone obsession
Therefore, recovering from emotional trauma is not a solo act. You will benefit greatly from the experience of a trauma-informed therapist.
You CAN Heal From Emotional Trauma
Decoding emotional trauma can lead to healing from emotional trauma. Your ability to identify the signs is a huge first step toward getting the help you need and deserve. These dysfunctional patterns must be recognized and addressed to begin processing the traumatic experiences that have impacted you.
It’s not about erasing the past. Rather, you and your therapist will name the root causes and carve out a new path. Your sessions are where you can process what has happened to you. You can start rebuilding resiliency and confidence. New coping skills emerge to replace old habits. Working as a team, you and your therapist will unravel the cycles that have temporarily taken hold.
For anyone reading this who has survived the scourge of emotional trauma, I tell you that you’re not alone and you can thrive again. Let’s connect and talk soon. Reach out to learn more trauma therapy.