How to Tell If You're Suffering from Underlying Trauma
Understanding Trauma Origins
Traumatic events can range from car accidents and natural disasters to childhood abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault
Trauma responses can develop from a single incident or repeated exposure to distressing situations
Even witnessing traumatic experiences from a distance can lead to lasting psychological impact
Children are more vulnerable, but trauma can affect people at any age
Treatment and Recovery
- Mental health professionals and trauma specialists can help identify and treat trauma symptoms
- Trauma therapy and trauma treatment are highly effective for processing traumatic experiences
- Evidence-based approaches include somatic experiencing, deep breathing exercises, and other appropriate coping strategies
- Behavioral health services can address both trauma and related mental illnesses
- Treatment helps develop healthy coping strategies and reduces risk factors for other mental health problems
Important Reminders
- Unresolved trauma doesn’t resolve on its own – professional support is crucial
- You don’t need to meet full criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder to benefit from treatment
- Recovery is possible with proper support, and most trauma survivors experience significant improvement with consistent care
- Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness
Trauma can manifest in many forms, and it can stem from many types of experiences. Because people often have a limited perception of what trauma is, many people suffering from underlying trauma are unaware that what happened to them was traumatic. Trauma can impact your health, your behavior, and even your personal relationships, which is why it’s so important to identify and treat trauma.
If you’re able to recognize how trauma from the past influences your behavior in the present, you’ll be able to keep your trauma from controlling your life. Below, you’ll find more information on what trauma is and how you can identify symptoms of trauma.
Don’t Let Trauma Control Your Life – Get Professional Help Today
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, you don’t have to face trauma alone. At Revive Counseling Spokane, our experienced team understands the complex nature of trauma and is here to help you heal and reclaim your life.
Take the first step toward recovery:
- Contact us today to schedule a consultation
- Meet our compassionate team of trauma specialists
- Explore our comprehensive behavioral health services tailored to your needs
- Learn about our specialized drug treatment programs for trauma-related substance use
Call us now at 509-413-2950 – Your healing journey starts with one phone call. Our caring professionals are ready to listen and provide the support you deserve.
What Causes Trauma?
Trauma is a response to extremely distressing events or experiences. Trauma may occur because of a single traumatic event or because of repeated exposure to disturbing events.
Trauma is a response to extremely distressing events or experiences. Trauma may occur because of a single traumatic event or because of repeated exposure to disturbing events. Some of the most common causes of trauma include:
- Car accidents
- The death of a loved one
- Bullying
- Community violence
- Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
- Childhood neglect
- Witnessing domestic violence
- Exposure to substance abuse
- Sexual assault or rape
- Serious illness or injury
- Natural disasters
In most cases, a person will develop trauma after being at the site of a traumatic event. However, a person may also experience trauma because of something they witnessed from a distance. While children are more vulnerable to trauma than adults, it’s possible to experience trauma at any age.
What Are the Types of Trauma?
There are three main types of trauma: acute, chronic, and complex trauma. Acute trauma results from a single traumatic event. Chronic trauma develops when a person is exposed to traumatic events after an extended period. Complex trauma occurs when a person has varied traumatic experiences.
In some cases, trauma can lead to a condition known as a post-traumatic stress disorder. However, trauma can have a lasting impact even for those that don’t develop PTSD. Some experience trauma symptoms for a short period of time, while others feel its effects for years.
Who Is Most At Risk for Underlying Trauma?
Not everyone will experience lasting trauma symptoms after a distressing event. Traumatic experiences can impact people in different ways. Groups that are more at-risk include:
- Children
- People with a family history of trauma
- Victims of childhood abuse
- People with a history of substance abuse
- People with existing mental health issues
With that said, it’s important to remember that trauma is something that can happen to anyone. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of trauma can make it easier to identify trauma when it occurs.
What Are Symptoms of Underlying Trauma?
