Once upon a time, Sarah enjoyed driving. It has been eleven months since Sarah’s crash, and yet, each time she starts her car and clutches the steering wheel, she is afraid she will die when she does so. Even if she hears the screech of the brakes, her heart begins to beat fast, and her mind becomes numb.
Most people have experienced a situation similar to Sarah’s. An incident that feels out of sorts ever since. Emotional trauma is not always like it is depicted on the screen. Sometimes, it is silent. It may remain concealed behind a smile, and sometimes it takes one by surprise. Usually, it is the result of unpleasant experiences; for example, neglect, loss, mistreatment, violence, abuse, being a victim of an environmental crisis (e.g., a tsunami survivor), or bullying. Remember that no matter how hard the circumstances are to overcome, healing is always possible. A mental health professional, such as a board-certified integrative psychiatrist, helps patients through holistic treatments for trauma, which help heal the mind, body, and spirit.
How will you know if you have been emotionally traumatized?
By knowing the signs, people can easily identify whether they’re experiencing trauma. These are some signs of emotional trauma in adults:
Flashbacks and intrusive thoughts:
Many people experience flashbacks of traumatic experiences, even when they don’t want them to. These thoughts come to mind suddenly, such as in the middle of the day or night, or in their dreams. Sometimes, it feels as if they are reliving the event. Their heart rate increases, their body heats up, and they may even feel a jolt of fear, but they remain unharmed by the circumstances.
The emotional void and indifference:
It could be because they feel no emotion about any other emotion. They don’t feel as happy as when having fun with friends. When they watch a sad movie, they do not feel sad at all. It feels as though their emotions have been put into a huge cotton ball. They feel as if they are not part of the family or the friends’ circle. They may end up isolating themselves from other people.
Inability to trust others:
They do not believe the people around them can protect them. They are convinced that someone may have injured them, let them down, or abandon them. They may be trying hard not to express their feelings so they do not end up shutting themselves down. As a result, there is difficulty finding a companion or maintaining friendships.
Avoidance of any sort of reminders:
Many avoid places, people, and activities that bring up memories of past events. For example, if they have survived an accident involving a car, they could give up the wheel. They were injured at a place, so they may never go there again. It might seem as though their world is becoming smaller.
Increased levels of worry and anxiety:
They are apprehensive that the bad event will happen again. They may find themselves startled easily by noise. They sleep at a less-than-average rate. Because their minds are too busy, they find it difficult to relax. Consequently, they may become more irritated or upset over very little matters. Because of their tense muscle condition, they could think of themselves as always physically tired.
Changes in emotions in short:
The person may undergo two completely different events at the same time. It could be that they feel fine, but the next moment, they get angry or sad for no reason. This sudden change of emotion may occur almost instantaneously and may happen very quickly. Even a tiny thing can tip someone over the edge and trigger an emotional crisis when they’d normally be fine.
Behavior intended to harm themself:
Drugs, drinking, and reckless driving are ways for someone to block or dull their pain. They can help make them feel better in the moment, but they cause more problems in the long run and only stall their recovery process.
Feelings of shame, guilt, and embarrassment:
Victims of emotional trauma commonly blame themselves for letting down the barriers they had up to protect themselves. It was something that could have been prevented, or perhaps they are now blaming themselves for their condition because they deserve it. This is the most destructive thing in their behavior and is often the biggest thing that keeps them from getting better.
Physical discomfort and pains:
Psychological trauma causes physical health issues as well. A person could have a headache or stomach pain, and a physical examination could show nothing. The doctor tells them they can’t locate the problem, but they feel the pain.
Impairment of judgment and memory:
Emotional trauma has huge implications for the ability of the mind to think logically and to take in and retain data. It can feel overwhelming and confusing, and it can lead people to make poor choices. The mind is so full that it’s hard for them to move, to take action, or to walk simply.
How to cope with emotional trauma?
If reading this article has made you start thinking about yourself, please believe when I say you aren’t broken or ruined. The good thing is that you’ve managed to make it this far, despite everything, and you can start your recovery. You can talk to a trauma specialist, such as a board-certified psychiatrist, to learn skills and coping strategies. They can provide you with a secure environment to share your story, tools for recovery tailored to your symptoms, and support as you recover. Alongside traditional therapy, some strategies that may help heal from emotional trauma include:
Reconnect with your body:
Trauma can cause a loss of connection between the mind and the body. Physical activities like walks outdoors, yoga, and other movement are great to bring you back to the body. Be sure to eat well and get enough rest so your body can begin to return to normal.
Live in the Moment:
If recollections of your trauma are causing you to feel overwhelmed, then a simple method of grounding is a great way to pause. Notice five things you see, four things you feel, three things you hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.
Find Your Support System:
You aren’t alone, as people have survived what you have. Try reaching out to an old friend, joining a support group, finding support to get you through, or reaching out to your family. You do not have to deal with this alone. Help is there.
Be kind to yourself:
Think about how you would help your friend if they were hurt, and treat yourself in the same kind way.
The Takeaway
Think of emotional trauma as a storm that enters your life without you really realizing it. This may last only a few minutes, only a few days, or even years, but it will have had an effect. Your brain wants to protect you, yet sometimes these defenses may prevent you from doing or being what you really want to do or be.
However, you must keep in mind that you are not alone on this journey. Every little step in the healing process matters, no matter how small it may seem. Believe in yourself and give yourself a chance to get better. You deserve to feel whole again.
Online mental health treatment is now commonplace, with people of all walks of life finding treatment through location-based searches like “psychiatrist near me.” Online psychiatric care platforms like GABA Telepsychiatry, which was established in 2018, provide 24/7 mental health support, including forensic psychiatric evaluations, with a commitment to providing the highest quality care and standards.
So, if you or someone you love is struggling with emotional trauma, don’t suffer in silence. Take a step forward toward mental wellness by connecting with an online mental health expert today.