Signs And Symptoms Of Trauma
Trauma can occur at any time in someone’s life. Whether recent or from decades ago, untreated trauma can become problematic.
- Fear: Fear is something everyone lives with as it is a part of human nature. For a survivor of trauma, fear takes on a different meaning. They tend to feel afraid of everything, as if there is a chronic sense of fear which never goes away. Feeling settled, safe, and secure, is difficult for them to do.
- Anxiety: Anxiety can be a symptom of trauma as well as a co-occurring disorder with trauma. Anxiety is rooted in fear. A hyper production of fear based thoughts can cause anxiety. Anxiety and trauma together can be healed.
- Paranoia: Paranoia is an unfortunate symptom of trauma. If a traumatic experience was unexpected, there is a residual sense of suspicion and conspiracy. Paranoia can result from an overactive brain constantly assessing and planning when the next traumatic event will take place. When someone with trauma abuses hard drugs, paranoia can be a result.
- Depression: Depression and trauma are commonly co-occurring. Trying to cope with painful memories, overwhelming emotions, and challenging realities is depressing and can lead the brain to shut down.
- Hypervigilance: To be hypervigilant is to be highly aware of everything around. Sensitive to any stimulus, they have a chance of reacting wildly to anything which is reminiscent of their trauma.
- Substance Abuse: Drugs and alcohol are often a welcome form of relief from the mental and physical exhaustion caused by trying to cope with trauma. Unfortunately, self-medicating trauma with drugs and alcohol isn’t sustainable. Eventually the intoxication wears off and the trauma is still there, demanding to be dealt with.
- Social Withdrawal: Pulling away from friends, family, and responsibilities is often a sign of trauma. Trying to cope with the harsh realities of trauma can be an isolating experience.
- Symptoms of shock: Trauma is sometimes the after effect of shock which was never fully processed. The traumatized mind struggles to make sense of the situation it had to go through. Shock can include denying anything bad happened or pretending like it didn’t happen at all.
- Heightened sensitivity: Having an endless wellspring of extreme emotions is common when dealing with trauma.
Trauma and co-occurring substance abuse can find peace in recovery. Harmony Place emphasizes work with individual therapists trained in trauma recovery. Our luxury residential treatment programs honor the individual through customized treatment plans. For a confidential assessment and more information, call us today at 1-855-627-1417.