Traumatic Responses
Trauma can be defined in many ways, and can be experienced differently by each individual. Sometimes it can be easier to process trauma when we have a general understanding of what it is we may be going through. For example, did you know that trauma can cause both immediate and delayed responses? In fact, most responses to trauma are normal and expected, and do not result in a mental illness or condition. Normal traumatic responses may come in the form of emotional, physical, cognitive, behavioral, or existential reactions. Certain constellations of these symptoms can result in a diagnosis of a trauma-related condition if they 1) persist, and 2) cause significant distress and/or impairment in day-to-day functioning. Sometimes, the immediate responses can persist and evolve into long-term responses.
Let's look at each type of response.
Emotional Reactions:
Emotional reactions are you feelings. Immediate emotional reactions may include: numbness, anger, sadness, feeling out of control, depersonalization, denial, overwhelmed, and guilt. Delayed emotional reactions may include: hostility, depression, mood lability, fear, grief, shame, anxiety, and detachment.
Physical Reactions:
Nausea, sweating, shakiness, increased heart rate, fatigue, and increased startle response are all examples of possible immediate physical reactions to trauma. Delayed physical reactions may include: nightmares, somatic symptoms, appetite changes, hyperarousal, compromised immune system, and long-term health problems. These are the physical sensations and functions within your body.
Cognitive (thought) Reactions:
Immediate thought or cognitive reactions to trauma may present as concentration difficulties, ruminating and/or racing thoughts, memory difficulties, and victim identification. Delayed cognitive reactions may develop and include flashbacks, self-blame, magical thinking, generalization of triggers, and suicidal thinking.
Behavioral Reactions:
Behavioral reactions can overtimes look like, and be perceived as, physical reactions. Immediate behavioral reactions may be an increased startle-reaction, restlessness, sleep difficulties, changes in appetite, substance abuse, withdrawal, and avoidant behavior. When behavioral reactions are delayed, they may manifest as interpersonal difficulties, decreased activity level, and high-risk (dangerous) behaviors.
Existential Reactions:
It may not seem like an immediate reaction to trauma can be existential, but it can. Immediate responses on the existential level may be an intense use of prayer, restoration in faith, loss of self-efficacy, despair about humanity, loss of purpose, and loss of sense of security. As existential reactions become more delayed, they may manifest as "why me" thoughts or statements, increased cynicism, hopelessness, and redefining assumptions to accommodate or make sense of the trauma.
So what can we do when we experience trauma? Remember you are not alone.
Give yourself time... while it oftentimes feels as though you will never "get over it," there are ways to begin processing the trauma and moving forward with life in the most productive way possible. But give yourself the time to process.
You can seek support and guidance through therapy with a professional that can individualize a treatment plan specific to you and the trauma you experienced. Push yourself to be open and communicative with those you trust and who you feel safe with to get additional support and care, or get connected with a support group.
Get into a routine and do the "normal things" you would typically do. This can help the healing process by making "life feel normal" again. You don't have to talk about the trauma if you don't want to - sometimes letting yourself NOT think about it (all of the time) can provide relief and comfort.
When symptoms become too persistent or intense, medication can also assist. Reaching out to your primary physician to discuss medication options is always a route you can take.
(Adopted from Briere & Scott, 2006; Foa et. al., 2009; & Pietrzak et. al., 2011).