The symptoms of underlying trauma are varied and can be difficult to recognize. When someone experiences acute trauma, their friends and family may notice a change in their usual behavior. However, when a person has chronic or complex trauma, they may become accustomed to their symptoms or even see them as normal. Common indicators of trauma include:
Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common symptoms linked to trauma. In some cases, trauma sufferers may experience a condition called hyperarousal, a heightened state of anxiety that persists even when there’s no threat present. It’s also common for people to experience panic attacks, especially when exposed to something that reminds them of a traumatic event.
Insomnia
Not only can trauma make people anxious, but it can cause them to be hypervigilant. People with trauma may find it difficult to relax, making it hard for them to fall asleep at night. Many people with trauma also experience chronic nightmares, which can lead to sleep issues.
Self-Destructive Behavior
Trauma can cause intense negative emotions. When trauma is untreated, people may use unhealthy coping mechanisms to manage those feelings. This could include drug or alcohol abuse or other types of risky behavior, such as shoplifting or reckless driving.
Dissociation and Depersonalization
Our brains want to protect us from feelings of trauma, which is why some people with trauma may experience dissociation. This causes you to feel disconnected from feelings, thoughts, or even memories. It’s also common for people to feel detached from what’s happening to them, known as depersonalization.
Emotional Outbursts
It’s not unusual for people with trauma to have extreme emotional outbursts in response to something that may seem benign. Someone suffering from trauma could lash out at their partner after an innocuous comment or burst into tears without understanding why. Trauma can cause people to feel disconnected from their own emotions, leading to emotional responses that are difficult to explain.
Treating Trauma
With the proper treatment, people suffering from underlying trauma can manage their symptoms and keep trauma from controlling their lives. Therapy can help people recognize how they’ve been impacted by trauma, and it can also provide people with coping skills. Talking about trauma can set people on the path toward recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if I’m suffering from underlying trauma if I don’t remember a specific traumatic event?
Not all trauma stems from a single memorable incident. Chronic trauma from repeated exposure to distressing situations or complex trauma from varied experiences can develop over time. If you experience persistent anxiety, sleep issues, emotional outbursts, or other symptoms described above, a mental health professional can help you identify whether trauma is the underlying cause.
What physical symptoms might indicate I have unresolved trauma?
Trauma affects both mind and body. Common physical reactions include chronic pain, muscle tension, difficulty falling asleep, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Many trauma survivors also experience somatic reactions like headaches, digestive issues, or unexplained aches. These physical symptoms often occur alongside emotional distress and may be your body’s way of processing traumatic stress reactions.
Can childhood trauma affect me as an adult even if I thought I had moved past it?
Absolutely. Childhood abuse and other early traumatic experiences can have lasting impacts that manifest in adulthood through various symptoms of trauma. Past traumas may influence your relationships, coping strategies, and daily functioning. Many adults don’t realize their current struggles with anxiety disorders, mood swings, or self destructive behavior stem from childhood experiences until they work with trauma specialists.
How is post-traumatic stress disorder different from other trauma responses?
While many people experience normal reactions after traumatic events, some may develop ptsd, which is a specific mental health condition outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. PTSD symptoms include intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and avoidance behaviors that significantly impact daily life. However, you don’t need a formal PTSD diagnosis to benefit from trauma treatment – many people experience trauma symptoms that require professional support.
What’s the connection between trauma and substance abuse or eating disorders?
Trauma can trigger intense feelings and emotional reactions that feel overwhelming. When people lack appropriate coping strategies, they may turn to substances or develop eating patterns like binge eating to manage their distress. These behaviors often become additional mental health problems that require specialized care. Our team understands this connection and provides comprehensive treatment addressing both trauma and related behavioral health issues.
How effective is trauma therapy, and what can I expect from treatment?
Trauma therapy is highly effective when provided by qualified mental health specialists. Treatment approaches like somatic experiencing, deep breathing exercises, and other evidence-based methods help you process traumatic memories safely. Therapy can reduce risk factors for other mental illnesses, improve your physical well being, and provide you with healthy coping strategies. Most trauma survivors see significant improvement in their symptoms with consistent treatment and support.