Trauma is very common, and it can happen to anyone, regardless of their age, gender, and other factors. Trauma victims may experience symptoms following a traumatic event, such as physical or sexual abuse, assault, natural disasters, wars, serious illness or injury, or the death of a loved one. However, the symptoms trauma victims experience following these kinds of events are varied. Below, you will find some of the common symptoms they might experience, so you may be able to recognize when you or someone close to you is dealing with the effects of having experienced trauma.
- Cognitive Symptoms- Trauma can affect brain chemistry and cause other biological changes in the brain. It can affect cognitive processes, such as attention, memory, and problem solving. In addition, people dealing with trauma might experience nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and flashbacks to the traumatic event.
- Emotional Symptoms- Someone who is traumatized may experience intense emotions, such as shame, denial, fear, shock, anger, or sadness. They may feel a combination of these emotions or none of them. Feeling numb or feeling little emotion at all is also a symptom of trauma.
- Behavioral Symptoms- You may notice that someone with trauma acts differently from the way they did before. They may start to avoid the people and activities they love, or they may lash out. Some people turn to substance abuse as an unhealthy coping mechanism as well.
While trauma can feel debilitating and hopeless, healing is possible with therapy. Don’t hesitate to contact the office of Dr. James Campbell, LLC for a complimentary consultation. Dr. Campbell is a solution-focused therapist who is passionate about helping his clients.